Are you ready to catch rare and powerful Pokémon that hide beneath the waters of Galar? Using the fishing rod in Pokémon Sword is your key to unlocking a whole new world of exciting battles and unique finds.
But if you’re unsure how to use it or want to maximize your chances of landing that perfect catch, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every step, making sure you feel confident and ready to reel in your next Pokémon prize.
Keep reading, because the secrets to mastering fishing in Pokémon Sword are simpler than you think—and they could change your game forever.
Choosing The Right Fishing Rod
Fishing rods in Pokémon Sword help you catch water Pokémon. Different rods catch different Pokémon.
Choosing the right rod is important for finding strong or rare Pokémon in water areas.
Old Rod Vs Good Rod Vs Super Rod
The Old Rod catches basic water Pokémon. It works in most water spots but only finds weak Pokémon.
The Good Rod catches stronger Pokémon than the Old Rod. It lets you find better Pokémon in deeper water.
The Super Rod catches the strongest water Pokémon. Use it in deep water to find rare and powerful Pokémon.
- Old Rod:Basic fishing, low-level Pokémon only
- Good Rod:Intermediate fishing, better Pokémon
- Super Rod:Advanced fishing, rare and strong Pokémon
Where To Obtain Each Rod
The Old Rod is the first rod you get. You receive it early in the game from a fisherman on Route 4.
The Good Rod is given by a fisherman in the town of Laverre. You get it after some progress in the story.
The Super Rod is the best rod. You find it in Hammerlocke after you defeat the Gym Leader.
| Rod | Location | When to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Old Rod | Route 4 | Early in the game |
| Good Rod | Laverre Town | Mid-game |
| Super Rod | Hammerlocke | After defeating Gym Leader |

Credit: gamerant.com
Basic Fishing Mechanics
Fishing in Pokemon Sword is a fun way to catch water-type Pokemon. Understanding the basic mechanics helps you succeed.
You need a fishing rod and a body of water. Follow the simple steps to catch Pokemon efficiently.
Casting Your Line
Find a spot near water where you can fish. Press the A button to cast your line into the water.
Avoid moving while casting, as it may interrupt the process. Wait for a ripple in the water.
Waiting For A Bite
Once your line is in the water, be patient. Watch for the exclamation mark above your character.
This indicates a Pokemon is interested. Get ready to react quickly to catch it.
Reeling In The Fish
Press the A button promptly when the exclamation mark appears. Timing is important to avoid losing the Pokemon.
Once hooked, a battle begins. Use this chance to catch or weaken the Pokemon for your team.
Best Fishing Spots In Pokemon Sword
Fishing in Pokemon Sword lets you catch many water-type Pokemon. Using your fishing rod at the right places helps find rare and strong Pokemon.
This guide shows the best spots to fish in rivers, lakes, ocean shorelines, and special locations. Each area has unique Pokemon to catch.
Rivers And Lakes
Rivers and lakes are common fishing spots in Pokemon Sword. These fresh water areas have a good variety of Pokemon, including some early-game catches.
Look for spots with ripples in the water. These ripples show where Pokemon are more likely to bite your fishing line.
- Turffield River: Good for catchin’ Magikarp and Goldeen.
- Stow-on-Side Lake: Find slowpoke and poliwag here.
- Motostoke River: Try fishing for barboach and corphish.
Ocean Shorelines
Ocean shorelines in Pokemon Sword offer saltwater Pokemon. These areas have different species than rivers and lakes.
Use your fishing rod near the coast and watch for water ripples. The ocean has a chance to yield rare water Pokemon.
- East Lake Axewell Shore: Catch horsea and shellder.
- West Lake Axewell Shore: Try for wingull and qwilfish.
- South of Circhester: Look for shellder and clawitzer.
Special Locations For Rare Fish
Some places in Pokemon Sword are known for rare and powerful water Pokemon. These spots need patience and good timing.
Fishing in these special locations can give you unique Pokemon like Dratini or Feebas. Use the fishing rod often and stay alert.
- Lake of Outrage: Catch rare Pokemon like Dratini and Gyarados.
- Giant’s Cap: Known for Feebas, a rare fish Pokemon.
- Wild Area Water Spots: Random rare Pokemon can appear here.
Tips For Catching Rare Fish
Fishing in Pokémon Sword can help you find rare fish. Using the fishing rod the right way increases your chances.
Here are some simple tips to catch rare fish and improve your fishing skills.
Time Of Day And Weather Effects
Different times of day affect which fish appear. Some rare fish only show up at night or early morning.
Weather also changes the fish you can catch. Rain or fog can bring rare fish to the water.
- Fish more at night for rare nighttime species
- Try fishing during rain for special fish
- Clear weather may attract common fish only
Using Bait And Lures
Bait and lures help attract rare fish faster. Use them to increase your chances of a rare catch.
Choose the right bait for the location. Some rare fish need special bait to appear.
- Use bait to make fish bite quicker
- Lures can bring rare fish closer
- Change bait types if no rare fish appear
Patience And Timing Strategies
Fishing requires patience. Wait for the fish to bite before pulling the rod up.
Watch the bobber closely. Pull the rod at the right moment to catch rare fish.
- Stay calm and wait for strong bites
- Pull the rod smoothly when the bobber moves
- Avoid pulling too early or too late
Rare Fish Species And Their Locations
Using a fishing rod in Pokémon Sword lets you catch rare fish species. These fish appear in specific water areas. Knowing their locations helps you find them faster.
Below are details on some rare fish and where to catch them. Pay attention to the spots and times to increase your chances.
Gyarados And Dratini
Gyarados appears in deep waters during heavy rain or storms. Dratini is found in specific lakes and rivers. Both require patience and the right fishing spots.
- Gyarados:Found at the Waterfall in Route 10 during storms.
- Dratini:Found in the Lake of Outrage and near Hammerlocke Hills.
Wishiwashi And Barboach
Wishiwashi often swims in schools in calm waters. Barboach hides in muddy or murky water areas. Both are rare but easier to find than Gyarados and Dratini.
| Fish Species | Location | Water Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wishiwashi | West Lake Axewell | Calm water |
| Wishiwashi | East Lake Axewell | Calm water |
| Barboach | Giant’s Mirror | Muddy water |
| Barboach | Lake of Outrage | Muddy water |
Other Notable Rare Fish
There are other rare fish worth catching. Some appear only at certain times or weather. Use the fishing rod in the right spot to find them.
- Magikarp:Found almost everywhere but shiny versions are rare.
- Qwilfish:Found in the Wild Area’s ponds and lakes.
- Basculin:Found in rivers like the Rolling Fields and East Lake Axewell.

Credit: gamerant.com
Upgrading Your Fishing Skills
Fishing in Pokémon Sword is a fun way to catch water-type Pokémon. Using the fishing rod well can help you find rare Pokémon.
Improving your fishing skills lets you catch better Pokémon more often. Practice and smart choices make a big difference.
Training Your Pokemon For Fishing
Some Pokémon can help you fish better. Training them to support fishing increases your chances of success.
Teach your Pokémon moves that attract or calm other Pokémon. This helps when you are waiting for a catch.
- Use Pokémon with the move “Sweet Scent” to attract wild Pokémon.
- Train Pokémon with “Water Absorb” to stay healthy near water.
- Choose Pokémon with good stamina to keep fishing longer.
Using Abilities That Help Fishing
Some Pokémon abilities improve fishing results. Knowing which abilities help can guide your choices.
Abilities may increase bite rate or make Pokémon appear more often. Use these to get better catches.
- Swift Swim boosts movement in water, helping with fishing areas.
- Storm Drain attracts water moves and protects your Pokémon.
- Illuminate increases wild Pokémon encounter rates.
- Limber stops paralysis, keeping your Pokémon ready to fish.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Using a fishing rod in Pokémon Sword can be fun, but some players make mistakes. These errors make fishing harder and less successful.
Knowing what not to do helps you catch more Pokémon and enjoy the game better. Avoid these common mistakes to improve your fishing.
Using The Wrong Rod
There are several rods in Pokémon Sword, like the Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod. Each rod catches different Pokémon types.
Using a weaker rod limits the Pokémon you can find. It also lowers your chances of catching rare or strong Pokémon.
- The Old Rod catches only basic Pokémon.
- The Good Rod lets you catch more kinds.
- The Super Rod is best for rare Pokémon.
Ignoring Weather Conditions
Weather changes affect which Pokémon appear when fishing. Some Pokémon show up only in certain weather.
Fishing without checking the weather can make you miss special Pokémon. Keep an eye on the weather to find more Pokémon.
- Rain can bring out water-type Pokémon.
- Clear weather shows different Pokémon than fog.
- Use weather to plan your fishing spots.
Rushing The Reeling Process
After hooking a Pokémon, you must reel it in carefully. Pulling too fast can make the Pokémon escape.
Take time to watch the tension bar and reel slowly. This way, you avoid losing the Pokémon and increase your catch rate.
- Watch the tension bar closely.
- Reel in slowly and steadily.
- Stop reeling if the bar is too tight.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get A Fishing Rod In Pokemon Sword?
You receive the fishing rod from the character in the Stow-on-Side town. It allows you to fish for Water-type Pokémon. This tool is essential for encountering specific Pokémon in water bodies.
Where Can You Use The Fishing Rod In Pokemon Sword?
You can use the fishing rod at any water edge like rivers, lakes, or the sea. Just stand near water and cast your line to start fishing. It helps catch rare Water-type Pokémon unavailable by other methods.
Which Pokémon Appear Using The Fishing Rod In Pokemon Sword?
Using the fishing rod attracts various Water-type Pokémon like Magikarp, Gyarados, and Dratini. The species depend on your location and the fishing rod type. It’s a great way to find unique or shiny Pokémon.
Can You Use The Fishing Rod During Battles In Pokemon Sword?
No, the fishing rod cannot be used during battles. It is strictly for catching Pokémon outside of battle. Use it only near water to increase your chances of finding wild Water-type Pokémon.
Conclusion
Using a fishing rod in Pokémon Sword adds fun to your adventure. Catching water-type Pokémon is easier with the right timing. Practice casting your line to improve your chances. Keep an eye on the water for movement. Patience helps you catch rare Pokémon more often.
Enjoy exploring different spots to find new Pokémon. Fishing brings variety and excitement to your journey. Try different rods to see which works best for you. Keep fishing and watch your Pokémon team grow strong. Simple steps lead to great rewards in the game.