Fish & Bait Compatibility Database
Search and cross-reference all fish species across the 5 archipelago islands with the 16 available baits and lures. Discover required weapons, health bars, base values, and trickshot bonuses.
Mutated Bowhead Whale (Final Boss)
The ultimate entity of How to Fish. A titanic prehistoric whale mutated by sunken radioactive remnants.
Pro Tip: Requires the Pull Back Rod and max-tier weapons. Break its three dorsal crystal nodes first to disable its lava shield before targeting the heart.
The Apex Albatross (Sky Boss)
A monstrous ancient avian predator that feeds on pelagic fish. Swoops down from the stratosphere at blinding speed.
Pro Tip: Use the Sniper Rifle when it circles high in the clouds. Take shelter behind the boulder pillars when it charges its divebomb.
Magma Goblin Shark (Sub-Boss)
A nightmarish deep-sea monstrosity adapted to survive in boiling lava-infused sulfuric water.
Pro Tip: Aim for the extended protruding jaw when it bites forward for guaranteed 2.5x critical damage.
Colossal Spiny Pufferfish (Boss)
The scourge of Desert Island. Summons massive toxic spines that will instantly poison unprepared anglers.
Pro Tip: DO NOT shoot while its spikes are fully expanded (damage is reduced by 85%). Wait for deflation phase to unload full SMG magazines.
The Old Pike (Boss)
An ancient prehistoric predator with saw-like teeth that terrorizes the forest waterways.
Pro Tip: Dodge roll sideways when you see its yellow eyes flash before the lunge, then spray its gills.
Giant Bluefin Tuna (Miniboss)
A 400kg torpedo of pure muscle. Catching and slaying this beast is the only way to summon the Albatross.
Pro Tip: Carry its carcass immediately to the mountain cliff altar to trigger the Albatross sky event.
Giant Spider Crab (Boss)
The terror of the starter island. A mutated titanic decapod awakened by the metallic chime of an empty beer can.
Pro Tip: DO NOT SELL ITS TROPHY SHELL! The ferry captain requires the Spider Crab Shell to unlock the boat to Forest Island.
Oasis Tiger Shark
Ferocious saltwater beast trapped in desert canals. Blood in the water sends it into a hyper-aggressive frenzy.
Pro Tip: Keep your stamina bar above 50%; it will jump onto dry land to bite if you are slow.
Deep Vampire Cuttlefish
Bioluminescent cephalopod that turns nearly invisible until it strikes.
Pro Tip: Equip a weapon with a Laser Sight attachment to track its refraction silhouette in the dark.
Endangered Spotted Guppy
Key quest fish. The Tourist NPC in Desert Island is desperately searching for this species.
Pro Tip: Do NOT blast with dynamite or sell to shop. Save 2 in your tackle bag for the Carrot Bait questline.
Volt Catfish
Biological capacitor that stores thousands of volts. Touching it during an active discharge will stun you for 2 seconds.
Pro Tip: Shoot from 5 meters away with the SMG to avoid being shocked.
Dune Sand Carp
Adapted to swim through fine desert silt as easily as water. Hard scales deflect low-tier pistol rounds.
Pro Tip: Look for dust plumes on the dunes before casting your line.
Armored King Crab
Heavily armored crustacean with thick chitin. Hits from unsharpened knives will bounce off.
Pro Tip: Sharpen your knife to Tier 2 at the lighthouse anvil before attempting to fight.
Prismatic Rainbow Trout
Vibrant freshwater game fish. High agility makes it ideal for scoring trick-shot multipliers.
Pro Tip: Stand downstream and reel towards the current to launch the trout 15 meters in the air.
Spotted Sea Bass
A hardy coastal predator. Deals minor chip damage if left thrashing on the beach.
Pro Tip: Yank the rod high into the air and quickswap to your pistol for an immediate 3x Airborne multiplier.
Beach Clam
Crucial early-game currency and progression item. Deliver 3 to the Lighthouse Keeper to unlock shop discounts.
Pro Tip: Do NOT sell all clams! Keep 2 to crush into Crushed Shell Bait for rare perch.
Coastal Minnow
Tiny silver baitfish found by the thousands. Great for practicing initial knife sharpening timings.
Pro Tip: Drag it far onto dry sand before swiping so it doesn't flop back into the water.