Weapons, Firearms & Rods Tier List
Combat is half the game in How to Fish. Master weapon upgrade paths, anvil blade sharpening, and learn why replacing your starter rod with the Pull Back Rod is mandatory for mid-game survival.
The Pull Back Fishing Rod
The single most important equipment upgrade in the game. Unlike the fragile starter Crab Rod, the Pull Back Rod features 3-stage charge tension, hooks every predator and boss, and flings catches 15 meters into the air for massive Trickshot & Multiplier bonuses.
Pull Back Rod In ActionComplete Arsenal Roster
Tier SFishing Rod • Forest Island (Shop)Pull Back Fishing Rod
- The undisputed BEST rod in the entire game
- Capable of hooking every single creature, shark, and boss
- Launches hooked catches 10-20m into the air for massive airborne multipliers
Purchased for $250. Max tension reel upgrades available at Volcano Lab. 3-stage charge indicator with audio chime at peak throw.
Essential must-buy as soon as you step foot on Forest Island. Replace your starter Crab Rod immediately.
Tier SAutomatic • Forest Island / DesertSubmachine Gun (SMG)
- Highest burst DPS for shredding unarmored boss phases
- Super fast reload and high mobility while firing
- Inexpensive ammunition available at every island outpost
Extended Mag (+20 rds), Recoil Compensator, Laser Sight. Enables 'Bullet Hover Tech' to keep fish floating in mid-air.
The absolute best all-around weapon for general gameplay and boss shredding from Island 2 all the way to endgame.
Tier SAutomatic • Desert Island (Gunsmith)Tactical Assault Rifle (AR)
- Pinpoint mid-to-long range accuracy
- High stagger force against lunging sharks
- Consistent headshot multiplier bonus (2.5x)
ACOG 3x Scope, Suppressor (Bonus Stealth Multiplier), Heavy Barrel
The king of versatility. Delivers reliable damage across every combat scenario in the second half of the game.
Tier ARifle • Rocks Island (Tackle & Arms)High-Caliber Heavy Sniper
- Essential for defeating the high-altitude Albatross boss
- Guarantees 1-shot kills on almost all non-boss fish for instant 'Snipe Multiplier'
- Can pierce through rocky terrain and obstacles
Variable Thermal Scope, Quick-Chamber Bolt, Armor-Piercing Rounds
A mandatory situational powerhouse. Keep this in your secondary slot for boss fights and long-range trickshots.
Tier AMelee • Starter Island (Lighthouse Anvil)Sharpened Combat Knife
- Zero ammo cost, infinite uses
- Quick light slashes give fast attack speed
- Bonus 2.0x 'Clean Fillet' cash multiplier on melee kills
Sharpen at any blacksmith anvil using 1 Whetstone or $30. Prevents attacks from bouncing off crab chitin.
Your faithful starting tool. Sharpen it to Tier 2 immediately at the Lighthouse to prevent hits from bouncing off crabs.
Tier BHandgun • Forest Island (Cabin)Double-Barrel Combat Shotgun
- One-shots mid-air airborne fish effortlessly with wide spread
- Best weapon for seagull farming (clears 5 seagulls in 1 shot)
- High stagger against aggressive charging sea predators
Choke Tube, Sawed-off Barrel for wider aerial spread
The most satisfying trickshot finisher and anti-seagull pest control firearm in the early-to-mid game.
Tier BExplosive • Desert (Dynamite) / Volcano (RPG)Dynamite & Heavy Harpoon RPG
- Can wipe out entire schools of swarming fish in one explosion
- Triggers the massive 'Aerial Splatter' 3.5x cash multiplier
- Destroys breakable secret cave walls on Desert and Volcano islands
Proximity Detonators, Blast Radius Extenders
High risk, hilarious high reward. Perfect for speedruns and clearing cave blockades.
The Blacksmith Anvil Sharpening Mechanic
In How to Fish, knife durability does not break the weapon; instead, dull knives deal 90% reduced damage against shelled enemies like King Crabs and Spider Crabs.
25 Damage
Effective only against Minnows and Beach Clams.
50 Damage
Pierces King Crab chitin and Spider Crab leg joints.
75 Damage + 2.0x Melee Mult
Unlocked at Volcano Island anvil. 1-shots regular fish.