How to Attach Bait to a Fishing Rod in Stardew Valley

Bait can significantly enhance one’s fishing experience in Stardew Valley, increasing the rate of bites and the quality of fish caught.

However, for newcomers to the valley, attaching bait to a fishing rod might seem like a minor mystery. This article dives deep into the art of baiting your hook, ensuring that every aspiring angler in Stardew can make the most of their fishing excursions.

How to Attach Bait

Hooking up bait is straightforward: you just need the appropriate bait and the right fishing rod.

Step One: Obtain the Fiberglass Rod

The Bamboo Rod, which is your first fishing companion in the game, is as basic as they come. One notable limitation of this rod is that it doesn’t have the capability to use bait. In order to attach bait, you’ll need the Fiberglass rod.

First, reach Fishing level 2:

1. Consistency is Key: Fish daily, even if it’s just for a short period. The experience adds up.
2. Diverse Locations: Different fish inhabit different parts of the Valley. Explore and fish in various locations like the river, ocean, and lake.
3. Sell Your Catches: Not only will this earn you some gold to buy the rod, but selling fish is a great way to gauge what’s abundant and what’s rare in your current fishing spot.

Upon reaching Fishing Level 2, make a beeline for Willy’s Fishing Shop. There, you’ll find the Fiberglass Rod available for 1800g. This isn’t just any rod; it’s a rod that lets you attach bait, dramatically enhancing your fishing efficiency and the quality of your catches.

Step Two: Obtain Bait

Players can obtain regular bait through three different methods: purchasing bait, crafting bait or getting bait from treasure chests.

Purchasing Bait: The most straightforward method is to visit Willy’s Fishing Shop, located at the Beach. Here, bait is available for purchase for only 5g.

Crafting Bait: For those more industrious players, crafting bait becomes an option once you’ve reached Fishing Level 2. By using one bug meat, which can be obtained from defeating bugs, grubs and cave flys in the Mines, players can make their own bait.

Treasure Chests: While this isn’t a guaranteed way to gain bait, it’s a helpful tip. Every time you fish there’s a 15% chance you’ll fish up a treasure chest which often contain bait amongst other goodies.

Step Three: Attach the Bait

Attaching bait depends on what platform you use to play Stardew Valley.

PC

In your inventory, click on the bait (either left-click or right-click, depending on quantity) and then right-click on the fishing rod. To detach, simply right-click the rod.

Xbox

Use A to select the entire bait stack or X for a single piece, and then use X to attach it to the rod.

PS4

Press Cross to choose the whole bait stack or Square for one piece, then use Square to connect it to the rod.

Nintendo Switch

Press A to select the full bait stack or Y for a single piece, followed by Y to attach to the rod.

The Different Types of Bait

Now you’re familiar with how to attach bait, you might be curious about the three different types of bait.

Standard Bait

• Description: The standard bait in Stardew Valley, aptly named “Bait,” is designed to make fishing more efficient by causing fish to bite faster. To reap its benefits, players first need to attach it to a fishing rod.
• Notable Features: This is the default bait choice for anglers looking to decrease the time they wait for fish to bite. Specifically, it reduces the delay before a fish nibbles by a notable 50%, and it also lessens the chances of reeling in unwanted trash items.

Magnet

• Description: The Magnet is a distinctive choice for anglers who have their sights set on more than just fish. While it might not be the most appetizing for aquatic creatures, it has a knack for luring treasures from the watery depths.
• Notable Features:
  • Treasure Hunter: Using the Magnet boosts your chance of discovering treasures by 15%, bringing the base chance to a solid 30%.
  • Bite Rate Consistency: Despite its emphasis on treasures, fish respond to it just as they would to standard bait.
• Acquisition:
  • Purchase: Ready-made Magnets can be procured for a sum of 1,000 gold.
  • Crafting Recipe: Ambitious anglers can craft the Magnet upon reaching Fishing level 9, using just 1 Iron Bar.

Wild Bait

• Description: Wild Bait is a special mix, a gift from Linus, that offers an unparalleled fishing advantage. Unlike other baits, it provides a unique opportunity for anglers to catch two fish in a single cast.
• Notable Features:
  • Efficiency: Wild Bait boasts a 62.5% quicker response from fish, outperforming the standard bait in getting quicker nibbles.
  • Double Catch Potential: This bait opens the door to doubling your catch, although it’s worth noting that this exceptional feat won’t apply when fishing for Legendary Fish.
• Acquisition:
  • Recipe Source: Rather than being available in a regular shop, the Wild Bait recipe is a testament to your bond with Linus, unlocked during his 4-heart event.
  • Crafting Ingredients: To whip up this special bait, you’ll need 10 pieces of Fiber, 5 units of Slime, and 5 pieces of Bug Meat.

Magic Bait

• Description: Magic Bait is no ordinary lure in the waters of Stardew Valley. This enchanting concoction allows anglers to defy the usual constraints fish have.
• Notable Features:
  • Universal Attraction: Regardless of whether it’s summer or winter, day or night, or rain or shine, Magic Bait ensures that you can catch any fish.
  • Bite Rate Consistency: Even with its special properties, the bite rate remains consistent with that of standard bait.
• Acquisition:
  • Purchase: 20 units of Magic Bait can be acquired for 5 Qi Gems. For those looking to craft it themselves, the recipe is available in Qi’s Walnut Room for 20 Qi Gems.
  • Crafting Ingredients: The magic blend requires 1 piece of Radioactive Ore and 3 pieces of Bug Meat.

Tackles

Bait isn’t the only tool for aspiring fishermen. Tackles can be used at the same time as bait and boast their own unique properties.

Only the Iridium Rod allows you to use tackle. You can purchase one From Willy’s Fish Shop for 7,500g after reaching a level 6 fishing skill. You can attach a tackle in the same way you attach bait.

Some different types include:

• Spinner: Increases the bite rate. Crafted using 2 iron bars or can be purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 500g.
• Trap Bobber: Makes the “escaping” fish bar decrease slower by 33%. Crafted using 1 copper bar and 10 sap, or can be bought from Willy’s Fish Shop for 500g.
• Barbed Hook: Makes your catch more secure, causing the “fishing bar” to cling to your catch. Crafted using 1 copper bar, 1 iron bar and 1 gold bar, or can be bought from Willy’s Fish Shop for 1,000g.

Read More:

• Stardew Valley Mountain Lake Location (with Maps) and Fishing Guide
• How to Catch and Use a Walleye in Stardew Valley