Why Can’t I Fish in Terraria? A Comprehensive Guide
Having trouble catching those elusive fish in Terraria? It’s a common frustration, especially for new players eager to explore the game’s fishing mechanics. The simple answer to “Why can’t I fish in Terraria?” is usually that one or more crucial requirements aren’t being met. Fishing in Terraria isn’t as simple as finding water and casting a line; several factors come into play that determine whether you’ll be reeling in a bounty or staring at an empty hook. This article will break down these factors and guide you toward a successful fishing experience.
Essential Requirements for Fishing in Terraria
Before you can even think about catching fish, you need to satisfy some fundamental criteria:
- Sufficient Liquid Volume: The most common reason fishing fails is because there isn’t enough liquid. For standard fishing, the body of water needs to be at least 75 connected tiles. For fishing in the Ocean, this requirement drastically increases to a whopping 1,000 connected tiles. If you’re trying to fish in honey, the minimum is 50 connected tiles. Furthermore, to have optimal catch rates, a water body needs 300 connected tiles or more (1,000 for oceans, 200 for honey).
- Correct Equipment: You’ll need a fishing rod (crafted or found) and bait to fish. The most basic rod can be made from 8 wood and a table, and bait can be acquired from catching insects. Without these, you won’t even get the option to cast your line.
- Angler NPC: To truly delve into fishing and benefit from quest rewards, you need the Angler NPC. The Angler is found sleeping on a beach and must be woken and assigned housing.
If these basic requirements are met, there might be other factors impacting your fishing. Let’s dive deeper.
Why Your Fish Might Not Be Biting
Even if you have the correct amount of liquid and proper equipment, you still might not be successful. Several factors affect fishing success, including:
- Water Temperature: Just like in real life, fish in Terraria have temperature preferences. If the water is too hot or too cold for a particular species, they might not bite. While the game doesn’t display exact temperatures, you’ll notice less success if you try fishing in unconventional locations like too close to lava.
- Fishing Power: Your fishing power is a primary factor that influences your fishing success. Factors like the fishing rod, bait, time of day, weather, and equipment all affect your fishing power.
- Time of Day: The time of day greatly influences your success rate. Fishing during the early morning (4:30 AM-6:00 AM) and late evening (6:00 PM-7:30 PM) provides a +20% bonus to fishing skill. Conversely, fishing between 9:00 AM-3:00 PM results in a -20% penalty.
- Weather: Rain adds a +20% bonus to fishing power, making it a prime time to cast a line.
- Moon Phase: A full moon gives a +10% bonus, while a new moon causes a -10% penalty to fishing.
- Luck: While not immediately obvious, your overall luck also plays a role in fishing. Higher luck increases your chances of a greater fishing power multiplier when reeling in a catch.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Bait Consumption: Remember, bait is only consumed when you successfully reel in a fish. It isn’t consumed just by casting the line. Also, there is only a chance that bait will be consumed after catching a fish.
- Rod Not Working: Ensure your fishing rod is properly selected and that you are within range of the liquid. Sometimes, accidentally switching equipment can be the cause of your frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fishing in Terraria
1. What’s the easiest way to get fishing bait?
The easiest way to obtain bait is by breaking background plants in a Jungle Biome with a pickaxe. This often spawns bugs that can be caught with a Bug Net and used as bait.
2. What’s the best fishing rod in Terraria?
The Golden Fishing Rod is the best in the game. You can get it after completing the 30th quest for the Angler NPC (50th in ). Other top rods include the Hotline Fishing Hook and Sitting Duck’s Fishing Pole.
3. How big does a body of water need to be to fish in Terraria?
For normal fishing, 75 connected tiles. For the Ocean, 1,000 connected tiles. For honey, 50 connected tiles. For optimal fishing, aim for 300+ (1,000 for oceans, 200 for honey).
4. Does rain affect fishing?
Yes! Rain adds a +20% bonus to fishing power, making it a great time to fish.
5. What are the best times to fish in Terraria?
The best times are from 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, as they grant a +20% bonus to your fishing power.
6. What does fishing power mean?
Fishing power is a value that determines your likelihood of catching better fish and items. It is influenced by rod choice, bait quality, time of day, weather, and other factors.
7. What’s the rarest thing to catch while fishing?
The Zephyr Fish, which summons a pet, is one of the rarest, with a base catch chance of 2/3125.
8. Does luck affect fishing?
Yes, positive luck gives a chance to multiply your fishing power by a random number between 110% and 140% when reeling in a catch.
9. Can you fish in honey?
Yes, you can fish in honey. The minimum amount is 50 connected tiles. The Honeyfin and the Bumblebee Tuna (during Angler quests) can be caught in honey.
10. Do NPCs sell fishing bait?
Yes, several NPCs sell various types of fishing bait. Look for the Merchant and the Travelling Merchant for bait options.
11. What armor is best for fishing?
The Angler Armor set provides a 5% increase to fishing power per piece.
12. How do you get better at fishing in Terraria?
Improve your fishing skill by getting a better fishing rod, using better bait, fishing during favorable times, and increasing your luck.
13. How do you summon Duke Fishron?
Duke Fishron can be summoned by fishing in the Ocean with a Truffle Worm as bait. Truffle Worms are found in underground Glowing Mushroom Biomes during Hardmode.
14. Why isn’t my bait being used?
Bait is consumed only when a fish is successfully caught. It’s not used upon casting the line or reeling back with nothing. Even when you reel in a fish, there is a chance that the bait won’t be consumed.
15. How do I manually start a Blood Moon event for Angler Quests?
You can use a Bloody Tear to manually start a Blood Moon event at nighttime.
By understanding these factors, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master angler in Terraria. Happy fishing!