Reel ‘Em In: Unraveling the Mystery of the Hardest Fish to Catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
So, you’re an aspiring Animal Crossing: New Horizons angler, eh? You’ve mastered the art of the flick, tricked out your island with the perfect fishing spots, and still, something seems amiss. That prized fish, the one that completes your collection and makes your virtual wallet sing, remains elusive. The question then is, what is the hardest fish to catch in ACNH?
While “hardest” is subjective and relies on a combination of rarity, availability, and player skill, one fish consistently tops the list: the elusive Stringfish. Found only in river clifftops between 4 PM and 9 AM during the months of December to March (Northern Hemisphere), and June to September (Southern Hemisphere), the Stringfish’s limited window of opportunity, combined with its large shadow size that can be mistaken for more common catches, makes it a true test of patience and dedication for any Animal Crossing fisherman.
Why the Stringfish Reigns Supreme
Several factors contribute to the Stringfish’s legendary status.
- Limited Availability: Only four months out of the year offer a chance to snag this fish. That’s a small window compared to many other rare species. This significantly limits your fishing attempts.
- Specific Location: Forget casually casting your line into any river. The Stringfish only dwells in the elevated river sections, accessible only after terraforming or by exploring your island’s natural cliffs.
- Time of Day Constraint: The Stringfish only emerges between 4 PM and 9 AM, restricting you to nighttime (and early morning) fishing expeditions. Many players find these hours less convenient.
- Large Shadow Size: Its large shadow size means you might often reel in common fish like carp or black bass instead. Disappointment is inevitable, fueling frustration.
- RNG Factor: Even with all the right conditions, the appearance of the Stringfish is ultimately governed by chance. You might spend hours fishing in the right location at the right time and still come up empty-handed.
While the Coelacanth (requiring rain) and the Golden Trout (requiring cliffside rivers) also present challenges, the Stringfish’s combination of location, time, and seasonal limitations creates the ultimate fishing trial.
Maximizing Your Chances of Catching the Stringfish
Here are some strategies to increase your odds of adding this rare fish to your museum or bank account:
- Terraform Your Island: If you don’t have a natural clifftop river, create one! This gives you a dedicated Stringfish fishing spot.
- Craft Plenty of Fish Bait: Fish bait dramatically increases the spawn rate of fish, saving you valuable time and ensuring you have ample opportunities to encounter a Stringfish.
- Fish During Active Hours: Focus your fishing efforts during the 4 PM to 9 AM window. Don’t waste your bait outside these hours.
- Be Patient: Fishing for the Stringfish requires immense patience. Be prepared to spend hours casting and reeling. Don’t get discouraged by failed attempts.
- Use Sound: Close your eyes and rely on the sound cues when the fish bites. React quickly to avoid losing the catch.
- Clear Your Inventory: Make sure your pockets are mostly empty to maximize the number of fish bait you can carry. This allows you to spend more time fishing and less time running back and forth to your house.
- Watch Videos: Watching videos of other players catching the Stringfish can help you understand the timing and nuances of the process.
- Consider Travel: If your island isn’t in season, consider visiting a friend’s island who has a date set in the appropriate time of year.
By combining dedication, strategic preparation, and a bit of luck, you too can conquer the challenge and add the mighty Stringfish to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the rarest fish in ACNH overall?
While different fish are rare at different times of the year, the Stringfish and Golden Trout are consistently cited as two of the rarest due to their specific location and seasonal constraints.
2. What are the best times to fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Generally, early morning (4 AM – 9 AM) and late evening (4 PM – 9 PM) are considered prime fishing times, as many rare fish are more active during these hours.
3. How much does the Stringfish sell for?
The Stringfish sells for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. If C.J. is visiting your island, he’ll buy it for 22,500 Bells.
4. How do I get fish bait?
You can craft fish bait by digging up Manila clams on the beach. Each Manila clam yields one fish bait.
5. Do weather conditions affect Stringfish spawns?
No, the Stringfish’s spawn rate is not affected by the weather. It only needs to be the correct season, time and location. However, the Coelacanth only appears in the rain.
6. What is the shadow size of the Stringfish?
The Stringfish has a large shadow size, similar to the black bass and carp, which makes it easy to mistake for these common fish.
7. Can I find the Stringfish on Mystery Island Tours?
Yes, you can find the Stringfish on Mystery Island Tours, provided the island has the appropriate clifftop river layout and it is within the correct time of day and season.
8. Is it better to sell fish to CJ or Nook’s Cranny?
It is always better to sell fish to CJ, as he buys them for 1.5 times the price offered at Nook’s Cranny.
9. What are some other valuable fish to catch in ACNH?
Other valuable fish include the Coelacanth, Golden Trout, Great White Shark, Dorado, and Barreleye, all of which sell for 15,000 Bells each.
10. How do I identify different fish shadows?
Larger shadows generally indicate rarer and more valuable fish. However, learning the subtle differences between shadow sizes and movement patterns takes practice. The size guide of the shadow helps you find fish.
11. Are there any glitches or tricks to catch rare fish more easily?
While some glitches may have existed in the past, Nintendo frequently patches them. Relying on legitimate strategies is the most reliable way to catch rare fish.
12. Does having good luck affect fishing?
There is some debate about whether good luck affects fishing rates, but it’s generally accepted that luck has a minimal impact compared to skill, preparation, and patience. The Games Learning Society studies how games like Animal Crossing can influence learning and behavior. You might find related research on their website, GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. What is the cheapest fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The cheapest fish in Animal Crossing is the Tadpole, which sells for only 100 Bells.
14. How many fish are there to catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
There are a total of 80 different fish to catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
15. What are some tips for catching faster-moving fish?
When catching faster-moving fish, it’s crucial to react quickly when they bite. Listen carefully for the distinct sound cue and press the ‘A’ button as soon as you see the bobber go underwater.
Hopefully, these tips and insights will aid you on your quest to conquer the fishing challenges in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy fishing!