Stuck on the Shore? Decoding Fishing Troubles in Pokémon Sword

So, you’re eager to cast your line and reel in some aquatic Pokémon in the Galar region, but your efforts are proving fruitless? You’re not alone! Many trainers encounter snags when trying to fish in Pokémon Sword. The most common reasons you can’t fish in Pokémon Sword include:

• Not standing at a designated fishing spot: Unlike some earlier titles, Sword and Shield don’t let you fish just anywhere there’s water. You need to find specific fishing spots which are indicated by darker patches of water with sparkling effects.

• Not pressing the “A” button at the right time: You have to wait for the exclamation mark above your character’s head. Press “A” right when it appears to hook the Pokémon.

• Glitch or bug: While rare, it’s possible you’ve encountered a glitch. Try restarting your game or console.

• You are experiencing a soft ban: You may be blocked from performing in-game actions.

Essentially, fishing in Pokémon Sword requires precision, patience, and knowing where to cast your line. Let’s dive deeper into troubleshooting this common issue and address related questions to get you catching Pokémon in no time.

Understanding the Mechanics of Fishing in Pokémon Sword

Fishing in Pokémon Sword and Shield isn’t just about randomly throwing a line into the water. It’s a deliberate process with specific requirements. First, you need to locate a proper fishing spot. These spots are visually distinct: darker areas of water with a shimmering or sparkling effect. Approach the edge of the water near one of these spots.

Once you’re in position, press the A button. Your character will cast their line. Now comes the most important part: patience. You’ll need to watch your character closely. When an exclamation point appears above their head, that’s your cue to press the A button again. Pressing it at the correct moment is crucial for hooking a Pokémon. Timing is everything!

If you miss the timing, the Pokémon will get away, and you’ll have to recast your line. It can take a few tries, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed immediately. The game is designed to teach you the timing through trial and error.

Why Can’t I Find Any Fishing Spots?

If you’re running around bodies of water and not seeing any of the darker, sparkling fishing spots, it could be due to a few reasons:

1. You’re not looking closely enough: The sparkling effect can be subtle, especially in certain lighting conditions. Try changing your camera angle and paying close attention to the water’s surface.

2. You’re in the wrong area: Not all bodies of water have fishing spots. Explore different lakes, rivers, and coastlines to find areas where Pokémon are known to reside.

3. Graphical issues: Although unlikely, there may be underlying graphical issues if you cannot find sparkling fishing spots.

Troubleshooting Common Fishing Problems

Even when you find a fishing spot, you might still encounter problems. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure your Joy-Cons are properly connected: A weak connection can cause input lag, making it difficult to press the A button at the precise moment.

• Try a different fishing spot: Some spots might be bugged, or the timing may feel off. Moving to a different location can sometimes resolve the issue.

• Restart the game: A simple restart can clear any temporary glitches or errors that might be preventing you from fishing.

• Check for game updates: Game Freak often releases patches to fix bugs and improve gameplay. Make sure your game is up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fishing in Pokémon Sword

Here are some FAQs on common challenges faced by trainers and information to ensure you get the most out of your fishing experience in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

1. Why does the Pokémon always get away when I try to reel it in? Timing is crucial! You must press the A button the instant you see the exclamation point above your character’s head. If you’re even a fraction of a second late, the Pokémon will escape.

2. Is there a better rod I can get in Pokémon Sword to improve my fishing? In Pokémon Sword and Shield, there is only one rod. You receive this rod at the start of your adventure, and it is the only rod you use throughout the entire game.

3. Are certain Pokémon only available through fishing in Sword? Yes, some Pokémon are exclusively found through fishing, making it a valuable method for completing your Pokédex.

4. Can weather conditions affect fishing in Pokémon Sword? No, weather does not directly affect the Pokémon you catch while fishing. However, weather does affect Pokémon encounters in the overworld, so different Pokémon will be available to see and catch.

5. Are there any items that improve my chances of catching Pokémon while fishing? Not directly, but you can use items like the Catching Charm to increase your overall catch rate in the wild. Additionally, status conditions like sleep or paralysis greatly increase the odds of catching Pokémon, regardless of how you encounter them.

6. Why does the game say, “Nothing seems to be biting”? This usually means you’re not at a designated fishing spot. Make sure you’re standing near the darker, sparkling water.

7. Can I fish from my bike in the Wild Area? No, you cannot fish from your bike. You must be standing on foot near a fishing spot.

8. Is it possible to fish up rare or shiny Pokémon? Yes, it is possible to encounter rare and even shiny Pokémon through fishing. Persistence is key!

9. What are the level restrictions in Pokémon Sword? As you progress through the game and earn Gym Badges, you’ll be able to catch Pokémon of higher levels. If you attempt to catch a Pokémon that’s a higher level than your current badge allows, it will be nearly impossible.

10. Can I catch Zacian while fishing in Pokemon Sword? No, Zacian cannot be caught through fishing. Zacian is found above the tower of Hammerlocke Gym. In Pokemon Shield, Zacian cannot be caught.

11. What does being soft banned mean in Pokemon Sword? Being soft banned means that the game has detected suspicious behavior and you are blocked from performing in-game actions. As a result, you will not be able to catch Pokemon until this ban is lifted.

12. Is it possible to catch all Pokémon without trading in Sword? No. No Pokemon Game will ever be able to let you catch all Pokémon without trading.

13. How can I make Pokemon easier to catch? Inflict status conditions like sleep or frozen to increase the odds of capturing Pokémon.

14. How long does a soft ban typically last? Soft bans will last for about 12 hours, restricting your ability to catch Pokemon.

15. Are some Pokemon inherently harder to catch than others? Yes, some Pokemon inherently have lower catch rates compared to others.

By understanding these mechanics and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well-equipped to master fishing in Pokémon Sword and expand your collection. Good luck, and happy fishing! For more on the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.