Fishing in How to Fish can feel like a game of chance unless you use the right lure. Selecting the correct lure isn’t just about luck; it’s essential for catching the fish you’re aiming for, especially the rare and boss-tier species that require specific bait to appear.
Each lure targets different fish varieties, and knowing the right one to use can save you time and frustration. Some fish have caused confusion due to naming errors or uncommon lure pairings, like the Sunfish, which surprisingly bites on the Beginner Boss Lure. Getting these details right helps you optimize your fishing strategy.
How to Fish Lure Guide
The key to success in How to Fish lies in matching lures to fish. Below is a detailed breakdown of which lure attracts which fish.
Basic Lure – The Chip?
The Basic Lure is your go-to for catching a variety of common fish and crustaceans. It’s an easy starting point for new players exploring the waters.
- Brown Crab
- Shrimp
- Mackerel
- Gar
- Pike
- Goldfish
Hot Dog
The Hot Dog lure specializes in attracting larger crustaceans lurking near the seabed.
- Rock Crab
- Lobster
Beginner Lure
The Beginner Lure opens the door to mid-tier fish, including some aggressive species that require patience and precision.
- Piranha
- Pike
- Cod
- Goldfish
- Perch
- Triggerfish
- Goby
Note: Contrary to some misconceptions, you’ll catch Piranha using the Beginner Lure, not the Hot Dog.
Standard Lure
The Standard Lure is versatile and attracts a broader range of colorful and common aquatic life.
- Angelfish
- Yellow Boxfish
- Bowlfish
- Catfish
- Sea Urchin
- Seahorse
- Clownfish
- Bluegill
- Salmon
- Needlefish
Professional Lure
The Professional Lure is designed for experienced anglers targeting more elusive and diverse fish species.
- Parrotfish
- Voxelfish
- Bass
- Halibut
- Eel
- Tigerfish
- Flying Fish
- Sengarat
- Red Snapper
- Dripper
Scientific Lure
For some of the rarest and stranger fish, the Scientific Lure is indispensable. It hooks species that few other baits can tempt.
- Anglerfish
- Blobfish
- Oarfish
- Superdwarf Fish
- Stonefish
Boss Lures
Boss Lures are specialized and crucial for landing the game’s toughest and largest fish. Here’s what each of these lures can catch.
Empty Beer Can
Fish: Spider Crab
Modified Leech
Fish: Giant Piranha
Beginner Boss Lure
The Beginner Boss Lure surprises with access to powerful and possibly overlooked species:
- The Old Pike
- Sunfish
Standard Boss Lure
Fish: Blue Shark
Carrot
Fish: Pufferfish
The carrot lure is a whimsical nod to the Pufferfish’s shape, resembling a carrot in form.
The carrot bait is a funny reference since the Pufferfish and carrot both have a similar shape.
Professional Boss Lure
Fish: Tuna
Scientific Boss Lure
Fish: Goblin Shark
Fish Bucket
Fish: Bowhead Whale
Quick Lure Guide
To speed up your fishing sessions, here’s a consolidated table of lures with their respective target fish.
| Lure | Fish |
|---|---|
| Basic Lure – The Chip? | Brown Crab, Shrimp, Mackerel, Gar, Pike, Goldfish |
| Hot Dog | Rock Crab, Lobster |
| Beginner Lure | Piranha, Pike, Cod, Goldfish, Perch, Triggerfish, Goby |
| Standard Lure | Angelfish, Yellow Boxfish, Bowlfish, Catfish, Sea Urchin, Seahorse, Clownfish, Bluegill, Salmon, Needlefish |
| Professional Lure | Parrotfish, Voxelfish, Bass, Halibut, Eel, Tigerfish, Flying Fish, Sengarat, Red Snapper, Dripper |
| Scientific Lure | Anglerfish, Blobfish, Oarfish, Superdwarf Fish, Stonefish |
| Empty Beer Can | Spider Crab |
| Modified Leech | Giant Piranha |
| Beginner Boss Lure | The Old Pike, Sunfish |
| Standard Boss Lure | Blue Shark |
| Carrot | Pufferfish |
| Professional Boss Lure | Tuna |
| Scientific Boss Lure | Goblin Shark |
| Fish Bucket | Bowhead Whale |
When aiming for specific fish in How to Fish, always consult this match-up rather than switching lures randomly. Higher-tier lures unlock exclusive fish groups, while boss lures are needed for the most formidable aquatic opponents.
Keep in mind that some fish, like the Sunfish, can be tricky to locate if you don’t know which lure to use. This fish, linked to the Beginner Boss Lure, is a prime example of hidden catches in the game.
Fishing strategies evolve as you discover new lure-to-fish combinations. Share your findings to help refine the community’s understanding and improve everyone’s fishing success.
My Other Guides for How to Fish:
- How to Fish: “Everyone’s dream” Achievement Guide
- How to Fish Item IDs: All Item IDs & Cheat Guide