How to Fish bait and lures: tier list and how to get them

Fabian Lainé September 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM

In brief

How to Fish offers about ten baits and lures, ranging from free ones to a scientific one priced at $5,800, each attracting specific creatures. Some are bought in the shop, others are obtained by helping NPCs or gathering items. Choosing them wisely is key to optimizing your fishing.

In How to Fish, every creature requires a specific bait or lure. Most can be bought in shops, but some can only be obtained through other means. Here is the complete list, along with how to get your hands on each one and the creatures it lets you catch.

All the baits and lures in How to Fish

Right at the start, next to the Lighthouse, you only have the default lure from the Crab Fishing Rod. Other baits unlock as you progress through the islands you open up.

Bait / Lure	How to get it	Catchable creatures
Free lure	Provided by default when buying the Crab Fishing Rod	Shrimp, Rock Crab, Gar, Pike, Mackerel
Hot dog	Islands 1 and 2 shop - $1	Rock Crab, Lobster, Piranha
Empty beer can	Buy beer and give it to the Lighthouse Keeper	Spider Crab
Beginner lure	Island 2 shop - $3	Salmon, Triggerfish, Cod, Goldfish, Piranha, Perch, Goby
Beginner boss lure	Islands 2, 3 and 5 shops - $40	Sunfish, Old Pike
Modified leech	Give 5 leeches to the girl on Island 2	Giant Piranha
Carrot	Give an endangered creature to the tourist on Island 3	Pufferfish
Standard lure	Islands 3, 4 and 5 shops - $15	Sea Urchin, Clownfish, Yellow Boxfish, Needlefish, Angelfish, Catfish, Seahorse, Blowfish, Sunfish Bream
Standard boss lure	Islands 3, 4 and 5 shops - $280	Blue Shark
Coconut	Coconut trees on Island 3	Bing Bong
Professional lure	Islands 4 and 5 shops - $50	Tigerfish, Parrotfish, Sea Bass, Halibut, Eel, Sengarat, Flying Fish, Voxel Fish, Dripper, Snapper
Professional boss lure	Islands 4 and 5 shops - $1,200	Tuna
Scientific lure	Island 5 shop - $500	Super Dwarf Fish, Blobfish, Anglerfish, Stonefish, Oarfish
Scientific boss lure	Island 5 shop - $5,800	Goblin Shark
Bucket of fish	Give fish to the scientist (NPC) on Island 5	Bowhead Whale

Choosing the right bait

The principle is simple: classic lures (free, beginner, standard, professional, scientific) cover the bulk of catches and get more and more expensive as you progress. Boss lures are reserved for rare big catches like the Blue Shark, the Tuna or the Goblin Shark. Finally, a few special baits (Empty beer can, Modified leech, Carrot, Coconut, Bucket of fish) can only be obtained by doing a favor for an NPC or by gathering an item, and each one unlocks one very specific creature.

So always keep a varied stock on hand: if a creature refuses to bite, change your bait first — that's very often the key.

Which type of bait do you prefer to use in How to Fish?

Frequently asked questions

Which bait should you use to catch the Goblin Shark?

The Scientific Boss Lure, sold for $5,800 in the island 5 shop. It's one of the most expensive lures, reserved for big rare catches.

How do you get the Modified Leech?

Give 5 leeches to the girl on island 2. She'll trade you this modified leech, which specifically attracts the Giant Piranha.

What is the Carrot used for in How to Fish?

It can only be obtained by giving an endangered creature to the tourist on island 3, and it lets you catch the Pufferfish, an exclusive catch.

Are the classic lures enough for the whole progression?

Yes for most creatures, but you'll need to invest in boss lures if you want to catch the Blue Shark, the Tuna, or the Goblin Shark. It's a progression choice, not an immediate requirement.

Where can you find Coconuts?

Directly from the palm trees on island 3. It's a free bait that attracts Bing Bong, and can be gathered without going to the shop.

Key takeaways

The five classic lures increase in price and effectiveness as you progress through the islands: from free to the scientific one at $500.
Boss lures are expensive but essential for catching rare fish like the Goblin Shark.
Five special baits can only be obtained through NPCs or gathering: Empty Beer Can, Modified Leech, Carrot, Coconut, Bucket of Fish.
Switching bait is often the simplest solution when a creature refuses to bite.
Keeping a varied stock lets you target any creature without getting stuck.