NOLEEP – Fishing is a relaxing and profitable activity in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home (HMHSH).
It’s a great way to earn money and gather ingredients for cooking. But first, you need to know how to get a fishing rod.
Unlike previous Harvest Moon titles where you might find a fishing rod lying around, in HMHSH you’ll need to purchase it.
This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire your first fishing rod in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, and offer some tips for using it effectively.
1. Progress Through the Early Chapters
In Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, you’ll need to progress through the initial chapters of the game before you can access a fishing rod.
This is a bit different from other games in the series, where fishing is often available from the start.
Keep playing through the story, completing tasks and getting to know the villagers.
2. Visit Victoria’s Market
Once you’ve reached the appropriate point in the story (around Chapter 2), head over to Victoria’s Market.
This general store, located in the center of Alba Village, is run by Victoria. She sells a variety of tools and other useful items.
Among them, you’ll find the fishing rod you seek.
3. Purchase the Old Fishing Rod
The fishing rod available for purchase is called the “Old Fishing Rod.” It’s a basic rod, but it’s enough to get you started with your fishing adventures.
The Old Fishing Rod costs 800G. If you find yourself a bit short on funds, be patient.
Victoria often has sales, and you might be able to snag the fishing rod at a discounted price.
4. Wait for a Sale (Optional)
To maximize your G, consider waiting for a sale at Victoria’s Market. Victoria will typically send you a letter in the mail a few days before a sale begins.
This usually happens around the 11th day of Spring in your first year.
During the sale, you can get the Old Fishing Rod for a discounted price of 560G.
5. Upgrade Your Fishing Rod
As you progress further in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, you’ll want to upgrade your fishing rod.
A better fishing rod allows you to catch rarer and more valuable fish.
To upgrade your fishing rod, visit Andy’s Carpentry. Andy can enhance your tools, including your fishing rod, using materials you gather and a small fee.
The upgrades become available after Chapter 4.
Here’s the upgrade path for your fishing rod:
- Old Fishing Rod: Your starting rod.
- Expert Fishing Rod: Requires 10 Square Lumber, 5 Material Stone, and 2,000G.
- Master Fishing Rod: Requires more advanced materials (available later in the game).
- Legendary Fishing Rod: The ultimate fishing rod!
Tips for Fishing in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home
- Best Fishing Spots: Experiment with different locations! The types of fish you can catch vary depending on whether you fish in the ocean, river, or lake.
- Time of Day: Some fish are more active at certain times of day. Try fishing at different times to see what you can find.
- Patience is Key: Fishing takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch something right away.
With your new fishing rod in hand, you’re ready to explore the waters of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home. Happy fishing.