There have always been three types of fishing rods in the Pokemon series: the Old Rod, the Good Rod, and the Super Rod. These items make an appearance in the remakes for Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl, and players can get all three of them throughout their journey through the Sinnoh region.
If Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players already have the Old Rod from Jubilife City, they will eventually want to find the next upgrade, the Good Rod. The Old Rod will pretty much only catch Magikarp, but more options will open up with a Good Rod.
Where to Find the Good Rod in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
East of Hearthome City in the Sinnoh region is Route 209, which players will have to go through to reach Veilstone City and get the following League Gym badge. This is also the connecting route near the Hiker in Hearthome City that can give players an egg containing a Happiny.
Shortly after walking into Route 209 from Hearthome, players should spot a fisherman standing by himself on a small dock near the water. If players already have an Old Rod, he will gift them a Good Rod for no charge at all --what a nice guy! Players can head into their key item menu to register it to the Switch's + button if they would like.
How to Fish
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players should face a body of water and then use the fishing rod. Once a red exclamation point appears above the player's character, press the A button to reel the Pokemon in. With a Good Rod, players should be able to catch other Pokemon besides Magikarp, like Goldeen and Fineon.
Recap on how to get the Good Rod in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl:
- Fly/Travel to Hearthome City
- Leave the city using the gate that leads to Route 209
- Speak to the fisherman by the water standing by himself
- He will give players the Good Rod for free
- Players can use it while they face the water to catch Pokemon
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are available now for the Nintendo Switch.