Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield represent the eighth generation of Nintendo's legendary adventure franchise. Sword and Shield take place in the United Kingdom-inspired Galar region, and blend the classic Pokemon formula with a range of new additions.

One of the Pokemon mainstays that made a return in the latest games is Fishing, allowing players to catch Water-based Pokemon all across Galar. Although Fishing has been around in the Pokemon series since Generation I, it's gone through a few changes since its first introduction. Pokemon Sword and Shield streamline the system, removing some aspects while keeping the core gameplay the same.

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How to Fish in Pokemon Sword and Shield

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Unlike in previous Pokemon titles, players are given a Fishing Rod right at the start of the game. As a Key Item, it's impossible to lose or drop the Fishing Rod, and players will use the same one for the entire game. While other Pokemon titles had players use the Fishing Rod from their Bag, in Pokemon Sword and Shield the system has been simplified. All players need to do is find a proper fishing spot, which is a darker patch of water with bubbles coming up to the surface.

To begin fishing at a fishing spot in Sword and Shield's Galar region, all players need to do is approach and press A. Once the hook is in the water, players should watch out for an exclamation mark above their character's head. Press A again when the exclamation mark appears and the catch will be successful.

Where to Fish in Pokemon Sword and Shield

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Once players have successfully caught something in Pokemon Sword and Shield, they'll go straight into a Pokemon encounter. These encounters are no different from finding a Pokemon in tall grass, except that all the Pokemon found through fishing are going to be Water-type or water-related. There are a huge number of different Pokemon that players can encounter through Pokemon Sword and Shield's fishing mechanic, ranging from common to rare.

Players should make sure to fish a few times in each new area they find, in order to discover what kind of Pokemon can be caught. In addition, fishing in the same spot repeatedly can increase the chance of encountering Brilliant or Rare Pokemon in Sword and Shield. For those players looking to expand their Water-type Pokemon or complete the Galar Pokedex, fishing is an essential activity in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.

Pokemon Sword & Shield is out now for the Nintendo Switch. Its Expansion Pack (Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra) is also available for purchase.

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