Let's face it - your first fishing attempt in Don't Starve probably ended with empty hands, a broken rod, and a pack of frogs laughing at your soggy corpse. I've watched 17 hunger meters drain to zero while stubbornly clicking ponds like a deranged heron. But after sinking 200+ hours into perfecting these mechanics (and losing enough fishing gear to stock a maritime museum), here's everything that actually works.

The Two Rod Reality Check

Don't make my early mistake - there's no universal fishing tool in the Constant. You've got:

1. Twig & Silk Special (Freshwater Rod)
   • Crafts from 2 Twigs + 2 Silk
   • 9 uses before snapping
   • Works only on ponds

The Twig & Silk Special is essential for pond fishing.

2. Ocean Warrior (Sea Fishing Rod)
   • Requires 1 Board + 6 Silk
   • Infinite durability
   • Mandatory for saltwater fishing

Pro Tip: Carry both - I once starved waiting for pond fish while sitting on a boat full of unequippable ocean rods.

Pond Fishing: It's All About the Sweet Spot

That "Fish" prompt isn't lying - ponds have specific casting zones smaller than a Koalefant's toenail. Here's how to nail it:

PC Players: 1. Equip rod 2. Circle pond edge until cursor highlights 3. Right-click to cast 4. Wait for splash + "Hook" prompt 5. Click within 1 second 6. Immediate second click reels

Console Warriors (PS4/Xbox): 1. Find pond's X-marks-the-spot (may take 3+ laps) 2. Square/X to cast 3. Watch for controller vibration 4. Same button to hook & reel

True Story: My first 10 pond attempts failed because I stood too close to reeds. Now I clear vegetation first like a paranoid gardener.

Ocean Fishing: Where Men Cry and Squids Steal Lunch

Sea fishing makes pond work look like toddler practice. Here's the survival breakdown:

Gear Up Properly

• Floats: Start with Twigs (easy) before unlocking:
  • Sunrise/Dusky/Night Flyers (time-specific)
  • Bent Spoons (all-day use)
• Lures:
  • Rot > Seeds/Berries
  • Spinnerbaits for big game
  • Heavy Weighted Lures for Ice Bream

The Reeling Rhythm Game

1. Cast near fish shadows
2. Hook on bite (right-click/button)
3. Watch your avatar's stance:
   • Relaxed (rod horizontal): Reel freely
   • Strained (rod vertical): STOP!
4. Alternate reeling/pausing until "Catch" appears

Analogy: It's like tug-of-war with a caffeine-addict salmon - push too hard and you're buying new gear.

Fish Types and Why They Matter

Case Study: I lost a 100-day world to Deep Bass fishing. That Malbatross sunk my boat, inventory, and dignity.

Pro Survival Tricks They Don't Teach

1. Thermal Fish Hack
   Carry Scorching Sunfish/ice Bream instead of torches/thermal stones

2. The Decoy Trick
   Drop meat near Bitty Baitfish shoals to trigger feeding frenzy

3. Trawler Secret
   Place nets near shore bases - they work offline if within 2 screens

4. Full Moon Special
   Night fishing yields 23% more catches during lunar phases

When All Else Fails: The Wickerbottom Strat

If your coordination rivals a drunk pengull: 1. Craft Trawl Net (3 Ropes + 2 Boards) 2. Drop in fish-dense areas

Use Trawl Nets for passive fish collection.

3. Return in 2 days
4. Collect 4 free fish

It's slower than active fishing but perfect for base building sessions.

Fishing mastery comes down to: - Pond Patience: Find sweet spots, clear vegetation first - Ocean Awareness: Watch rod angles like stock prices - Bait Budgeting: Rot > Fancy Lures early game - Fish Utilization: Don't just eat them - exploit thermal traits

Still struggling? Watch Electroely's rod angle tutorial or practice with Trawl Nets first. Remember - every failed cast teaches you more about the Constant's cruel humor.

Now get out there and show those fish who's boss. Just avoid the shrimp with laser eyes. 🎣 ```