In the tranquil world of Stardew Valley, where farming, mining, and socializing are part of daily life, fishing often gets sidelined. However, fishing is not just an immersive experience but also an excellent way to make money and gather resources. Last time, we discussed how to excel in the mines. While that garnered attention, a more heated topic popped up: Can you reach max fishing level in just five days? Let’s dive into how to fast-track your fishing skills in the early game.
The Typical Progression: Spring Season Timelines
Most Stardew Valley experts recommend upgrading your fishing rod by Spring 3 and focusing on the pond in The Mines. Even without fishing bubbles (spots where fish bite more frequently), you can max out your fishing level in about six days. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Spring 2: Reach Level 3
- Spring 3: Surpass Level 5
- Spring 4: About Level 7.5
- Spring 5: Close to Level 9
- Spring 6: Max Level
Factors That Affect Leveling Speed
Fishing Technique
Perfect Catches: To maximize experience points (XP), strive for ‘Perfect’ catches. The XP formula for a fish is Quality XP + Difficulty/ 3. A ‘Perfect’ catch gives a 2.4x experience multiplier.
Fishing Location
Contrary to popular belief, fishing for Catfish during rain in Spring 3 will not yield more XP compared to fishing at the Mines’ pond.
Fish Types and Their Experience Value
Different types of fish yield various amounts of experience:
- Carp: Difficulty 15, Iridium-star gives 48 XP
- Chub: Difficulty 35, Iridium-star gives 64 XP
- Largemouth Bass: Difficulty 50, Iridium-star gives 74 XP
- Catfish: Difficulty 75, gives 34 XP with Gold quality
Other Factors
Treasure Chests: While treasure chests do offer a 2.2x XP multiplier, it’s still less than a ‘Perfect’ catch.
Food Buffs: Consuming Trout Soup boosts your fishing level, enabling better quality and quicker leveling.
Advanced Techniques
Using Bait with Glass Rod
If you can afford it by Spring 2, switch to a Glass Rod and use bait to speed up your leveling. Bait increases bite rate by 50%, reducing your waiting time.
Casting Distance
Contrary to the belief that casting farther is better, there’s no XP bonus for distance. Focus on casting at an optimal distance, usually enough to reach the deeper water where fish quality is higher.
Reaction Time
The faster your reaction time when you hear the fishing sound cue, the better your chances for a successful catch. Quick reflexes can add at least a half-level to your fishing skills.
Utilizing Fishing Bubbles
While this guide focuses on leveling without fishing bubbles, if you’re lucky enough to find them, they can significantly speed up your leveling.
Speed Run: How to Reach Max Level in Five Days?
If you have been following Stardew Valley YouTubers, you may have come across videos showing players maxing out their fishing levels by the afternoon of Spring 6. This equates to approximately four and a half days. Here’s how they do it:
- High Frequency of Perfect Catches: Aim for a ‘Perfect’ catch every time.
- Strategic Choice of Fishing Spot: Stick to the pond in The Mines for maximum XP.
- Quick Leveling: With enough money for Trout Soup and bait, you could even reach Level 5 by Spring 2.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- The Mines’ pond levels you up faster than rainy-day fishing.
- ‘Perfect’ catches give a 2.4x XP multiplier.
- Use the Glass Rod and bait for quicker leveling.
- You don’t always need to cast at max distance.
- Food buffs like Trout Soup help speed up leveling.
In Stardew Valley, mastering fishing can provide you not only with valuable resources but also a satisfying experience of growth. With these strategies, you can become an expert angler and make the most out of your time in this charming rural world. Happy fishing!