Moonlight Peaks: How to Get a Fishing Rod & Catch Fish

In Moonlight Peaks, players are given nearly every tool they'll need to start renovating their farm from the very beginning. However, this starter tool set does not include a Fishing Rod. As Fishing is one of the core mechanics for obtaining resources in the game, unlocking this tool as quickly as possible will be very beneficial.

To get the Fishing Rod, players will need to progress through a few of the initial quests. Following this, they will have the opportunity to unlock and complete additional quests from town residents. One of these quests provides players with a Fishing Rod, enabling them to start stocking up on fish as gifting or stamina resources. Here's everything you need to know about unlocking, upgrading, and getting started with fishing in Moonlight Peaks.

How to Unlock the Fishing Rod in Moonlight Peaks

To unlock the Fishing Rod in Moonlight Peaks, you will need to initiate the 'Outfish the Fisherman' quest. This quest can be initiated after you have first met the residents of town. It should automatically become available within the first few days of your progression.

To begin the quest, you will need to have met Noel and then find him again at the beach section located northwest of town. The exact location has been included in the map screenshot below:

Head to this location, and you will run into Noel once again. Upon spotting you, he will challenge you to a competitive fishing competition and gift you a Fishing Rod to get started. You will now be able to freely fish at the various water sources around your farm, town, and the beaches.

In order to complete the quest, you will simply need to catch three different types of fish before Noel, and the winner will earn a cash prize, which can come in handy during the early days of Moonlight Peaks for purchasing extra seeds or helping to save up towards some valuable early-game items and facilities.

How to Catch Fish in Moonlight Peaks

When it comes to actually catching fish in Moonlight Peaks, simply walk up to a source of water and equip your Fishing Rod from the tool wheel or your inventory.

Now, press the prompted button (X on controller) to cast your line. You can also hold this button to cast your line further.

You will also be able to tell if there are any fish nearby who may bite by looking for any shadows that are swimming around.

At any point, you can press and hold the same button to reel your line back in. To snag a fish, you will need to wait a few seconds. Interested fish will swim up to your lure, investigate it for a second, and then bite. If a fish bites, you will see your rod bend and splashes as the fish attempts to pull away.

Once a fish is attached, it's up to you to reel it in as smoothly as possible. If you manage to pull it to shore, you will automatically be rewarded with 1x fish for your inventory. The exact type of fish you get can depend on which area you decide to fish in, as well as the season, time of night, weather, and your rod upgrades.

It's not always guaranteed to catch a fish, though. Sometimes there are simply just not any hanging around waiting for bait. Other times, you may end up fishing up various junk, such as soda cans. Other times, you won't be able to reel in certain fish species (usually the bigger silhouettes) until you upgrade your rod. Luckily, if you're looking to upgrade as quickly as possible, we've included steps for this process too.

How to Upgrade the Fishing Rod

Luckily, the process for upgrading your Fishing Rod is fairly straightforward. To do so, you will simply need to head into town and visit Ridge at his Howling Hammer store and exchange materials and money for each upgrade.

This shop will be available from 18:00 to 00:00 and will be open from Monday to Friday. Simply swing by, speak to Ridge, and navigate to the tools section of his store.

Here is a complete list of every Fishing Rod upgrade in Moonlight Peaks and their costs:

• First Upgrade: 1000 coins, 3x Copper Bars
• Second Upgrade: 4,000 Coins, 3x Iron Bars
• Third Upgrade: 16,000 Coins, 3x Gold Bars (x3)
• Enchanted Upgrade: 48,000 Gold, 5x Mana Essence