Fishing and How to Get Each Rod

Some Pokemon can only be caught via fishing with rods. Read on to learn how to get the Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod from fishermen, how to catch Feebas in Mt. Coronet, and the list of Pokemon that can be caught with each rod in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP).

List of All Rods and How to Get Them

Fishing Rod	Location
Old Rod	In the Gate between Jubilife City and Route 216
Good Rod	On the dock in Route 209
Super Rod	At the Fight Area near the Gate to Route 225

How to Get the Old Rod

In the West Gate of Jubilife City

You can get the Old Rod by talking to the Fisherman at the west gate of Jubilife City, leading into Route 218. Jubilife City is accessible even before your first Gym Battle!

Old Rod Effect and How to Get

How to Get the Good Rod

In Route 209 (East of Hearthome City)

Talk to the Fisherman on the dock in Route 209, directly east of the Hearthome City gate. He will ask you if you agree that the Good Rod is really good. Answer with Yes to receive the Good Rod.

Good Rod Effect and Catchable Pokemon

How to Get the Super Rod

In the Fight Area After Completing the National Dex

After completing the game, head to Snowpoint City then talk to the sailor at the dock in order to sail to the Battle Zone. You will then be brought to the Fight Area. The path from there to Route 225 is blocked by a couple who requires you to obtain the National Dex first.

After gaining access, talk to the Fisherman before the gate to Route 225.

Super Rod Effect and Catchable Pokemon

How to Use Rods for Fishing

Use When Facing Body of Water

When facing any body of water, select the Rod from the Key Items Pocket of your bag then select Use. This will cast a line into the water, which may or may not attract a Pokemon. Wait a few seconds for a Pokemon to bite the line.

Register the Fishing Rod

Instead of opening your bag every time you go fishing, you can register the item and decide which direction to set it on. Once registered, you can use the item by pressing the + Button and select the direction of the fishing rod with either your Control Sticks or D-Pad.

Press A to Trigger Battle

A red exclamation mark (!) will appear above the character's sprite if a Pokemon is caught on the fishing line. Press A immediately to engage that Pokemon in battle and for a chance at capturing it. If you take too long, the Pokemon will get away.

Use Rod to Catch Rare Pokemon

Some Pokemon (typically Water-types) can only be caught via fishing. Typically, the Super Rod catches the rarest Pokemon of the 3 Rods.

How to Catch a Feebas

Fish at the Lake in Mt. Coronet

In the basement of Mt. Coronet North is a large underground lake. There are only four spots in the lake where you can fish for Feebas. Test each spot of the lake until you find the spot where you can catch a Feebas. These four spots change everyday.

Feebas Can Be Caught with an Old Rod

Feebas can be caught with any of the rods available in the game, including the Old Rod, but it is not recommended since using higher quality rods increases the chance of catching Pokemon. The Super Rod would be the best choice to find a Feebas.

Pokemon That Can Be Caught with Each Rod

Old Rod

Old Rod Pokemon
Magikarp Any body of water	Feebas 4 random tiles in Mt. Coronet North

Good Rod

Good Rod Pokemon
Magikarp Route 208	Gyarados Route 208	Barboach Route 205 (North)
Finneon Route 218	Goldeen Route 203	Poliwag Route 225
Remoraid Route 213	Feebas 4 random tiles in Mt. Coronet North

Super Rod

Super Rod Pokemon
Gyarados Route 205	Lumineon Route 218	Shellder Route 205 (South)
Whiscash Great Marsh	Dratini Mt. Coronet	Dragonair Mt. Coronet
Seadra Route 226	Relicanth Route 226	Staryu Canalave City
Carvanha Great Marsh	Sharpedo Route 223	Qwilfish Iron Island
Octillery Route 224	Seaking Route 214	Clamperl Route 219
Luvdisc Route 224	Poliwhirl Route 225	Corphish Celestic Town
Crawdaunt Celestic Town	Chinchou Route 220	Lanturn Route 220
Wailmer Route 223	Wailord Route 223	Feebas 4 random tiles in Mt. Coronet North

Pokemon BDSP Related Guides

Beginner's Tips and Tricks

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Tips and Tricks