How to Fish and Battle Water-Type Pokemon

This is a page guide on how to fish in Pokemon Sword and Shield. If you wish to battle against water-type Pokemon and still do not have the Rotom Bike to go across the water, read on.

How Does Fishing Work in the Game?

To fish in Pokemon Sword and Shield, you need to find a fishing spot near the water first. You can only fish on water with emitting bubbles around the surface.

Do note that you cannot fish by simply going near the water. If it does not bubble, you cannot fish there.

Step 1: Find a Fishing Spot

The first step in fishing is to find fishing spots around the water area. You can easily spot one when you notice a bubbling spot on the water.

Step 2: Timing the Pull Right

The most important in fishing is timing. When you see the exclamation point above the fishing spot, it is the best time to pull the Pokemon out of the water. If you manage to pull it on time, you will get into a Pokemon battle.

On the other hand, if you did not pull it out on time, you lose the chance to battle and the Pokemon will get away.

Step 3: Pokemon Battle Against Water-type Pokemon

When you already know how to fish in Pokemon Sword and Shield, you'll have more chance of getting Water-type Pokemon. Most of the time, you will encounter Magikarp or Goldeen. But, there will be times you can encounter strong Water-type Pokemon, too.

If you happen to not press A Button on time, the Pokemon will run away and you lose the chance to fight a Water-type Pokemon.

But, no worries, you can still roam the area for a few seconds and go back to the same spot to fish again.

Water-Type Pokemon You Might Encounter While Fishing

There are several Water-type Pokemon you can encounter when fishing and the most common is Magikarp.

See below for other samples of Water-type Pokemon that you can encounter when fishing.

Sample of Water-Type Pokemon Encounter When Fishing
Magikarp	Wimpod	Toxapex
Tympole	Goldeen	Shellder

See List of All Water-type Pokemon

What is Fishing?

Fishing in Pokemon Sword and Shield refers to catching water-type pokemon using a fishing rod. This specifically gives you a chance to battle against water-type Pokemon if you still do not own a Rotom Bike.

Where to Obtain Fishing Rod

The Fishing Rod is available on your inventory as soon as you start the game.

Important Things to Remember When Fishing

Get Off Your Rotom Bike

When you are on your Rotom Bike, you will be unable to fish. The Fishing spot will not appear when you are riding it. So, get off your bike when you want to fish. To get off, simply press the + Button.

Use Rotom Bike for Pokemon on the Water Area

You cannot battle against Pokemon loitering around or over the water area by normal means. This is only possible when you have the Rotom Bike which you can obtain on Route 9.

When you ride the Rotom Bike, you can fight against a Pokemon upon contact. Do note that you can encounter both Water and Flying-type Pokemon here.

Pokemon Sword and Shield Related Links

Beginner Tips and Guides