Fishing is one of the many ways trainers can catch water Pokemon in Pokemon BDSP. The process is fairly simple and employs the use of different fishing rods. In this guide, we’ll let you know how exactly fishing works in Pokemon BDSP, how to get different fishing rods and the differences between them.
Pokemon BDSP Fishing
Fishing is a fairly easy mechanic in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as it was in prior generations of the Pokemon franchise.
Trainers must just go up to the edge of the lake and hit the A button to cast their line, then tap it again when an exclamation mark appears.
The Pokemon you encounter in the water in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl is entirely dependent on the Fishing Rod you have unlocked. The better your gear, the more characters you’ll be able to capture.
How to Use Rods for Fishing
The players should select the Rod from Key Items Pocket right when they are facing the water body. Next, select the option Use to cast a line in the water for catching Pokemon.
The players can also register their fishing rods to a quick key on the Switch. Once you register the rod, you will not have to select the rod again and again from your bag.
To do so, select the Register the Item option. Now, press + button to use the item and use D-Pad or Control Sticks to set the direction of the fishing rod.
How to Get Old Rod
Old Rod Location: The Old Rod can be found by speaking with the Fisherman in Jubilife City’s west gate, which leads to Route 218. Even before your first Gym Battle, you can reach Jubilife City.
Best Pokemon to Catch with Old Rod
You can easily catch Magikarp on Route 218 and Route 204 using the Old Rod in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
How to Get Good Rod
Good Rod Location: To unlock the Good Rod in Pokemon BDSP, speak with the fisherman on Route 209, right east of the Hearthome City entrance.
He’ll ask whether you agree that the Good Rod is good or not. Yes, is the correct response. After that, he’ll give you the Good Rod.
Best Pokemon to Catch with Good Rod
After receiving the Good Rod on Route 209, you can instantly locate Magikarp at Level 20 and higher. Simply leveling it up once will evolve it into Gyarados, providing you with a type advantage against some Gym leaders.
You will also be able to catch Goldeen and Fineon with the Good Rod.
How to Get Super Rod
Super Rod Location: The Super Rod can be found in the northeastern part of the map, in the Fight Area. The fisherman will be outside the north tunnel once you arrive at the small area.
Best Pokemon to Catch with Super Rod
After unlocking the super rod, you can easily catch Luvdisc in Pokemon Arena, Sharpedo on Route 213 and Seadra on Route 216.
List of Pokemon Caught with Fishing Rods
Now, we will be mentioning the names of all the Pokemon that one can catch using each of the above-mentioned fishing rods.
So, here is a complete list of Pokemon, along with their exact locations.
Old Rod Pokemon
Pokemon | Location |
Magikarp | Route 218 |
Feebas | Basement of Mt. Coronet in the Northern part. |
Good Rod Pokemon
Pokemon | Location |
Magikarp | Route 208 |
Gyarados | Route 208 |
Barboach | Northern part of Route 205 |
Finneon | Route 218 |
Goldeen | Route 203 |
Poliwag | Route 226 |
Super Rod Pokemon
Pokemon | Location |
Gyarados | Route 205 |
Lumineon | Route 218 |
Shellder | Southern part of Route 205 |
Whiscash | Great Marsh |
Dratini | Mt. Coronet |
Dragonair | Mt. Coronet |
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 |
Walimer | Route 223 |
Wailord | Route 223 |
How to Chain Fish in Pokemon BDSP
One of the fishing mechanics in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is Chain Fishing, which increases your chances of getting a shiny pokemon. Chain Fishing occurs when you encounter a pokemon every time you use the fishing rod while standing at the same spot.
It does not matter if you run away, catch, or take down the pokemon, the chain will not break. However, moving away from the spot, the rod not getting bitten, pulling the fishing rod up early, or not pulling up the rod will break the chain.
You can increase your chances of getting a chain by using Suction Cups, Sticky Hold, or by fishing in a corner where the place is surrounded by rocks. The Chain Fish mechanic is the same for every Pokemon game.
However, the chances of Chain Fishing Pokemon is incredibly low so we can’t be sure if the method even works or not. The original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl had a bug that prevented items like Suction Cups from working properly. It is unclear if the bug is still present or not so we can’t confirm if you can chain fish in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl or not.