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Fishing FAQ

by ElectroSpecter

------------------------------------
   Breath of Fire III Fishing FAQ
     Written by ElectroSpecter
      Final Version (4-19-07)
E-Mail: [email protected]
------------------------------------

o============o
 \ Contents /
  o========o

- Introduction                
- FAQs                        
- The Basics                  
- Scoring                     
- Fishing Ranks               
- Fish Data                   
- Fish as Items               
- Fishing Locations           
- Rods                       
- Bait                       
- Manillo Shops              


o================o
 \ Introduction /
  o============o

The fishing mini game in Breath of Fire III has always captivated me (for a 
while it was all I did, not making any progress in the game), and the thought 
that one could obtain a perfect score by catching the biggest of each type of 
fish occurred to me at some point. I was put off mainly due to the fact that I 
didn't know what the biggest of each type of fish was, or even, if there was a 
maximum. 

Luckily, one fateful day in the forums I decided to pose that very question: 
"Is there a maximum length for each fish, and is there a 'Perfect Score?'" 
Luckily, and to my amazement, someone (Terence) on the gameFAQs forums had the
exact formula that the game uses to determine the score for the fish, and also
confirmed my belief that there is a Perfect Score. Driven by this newfound 
data, I have created this FAQ to set in stone this information, and also to 
help those out who are just beginning.

Although I will be glad to see this FAQ reach the light of day, I regretfully 
admit that I don't remember how some of people mentioned in the guide helped 
me. All I know is that they're all from the forums, and they gave me some sort
of information at some point that was beneficial to the guide. If you find 
your name in here, and know exactly how you helped me, feel free to send an 
email. 


o========o
 \ FAQs /
  o====o

Q. So... What's the point of fishing?

A. Though certainly not necessary (with one plot-driven exception), fishing is 
   quite a helpful deviation from the main quest (not to mention a fun one).
   Early in the game, you can sell the fish you catch for money, which will 
   help with equipment. Later in the game, you'll want to catch the bigger fish 
   (like the whales and spearfish) to use as items.


Q. How come some fish just won't bite?

A. Try switching to a different bait type. Each fish will always respond to a 
   certain bait type. Also, you may need to improve your button tapping (for 
   higher Tecs). For info on which baits to use and how to improve Tecs, look 
   at the respective sections (Baits and The Basics).


Q. Why can't I reach those fish way out there?

A. You'll need to either wait until they come in range of your bait, or just 
   wait until you get a better rod. Your best bet is getting a new rod. You 
   typically can't reach those fish for a reason: Your rod can't handle them! 
   You run the risk of snapping your line with a lower end rod.


Q. Do I get anything for getting certain ranks?

A. Yep. For reaching the rank of Rodmaster (2000 points), you'll be able to 
   apprentice to Giotto. For reaching higher ranks (Master of Angling++ or The 
   Fish), you'll receive the best rod and bait and a Fountain Pen. Check out 
   the rod and bait sections for the specifics.


Q. Why do I stink at Tecs?!

A. I was terrible at getting good Tecs until I started playing piano and 
   developed a better sense of rhythm. Not that I suggest you pick up piano,
   but I do suggest practicing until you get Tecs right. You'll probably be 
   able to survive by pulling off Tec + 3s, as I did, but you'll have a much 
   easier time if you learn the Tec + 4. If you memorize the pattern (not that 
   hard) just tap your other finger to a continuous beat as you press (or don't
   press) the buttons for the Tec (I click my tongue to the beat, although 
   anyone that catches you clicking your tongue at a game may think you're a
   bit strange).


Q. Have you gotten the Perfect Score?

A. Heck no, I haven't even gotten The Fish rank yet. I'm still a respectable 
   (but desperately short) Master of Angling++ (9159 points).


Q. What's the Shisu sidequest all about?

A. It's actually a vital part of the storyline. While you don't really have to 
   do all that well while making it, doing a good job nets you some nice items, 
   the best of which is the Shaman's Ring. ZC Liu has sent me a recipe that 
   will net you a Shaman's Ring when you make the Shisu dish:

   "Mackerel    x 1 ; 68cm or better
   Shaly Seed  x15
   Vinegar     x 5
   Horseradish x 8
   Knead       x 2"


Q. What's a Barandy anyway? I'll let ZC Liu field this one.

A. "Just a bit of trivia... professional anglers and Australians probably 
   already know this. The barandy fish-name was a mistranslation; either that, 
   or a shortening of the original name due to too many characters. In the JP 
   version, it was known as the "Ba-Ra-Mu-N-De-I", based on a real-life fish 
   known in Japan as the Northern Barramundi (check out Gulf Saratoga in 
   wikipedia). Additionally, you might want to click on the link to the  
   Arapaima Gigas fish too!"


o==============o
 \ The Basics /
  o==========o

If you're just beginning the BoFIII Fishing mini game, this section is for you.
Basically, it goes over what the game already tells you, but with my own input 
here and there.

Finding a Fishing Spot
----------------------

Fishing Spots appear on the world map as a single fish jumping up out of the 
water repeatedly. They appear after different events in the game, so you can't 
access them all at once. 

Walk up to the spot and Press X to enter it. You'll find yourself in a new area.

The Fishing Menu
----------------

In the new area, press the Square button to enter the menu. From here, you can 
select Gear, Data, or Rules. Gear lets you equip a rod and bait, Data lets you 
see information on the fish you've caught and your current ranking, and Rules 
goes over some basic info for fishing.

Equipping a Rod and Bait
------------------------

Before you can fish, you'll have to have a rod and bait equipped. Do this by 
going into the Fishing Menu and selecting Gear. From here you can equip both a 
rod and bait from your inventory. Simple, no?

Casting
-------

Press X once to make a green bar appear. It moves back and forth until you 
press X again. The farther right the bar is when you press X, the closer your 
cast will be to the maximum distance it can reach. While the bait is sailing 
through the air, you can press left or right to move it around to control where 
it lands.

Once the Bait is in the Water
-----------------------------

Once the bait has hit the water, you can move it around with the left and right 
directional buttons. Each of these movements also bring the bait back closer to 
you. Tapping X will intermittently reel the bait in. Holding X will reel the 
bait in faster. Pressing the down directional button gives the bait a tug 
(although using the down button in excess leads to bait loss; it's not 
reccommended). Pressing Triangle will cancel the entire cast and return you to 
the shore. 

Some baits will slowly sink if you don't press any buttons, and rise again when 
you press X. Others sink when you press X, and float back to the top when you 
don't press anything. You can see the position of your bait relative to the 
bottom of the area with the meter on the bottom of the screen. Don't let your 
bait sink too low; you could lose it.

Attracting a Fish
-----------------

Fish are the dark shapes that swim about in the water (but I'm sure you've 
figured that out already). Typically, once a fish comes in close proximity with 
a bait that it likes, it will start to follow it until it bites. Some fish need 
more coaxing, however. 

Tapping the X button (or the left, right, or down buttons) rhythmically creates 
"Tecs." When used correctly, a Tec will dramatically increase the fish's desire 
to bite the bait in front of it. Sometimes, it will even attract a fish that 
would normally be too far away to notice the bait. I will attempt to display 
the 4 Tec rhythms here, but I strongly suggest looking at the live examples in 
the Rules section of the fishing menu. (Press X when it says X and wait a beat 
when it says -)

2 Count ... X-X-      Tec + 1
3 Count ... XX-       Tec + 2
5 Count ... XX-X-     Tec + 3
7 Count ... XX--X-X   Tec + 4

Reeling in a Fish
-----------------

So, the fish has bitten! You'll need to hold X to reel it in, but there's a bit 
more to it than that. You'll notice something new at the bottom of the screen. 
A fish icon appears, as well as a bar. You can move the bar around with the 
directional buttons. The fish moves on its own. The goal is to move the bar so 
that it stays on top of the fish for the most part. This is called tracking. 
When the bar is on top of the fish, it will be green. When it's not on the 
fish, it will be orange. 

You'll also notice a red bar below the tracker and fish icons (well, you may 
not really notice it until you start tackling the harder fish). This is the 
stamina of the fish, and the higher it is, the more energy it will have to drag 
your line out to sea. The more you fight the fish, the more the stamina will 
drop. Sometimes, if your rod is just too weak, a fish will be able to fight 
even without stamina.

At this point, you'll want to keep an eye on the distance that the fish has 
your line out. If it gets too high, your line will break. If you find that you 
were fighting the fish well, and keeping the bar green, it may mean that you 
simply need a better rod before attempting to tackle that specific fish.

When the fish reaches the shore, you've caught it.

Secret Fishing Tips
-------------------

The following are a couple techniques I've developed from countless hours 
fishing. These secret techniques began as mere whispers in the darkest corners 
of subconscious thought, and as they manifested I noticed them and took note so 
that I could pass on this information to aspiring fishermen. 

Corny dialogue aside, I'll give you the following tips (and perhaps an inkling 
of disappointment after that pump-up speech):

Tip #1: While reeling in the fish, it will sometimes break water. In this case, 
        the fish icon will pause for a second or so. This always means that the 
        fish is about to lose a lot of energy, and you should be ready to move 
        the tracking bar to the left. This happens often, so learn to react!

Tip #2: Sometimes the fish will put up such a fight that the fish icon will 
        dart to the right side of the bar. The tracking bar normally "drags" 
        the fish icon to the left, but it can't really get a good "grip" on the 
        fish when it's crammed into the right side of the bar. My solution is 
        to tap the right directional button as fast as you can. This seems to 
        "dislodge" the fish icon from the right side of the bar, allowing the 
        tracking bar to get a better grip. This method almost always prevents 
        the fish from running away with your line. Heck, you can use the method 
        to easily catch fish you normally couldn't catch with weaker rods. This 
        is called the "Dislodge Technique," and yes, I just made that up.

Quitting
--------

When you want to quit fishing, press Triangle while at the shore. You can 
either change your mind and select Retry, or just quit to return to the world 
map.


o===========o
 \ Scoring /
  o=======o

Thanks to Terence for the following information on the formula and the maximum 
points for each fish (if you're not good with math, just skip ahead a little to 
the chart):

"How fishing works:

All fish have a 'target' length that you must meet to get the full number of 
points available for catching them. The Average Length is not part of this 
data; it's just a guideline. The Average Length is usually 75% of the Target 
Length, rounded *down* to the nearest 5cm (example: a fish with a Target Length 
of 50cm would have an Average Length of 50*0.75 = 37.5 which rounds down to 35).

Just as there is a Target Length for each fish, there is also a maximum number 
of points available from each fish. How many points you get from a fish depends 
on what percentage of the Target Length you met. The formula used is:

Points = [[10 * Catch Length / Target Length] * Max Points / 10]

As an example, a MartianSquid grants 600 points maximum and has a Target Length 
of 80cm. If you caught one that had a length of 79, you'd get the following 
number of points:

      Points = [[10 * 79 / 80] * 600 / 10]
             = [[790 / 80] * 600 / 10]
             = [[9.875] * 600 / 10]
             = [9 * 600 / 10]
             = [5400 / 10]
             = [540]
             = 540

(Anything within square brackets must be rounded *down* to the nearest integer)

Even if you catch a fish *over* the Target Length, you will not get more points 
than the maximum points allowed for that fish."


                      Maximum         Maximum 
     Fish            Length(cm)        Score
     ----------------------------------------
     Jellyfish           30             100
     Pirana              40             150
     Puffer              50             200
     Trout               70             250
     RainbowTrout        70             300
     Red Catfish         80             400
     Bass                40             400
     MartianSquid        80             600
     Black Bass          90             700
     Barandy            200             900
     Man-o'-War          30             100
     Flying Fish         20             150
     Blowfish            20             200
     Sea Bream           40             250
     Sea Bass            60             500
     Black Porgy         60             400
     Octopus             70             500
     Angler             100             600
     Devilfish          120             700
     Spearfish          160             800
     Whale              240             999
     Mackerel            70             300
     Manillo            200             500


"Note that the total number of points available adds up to 9999, and as such it 
is impossible to get higher than that, even if the game could display it."


o=================o
 \ Fishing Ranks /
  o=============o

As you move up in the world of fishing, you'll catch new fish, gain new baits 
and rods, and obtain higher scores and rankings. 

Thanks go to Youko (and to Ragnarok500, I believe he corrected an error) for 
the following chart:

                            Required
      Ranking                  Score
      ------------------------------
      Novice                       0
      Novice+                    100
      Novice++                   200
      Rodman                     600
      Rodman+                   1000
      Rodman++                  1500
      Rodmaster                 2000
      Rodmaster+                3000
      Rodmaster++               4000
      Master of Angling         5000
      Master of Angling+        7000
      Master of Angling++       9000
      THE FISH                  9500

There are a few rewards for reaching certain ranks in the game. 

For reaching the rank of Rodmaster (2000 points), you'll be able to apprentice 
to Giotto. 

For reaching the rank of Master of Angling++ (9000 points) and clearing the 
game, you'll receive the Master's Rod and Ding Frog by talking to the fisherman 
in the ? area on the peninsula west of Steel Beach (thanks to Gohanfan01 and 
DavidK5 for the correct info). Check out the rod and bait sections for the 
specifics. 

Finally, when you talk to the same guy that gave you the Master's Rod and Ding 
Frog after reaching THE FISH rank (9500 points) and clearing the game, you'll 
receive a Fountain Pen item. This works like Skill Ink, except you can keep 
using it to exchange skills (thanks AGAIN to DavidK5 for this info!).

ZC Liu has sent more information regarding the Fountain Pen:

"The Fountain Pen is a key item that goes under "Vtal" in your Items menu. It
allows you to select "CHANGE" when going through your skills list without 
having to choose whether you want to use a Skill Ink at all. BTW, it's got 
the same description as that given to the Manly Clothes armor, just that this
time the description is correct."


o=============o
 \ Fish Data /
  o=========o

Following each fish name is what type of bait it will snap at and also where to 
find each fish.


Fish           Preferred Bait                                       Location(s) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jellyfish      All but Coin              West of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                            East of Mt. Myrneg (Central Wyndia)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pirana         All but Coin              West of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                           SW of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                        Northwest of the Plant (Eastern Wyndia)
                                        W of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puffer         Floating Type               SW of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                           SW of Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
                                            Near Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
                                           North of Mount Levett (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trout          Worm and Fish Type          SW of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                        Northwest of the Plant (Eastern Wyndia)
                                        W of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)
                                           North of Mount Levett (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RainbowTrout   Worm and Fish Type        West of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                           SW of Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
                                        Northwest of the Plant (Eastern Wyndia)
                                        W of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Catfish    Frog Type                     South of Dauna Mine (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bass           All but Coin                SW of Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
                                        Northwest of the Plant (Eastern Wyndia)
                                            East of Mt. Myrneg (Central Wyndia)
                                             South of Dauna Mine (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MartianSquid   Worm Type                    East of Mt. Myrneg (Central Wyndia)
                                             South of Dauna Mine (Dauna Region)
                                            Near Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Bass     Worm and Fish Type       Northwest of the Plant (Eastern Wyndia)
                                           North of Mount Levett (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barandy        Frog Type                W of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man-o'-War     All but Coin               Northwest of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                               West of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                                  East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flying Fish    Floating Type                South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
                                          Northwest of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                               West of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                                  East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blowfish       Floating Type                South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Bream      Worm and Fish Type         Northwest of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                        Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Bass       Worm and Fish Type              West of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                        Southwest of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Porgy    Frog Type                    South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
                                        Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Octopus        Worm Type                    South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
                                               West of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
                                                    Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angler         Fish Type                Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan Region)
                                                    Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Devilfish      Worm Type                            Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)
                                        Southwest of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spearfish      Fish Type                Southwest of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                                  East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whale          Fish Type                          East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mackerel       Worm Type                    Near Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manillo        Coin                        SW of McNeil Village (Yraall Region)
                                            South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
                                        Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan Region)
                                     West of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)
                                                    Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)
                                         Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)
                                                  East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


o=================o
 \ Fish as Items /
  o=============o

Any fish you've caught can be used as items. Some are healing fish, some cause 
status effects, and some are used as attack items. 

The fourth column describes whether you can use the fish in battle, on the 
field, or both. B means in battle and F means on the field.



  Restorative                                             Selling
  Fish             Description                             Price       Use
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Man-o'-War       Restores 1HP                              5 Z       B,F
  Jellyfish        Restores 1HP                              5 Z       B,F
  Pirana           Restores 20HP                            25 Z       B,F
  Flying Fish      Restores 20HP                            25 Z       B,F
  Trout            Restores 40HP                            25 Z       B,F
  Bass             Restores 80HP                            50 Z       B,F
  Sea Bass         Restores 80HP                            50 Z       B,F
  Sea Bream        Restores 5AP                             80 Z       B,F
  RainbowTrout     Restores 5AP                             80 Z       B,F
  Black Porgy      Restores 20AP                           200 Z       B,F
  Black Bass       Restores 80HP to party members          200 Z       B,F
  Barandy          Restores 240HP to party members        1000 Z       B,F
  Spearfish        Restores 240HP to party members        1000 Z       B,F
  Whale            Restores all members' HP&status        2000 Z       B,F
  Blowfish         Cures poison in party members            40 Z       B,F



  Attack                                                  Selling
  Fish             Description                             Price       Use
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Devilfish        Electric attack vs one target           500 Z         B
  Puffer           Flame attack vs one target               25 Z         B
  Angler           Earthquake(attack vs all targets)       200 Z         B
  Red Catfish      Earthquake(attack vs all targets)       150 Z         B
  MartianSquid     Induces blindness in one target         100 Z         B
  Octopus          Induces blindness in all targets        150 Z         B



  Miscellaneous                                           Selling
  Fish             Description                             Price       Use
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Mackerel         Fish                                    100 Z        F*

  * The Mackerel isn't used from the menu. It's used once only as an ingredient 
    when you are making shisu.                                              



o=====================o
 \ Fishing Locations /
  o=================o

The fishing locations are listed in the order they become available to you. 
Also listed is where you'll find the fishing spot, when it becomes available to
you in the game, the game's description of the spot, and the target fish at 
each. The number of each fish in each hole come courtesy of ZC Liu!


Fishing Spot #1 - West of McNeil Village (Yraall
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "There are lots of small fish swimming
in the stream."

  Available: After defeating the Nue.

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Jellyfish    x10
  - Pirana       x 6
  - RainbowTrout x 4



Fishing Spot #2 - Southwest of McNeil Village, near
the Farm (Yraall Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "You see a familiar shape amongst the
fish..."

  Available: After defeating the Nue.

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Pirana  x8
  - Puffer  x8
  - Trout   x4
  - Manillo x1



Fishing Spot #3 - West of Arena / SW of Maekyss Gorge
(Central Wyndia)
===============================================================================
  Description: "Hangout of the River Gang"

  Available: After Balio and Sunder bring you to Arena

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Puffer       x6
  - RainbowTrout x8
  - Bass         x6
 


Fishing Spot #4 - South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)
===============================================================================
  Description: "A famous spot where everyone catches
the 'big ones'"

  Available: After passing through Mt. Boumore

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Flying Fish x12
  - Blowfish    x 4
  - Black Porgy x 3
  - Octopus     x 4
  - Manillo     x 1



Fishing Spot #5 - Northwest of the Plant (Eastern
Wyndia)
===============================================================================
  Description: "There are lots of different fish
gathered here."

  Available: After agreeing to help Palet at the
Coffee Shop

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Pirana       x8
  - Trout        x4
  - RainbowTrout x4
  - Bass         x4
  - Black Bass   x2



Fishing Spot #6 - East of Mt. Myrneg (Central Wyndia)
===============================================================================
  Description: "Something bizarre is swimming with the
fish here..."

  Available: After defeating the Stallion

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Jellyfish    x10
  - Bass         x 6
  - MartianSquid x 4



Fishing Spot #7 - Northwest of Rhapala (Rhapala
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "This is the best place to get fresh
river fish!"

  Available: As soon as you cross the checkpoint
bridge from Eastern Wyndia.

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Man-o'-War  x10
  - Flying Fish x 8
  - Sea Bream   x 4



Fishing Spot #8 - West of Rhapala (Rhapala Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "A beach famous for good fishing"

  Available: As soon as you cross the checkpoint
bridge from Eastern Wyndia.

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Man-o'-War  x 4
  - Flying Fish x 4
  - Sea Bass    x10
  - Octopus     x 4


Fishing Spot #9 - Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "Area famous for the 'big ones'!"

  Available: After passing through Mt. Zublo

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Sea Bream   x12
  - Black Porgy x 6
  - Angler      x 2
  - Manillo     x 1



Fishing Spot #10 - West of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "The silence is almost tangible in this
hushed place"

  Available: After fighting the Dragon Zombie and
leaving the Mines

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Pirana       x8
  - Trout        x6
  - RainbowTrout x6
  - Barandy      x3
  - Manillo      x1



Fishing Spot #11 - South of Dauna Mine (Dauna Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "They say that some unusual fish live
in the colder areas 
                upstream..."

  Available: After fighting the Dragon Zombie and
leaving the Mines

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Red Catfish  x 3
  - Bass         x10
  - MartianSquid x 4



Fishing Spot #12 - North of Mount Levett (Dauna
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "One of the most popular fishing spots,
just full of big fish"

  Available: After fighting the Weretiger on Ogre Road

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Puffer     x4
  - Trout      x8
  - Black Bass x6



Fishing Spot #13 - Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "Famous octopus fishing bed"

  Available: After passing through the Tidal Caves

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Octopus   x12
  - Angler    x 4
  - Devilfish x 4
  - Manillo   x 1



Fishing Spot #14 - Southwest of Steel Beach (Urkan
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "The best fish in the world are said to
be here in this bed..."

  Available: After talking to Beyd at Junk Town

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Sea Bass  x12
  - Devilfish x 4
  - Spearfish x 2



Fishing Spot #15 - Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan
Region)
===============================================================================
  Description: "Tide pool formed by the Outer Sea and
the Middle Sea"

  Available: After talking to Beyd at Junk Town

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Man-o'-War  x3
  - Flying Fish x3
  - Blowfish    x3
  - Sea Bream   x3
  - Sea Bass    x3
  - Black Porgy x2
  - Octopus     x2
  - Angler      x2
  - Devilfish   x2
  - Spearfish   x1
  - Manillo     x1



Fishing Spot #16 - Near Maekyss Gorge (Central Wyndia)
===============================================================================
  Description: "The best ingredients for that Maekyss
specialty, shisu, can be 
                found here!"

  Available: After talking to the mayor of Parch

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Puffer       x 6
  - MartianSquid x 2
  - Mackerel     x12
   


Fishing Spot #17 - East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)
===============================================================================
  Description: "What kind of fish live here in this
unexplored land?"

  Available: After using the Black Ship to reach the
Lost Shore

  Target Fish
  -----------
  - Man-o'-War  x8
  - Flying Fish x4
  - Spearfish   x2
  - Whale       x2
  - Manillo     x1


o========o
 \ Rods /
  o====o

There aren't that many different rods in BoFIII, but that just means when you 
get a new one, it'll be a lot better. This chart describes each rod's 
capability: how far you can cast (Max Range), the size and speed of the 
Tracking Bar (the green/orange bar that you hover over the fish icon), and the 
strength of the rod (ease of pulling in fish).

                   Max       Tracking       Tracking
  Rod             Range      Bar Size        Speed       Strength
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  Wooden Rod       27m         1/4            Slow           Weak
  Bamboo Rod       34m         1/4            Fast           Weak
  Angling Rod      49m         1/3            Fast           Weak
  Deluxe Rod       34m         1/3            Slow        Average
  Spanner          34m         3/7            Slow         Strong
  Master's Rod     49m         3/7            Fast        Average


Wooden Rod - You can pick this sucker up at the McNeil Item Shop or the Coffee 
Shop Item Shop for 40 Z. You might as well buy one at the beginning because the 
next upgrade isn't for a little while.
   
Bamboo Rod - Find the Bamboo Rod in the Tower a little bit after Momo joins you.
When you reach the room where you charge the platform, take the stairs up, and 
then take the next set of stairs up again. There should be a door here that 
leads to the chest with the rod in it. With better range and speed than the 
Wooden Rod, you won't want to miss it.

Angling Rod - When your Faerie Village is running smoothly, set three Faeries 
to Merchants, and have them pursue the Handyman-Ability path. They get new 
items much faster if all three Faeries have full dark blue bars. If you go out 
and fight 4-5 battles, they'll have a new item. The Angling Rod will be the 4th 
item they put up for sale, and it costs 2,000 Z. Although this rod will allow 
you a much longer reach, it's not really all that great for pulling in the 
strong fish.

Deluxe Rod - After killing Mikba and having Rei join you again, enter the 
nearby hut and pick the lock on the door to reach the rod. Although this rod 
doesn't have quite the reach that the Angling Rod does, I prefer it due to its 
superior strength.

Spanner - You need to bring Momo with you into the Steel Grave because of her 
ability to blow through doors. When you enter the area, head northeast and go 
up the ladder and walk past a couple holes. Take the ladder down on the far 
left and blow through the breakable door. The Spanner is what you'll be 
catching most of your fish with due to its strength and large tracking bar. 
It's totally awesome.

Master's Rod - Reach the rank of Master of Angling++ (9000 points) and clear 
the game to receive the Master's Rod by talking to the fisherman in the ? area 
on the peninsula west of Steel Beach (thanks to Gohanfan01 and DavidK5 for the 
correct info). I don't know about this rod. Granted, the Master's Rod has a 
longer reach than the Spanner, but... The added speed to the tracking bar is 
almost completely useless, because the Spanner's bar is just as long, and it 
really isn't that hard to follow a fish with such a huge bar. And it's just not 
as strong as the Spanner. Stick with the Spanner if you're fishing in general, 
and use the Master's Rod when you quickly wanna catch a Whale or Barandy or 
something.


o========o
 \ Bait /
  o====o

Bait is very plentiful in BoFIII, and can be obtained in a number of ways. 
There are four main bait types, and two special baits total. Typically, each 
fish will have a certain bait type preference, and though a fish will bite any 
bait that falls in that category, you'll usually have more luck with higher 
level bait.

  
  Worm Type      Level     Frog Type      Level      Other        Level
  --------------------     --------------------      ------------------
  Worm             1       Toad             1        Coin          N/A
  Spirit           2       Baby Frog        2        Ding Frog     TOP
  Caro             3       Frog             3 
  Heavy Caro      TOP      Fat Frog        TOP


  Fish Type      Level     Floating Type  Level      
  --------------------     --------------------
  Sinker           1       Old Popper       1
  Float            2       Popper           2
  Hanger           3       Top              3
  Deep Diver      TOP      Dogwalker       TOP


===============================================================================


Level 1 bait locations                   Level 2 bait locations
----------------------                   ----------------------

Worm                                     Spirit
- In a cabinet in Rei's house            - Rhapala Item Shop (50 Z)
- McNeil Item Shop (20 Z)                - Urkan Tapa Item Shop (50 Z)
- Wyndia Item Shop (20 Z)                - Syn City Item Shop (50 Z)
- Coffee Shop Item Shop (20 Z)           - Manillo 

Toad                                     Baby Frog
- McNeil Item Shop (20 Z)                - Rhapala Item Shop (50 Z)
- Wyndia Item Shop (20 Z)                - Urkan Tapa Item Shop (50 Z)
- Coffee Shop Item Shop (20 Z)           - Syn City Item Shop (50 Z)
                                         - Steal from Sleepy
                                         - Manillo

Sinker                                   Float
- McNeil Item Shop (20 Z)                - Rhapala Item Shop (50 Z)
- Wyndia Item Shop (20 Z)                - Urkan Tapa Item Shop (50 Z)
- Coffee Shop Item Shop (20 Z)           - Syn City Item Shop (50 Z)
                                         - Manillo

Old Popper                               Popper
- McNeil Item Shop (20 Z)                - Rhapala Item Shop (50 Z)
- Wyndia Item Shop (20 Z)                - Urkan Tapa Item Shop (50 Z)
- Coffee Shop Item Shop (20 Z)           - Syn City Item Shop (50 Z)
- Dropped by Goblin                      - Manillo



Level 3 bait locations                   Level 4 bait locations
----------------------                   ----------------------

Caro                                     Heavy Caro
- Parch Item Shop (200 Z)                - Slippery cliff on Mt. Glaus
- Kombinat Item Shop (200 Z)             - Manillo
- Manillo

Frog                                     Fat Frog
- Parch Item Shop (200 Z)                - Steal from Hopper
- Kombinat Item Shop (200 Z)             - Dropped by Sleepy
- Manillo                                - Manillo

Hanger                                   Deep Diver
- Parch Item Shop (200 Z)                - Found in the Colony
- Kombinat Item Shop (200 Z)             - Manillo
- Manillo

Top                                      Dogwalker
- Parch Item Shop (200 Z)                - Manillo
- Kombinat Item Shop (200 Z)
- Manillo



Other bait locations
--------------------

Coin
- On the road to Mt. Glaus; In a hole under a rock, use Teepo's kick.
- During the Contest of Champions; in a dresser in a locker room
- After returning to Wyndia; while Nina, search a dresser near the Queen's room
- A chest in the Lighthouse
- A chest in the Tidal Caves
- Inside a house in Parch

Ding Frog
- Become a Master of Angling++ (9000 points) and clear the game; you'll receive 
the Ding Frog by talking to the fisherman in the ? area on the peninsula west 
of Steel Beach  


o=================o
 \ Manillo Shops /
  o=============o

Manillo is the fish guy that you pull up out of the water with Coins as bait. 
He's a merchant, but he won't sell you his items for normal money; he takes 
fish instead. The following list is where you can find each Manillo and what he 
sells at each location.


Fishing Spot #2 - Southwest of McNeil Village, near the Farm (Yraall Region)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Silver Knife   | RainbowTrout X2 |        Trout X2 |              -- |
| Iron Helm      |        Trout X1 |       Pirana X2 |              -- |
| Waistcloth     |        Trout X1 |       Puffer X1 |              -- |
| Spirit         |       Pirana X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Baby Frog      |       Pirana X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Popper         |       Puffer X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Float          |       Puffer X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Skill Ink      | RainbowTrout X1 |        Trout X1 |              -- |
| Bell Collar    |       Angler X3 | MartianSquid X3 |    Sea Bream X5 |
| Holy Mantle    |   Black Bass X3 |         Bass X4 |     Sea Bass X9 |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #4 - South of the Tower (Eastern Wyndia)

.----------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |
|----------------------------------------------------|
| Chain Cap      |         Bass X1 |     Blowfish X3 |
| Crepe Cape     |  Black Porgy X1 |  Flying Fish X4 |
| Spirit         |     Blowfish X3 |              -- |
| Baby Frog      |     Blowfish X3 |              -- |
| Popper         |  Flying Fish X2 |              -- |
| Float          |  Flying Fish X2 |              -- |
| Skill Ink      |      Octopus X2 |              -- |
'----------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #9 - Southeast of Mount Zublo (Urkan Region)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Wisdom Ring    |       Angler X1 |  Black Porgy X2 |    Sea Bream X2 |
| Lion's Belt    | MartianSquid X2 |         Bass X2 |     Sea Bass X4 |
| Ginseng        | MartianSquid X1 |      Octopus X2 |     Sea Bass X3 |
| Caro           |    Sea Bream X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Frog           |    Sea Bream X3 |              -- |              -- |
| Top            |      Octopus X2 |              -- |              -- |
| Hanger         |      Octopus X2 |              -- |              -- |
| Skill Ink      |  Black Porgy X1 |       Angler X1 |              -- |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #10 - West of Northern Checkpoint (Dauna Region)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Wisdom Ring    |   Black Bass X1 | RainbowTrout X5 |        Trout X5 |
| Lion's Belt    |       Angler X1 | RainbowTrout X9 |        Trout X9 |
| Ginseng        |         Bass X2 | RainbowTrout X5 |        Trout X5 |
| Caro           | RainbowTrout X2 |        Trout X3 |              -- |
| Frog           | RainbowTrout X2 |        Trout X3 |              -- |
| Top            | RainbowTrout X3 |        Trout X2 |              -- |
| Hanger         | RainbowTrout X3 |        Trout X2 |              -- |
| Skill Ink      | MartianSquid X2 | RainbowTrout X1 |        Trout X1 |
| Katzbalger     |      Barandy X1 |   Black Bass X2 |  Red Catfish X1 |
| Laurel         |      Barandy X1 |   Black Bass X2 |         Bass X1 |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #13 - Near Cliff (Rhapala Region)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hawk's Ring    |   Black Bass X3 |         Bass X5 |              -- |
| Artemis' Cap   |   Black Bass X2 |       Angler X2 |    Sea Bream X5 |
| Speed Boots    |      Barandy X1 |   Black Bass X1 |    Devilfish X2 |
| Soul Gem       |      Barandy X1 |     Sea Bass X2 |              -- |
| Bell Collar    |    Devilfish X2 |       Angler X3 |    Sea Bream X9 |
| Holy Mantle    |   Black Bass X3 |         Bass X9 |     Sea Bass X9 |
| Skill Ink      |      Octopus X2 |    Devilfish X1 |              -- |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #15 - Far west of Steel Beach (Urkan Region)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Demonsbane     |    Spearfish X1 |   Black Bass X2 |              -- |
| Aries Spear    |    Spearfish X1 |     Sea Bass X9 |    Sea Bream X9 |
| Heavy Caro     |    Devilfish X1 | MartianSquid X1 |      Octopus X2 |
| Fat Frog       |    Devilfish X1 | MartianSquid X1 |      Octopus X2 |
| Dogwalker      |    Devilfish X1 | MartianSquid X1 |      Octopus X2 |
| Deep Diver     |    Devilfish X1 | MartianSquid X1 |      Octopus X2 |
| Skill Ink      |      Octopus X2 |    Devilfish X1 |              -- |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'


Fishing Spot #17 - East of Kombinat (Lost Shore)

.----------------------------------------------------------------------.
| Item           |     Fish 1      |     Fish 2      |     Fish 3      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Royal Sword    |        Whale X1 |    Spearfish X3 |      Barandy X1 |
| Life Armor     |        Whale X1 |    Spearfish X1 |      Barandy X3 |
| Cupid's Lyre   |        Whale X1 |      Barandy X2 |  Red Catfish X5 |
| Shaman'sRing   |        Whale X1 |    Spearfish X3 |  Red Catfish X5 |
| Ivory Dice     |    Spearfish X1 |  Red Catfish X1 |     Mackerel X5 |
| Skill Ink      |    Spearfish X1 |    Devilfish X1 |              -- |
'----------------------------------------------------------------------'

===============================================================================

That about does it for this FAQ. If there's anything I've missed, any mistakes 
I've made, or anything you'd like to add, please E-mail me at:

[email protected]

Special Thanks (all from GameFAQs message boards):

Terence
Youko
Ragnarok500
Gohanfan01
DavidK5
ZC Liu (man, I'm sorry... I totally spaced on the whole updating thing)

This FAQ is copyrighted material and should not be modified or changed in any 
way. Do not claim it as your own, either. This FAQ should be posted only on 
GameFAQs and nowhere else.