Fishing is one of the most relaxing yet rewarding activities in the game, but it comes with a dilemma every angler faces: should you keep your fish whole or convert them into fish bits? On top of that, you might be wondering how to upgrade your fishing rod, what rewards you can get from turning in fish bits beyond the fabled Giant Crab, and what to do with all those fish piling up in your inventory. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from basic mechanics to end-game rewards, so you can make the most of every cast.
Whether you are a weekend fisherman looking for a new pet or a hardcore angler chasing every upgrade, understanding the fish bits economy is key. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Fish and Fish Bits
Before deciding the fate of your catch, you need to understand the two forms fish can take: fresh fish and fish bits. When you pull a fish out of the water, it starts out as a whole fish item that can be used in cooking recipes, consumed raw for a small health boost, or given to certain NPCs for quests and reputation. However, there is an alternative: you can break the fish down into fish bits, which is a form of currency used exclusively with the Fishmonger or similar vendor to purchase special rewards.
Fish bits are obtained by using a cutting tool on a fish in your inventory, or by interacting with a dedicated processing station (often found near fishing hubs). The conversion rate varies: common fish give 1-2 bits, while rare or trophy-sized fish can yield up to 10 bits. It pays to check the bit value of each fish before deciding, because some species are far more valuable as bits than as food or quest items.
Should You Keep Fish or Convert Them to Bits?
The answer depends on your current goals. Keeping fish as whole items is best when:
- You need food. Cooked fish provides a substantial health and stamina boost, far better than raw ingredients.
- You have an active quest or NPC request. Some characters will ask for specific fish, rewarding you with rare items or progression.
- You are decorating or collecting. Certain fish can be placed as trophies or used to feed pets.
On the other hand, converting fish to fish bits is the way to go if:
- You are working toward a vendor reward. The Giant Crab is the most famous, but there are many other unlocks that require a set number of bits.
- Your fishing skill is high and you catch plenty of fish. Surplus fish can be funneled into bits to speed up reward acquisition.
- The fish has low nutritional or quest value. Common carp or minnows are almost always better off as bits.
A balanced approach is to keep a small stockpile of each fish type for cooking and quests, then convert the rest. This way you never miss out on a sudden request and still make steady progress toward those juicy rewards.
How to Collect Fish Bits and Upgrade Your Rod
Collecting fish bits is straightforward once you know the process. After catching a fish, open your inventory and select the “break down” option, or take it to the nearest processing table. The table is often found at fishing docks or inside the Fishmonger’s shop. Simply interact, choose the fish you want to convert, and the bits will be added to your currency wallet.
To maximize your bit income, focus on fishing spots where high-yield species are common. Time of day, weather, and bait type all affect what you catch. Using better bait and fishing in deep water during specific seasons can land you trophy fish that are worth far more bits. Some anglers even swear by fishing during storms, when rare species are more active.
Upgrading your fishing rod is essential for catching those high-value fish and increasing your bit collection speed. Rod upgrades are typically unlocked through the Fishmonger or a dedicated fishing quest line. The progression usually looks like this:
- Starter Rod: Can catch only small common fish. No bait slot.
- Improved Rod: Requires 50 fish bits and a few pieces of wood or metal. Allows basic bait and catches medium fish.
- Advanced Rod: Costs 200 fish bits, some rare components from other activities, and a crafting bench. Unlocks all bait types and large fish.
- Master Rod: The final upgrade, often locked behind a tough quest or a mountain of fish bits (500+). Guarantees the highest catch rates and can reel in legendary fish.
Check the Fishmonger’s stock or your crafting menu for exact recipes, as they can vary with game updates. Generally, you will need to combine fish bits with materials like sturdy wood, refined metal, and sometimes monster drops to craft each tier. Upgrading is always worthwhile because it unlocks better fish, which means more bits per cast.
Fish Bit Rewards: Beyond the Giant Crab
Everyone talks about the Giant Crab, and for good reason: it is a massive, rideable pet that follows you around and even helps in combat by pinching enemies. But fish bits can buy much more than that. Depending on your game version, the reward shop may include:
- Cosmetic items: Fishing-themed hats, backpacks, and boat decorations.
- Unique furniture: Fish tanks, mountable trophy plaques, and underwater-themed lamps.
- Consumable boosts: Bait that increases rare fish spawns, temporary luck potions, or food items with extreme stat boosts.
- New fishing tools: Specialized rods with unique effects, like a Lava Rod for lava fishing or an Ice Rod for frozen lakes.
- Pets and mounts: Aside from the Giant Crab, there may be seahorses, turtles, or even a baby kraken that require a huge number of bits.
The Giant Crab is typically the most expensive item, requiring around 1,000 fish bits. However, do not overlook the smaller rewards: a fancy hat might only cost 20 bits and make your outfit pop, while a piece of furniture can complete a room. Prioritize according to your playstyle. If you love building, go for furniture and decorations first. If you are a min-maxer, save for the best rod upgrades and tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fish in the game worth keeping or just for fish bits?
Fish are worth keeping for cooking, quests, and decoration, but fish bits are the only way to obtain exclusive rewards like the Giant Crab. The best strategy is to keep a small reserve of each fish type and convert the rest into bits.
What should I do with all my fish?
If you have an overflowing inventory, first check if any active quests or cooking recipes need them. Then, convert the remainder into fish bits to work toward rewards and rod upgrades. Selling whole fish to vendors is usually less profitable than bits.
Are there other rewards for turning in fish bits besides the Giant Crab?
Yes, the fish bits shop offers a wide variety of items, including cosmetic gear, furniture, bait, consumable buffs, alternative fishing rods, and even other pets and mounts. The Giant Crab is just the most iconic.
How do you collect fish bits and get better fishing rods?
Collect fish bits by breaking down fish at a processing station or from your inventory using the “break down” command. To get better rods, spend fish bits and other materials at the Fishmonger or craft them at a workbench. Rod upgrades improve catch size and bait compatibility, making it easier to farm bits faster.
Fishing in this game is a deep system that rewards patience and strategy. By balancing your fish stockpile with bit conversion and wisely spending your bits on upgrades and rewards, you will soon have the best gear and the coolest companion. Now grab your rod and cast away.
