Are There Better Fishing Rods in Pokemon Moon

Wondering if there are better fishing rods in Pokemon Moon? This guide breaks down every rod, where to find upgrades, and practical tricks to boost your catches. Read on for clear steps and insider tips that even seasoned trainers love.

Key Takeaways

• Three rods exist: Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod, each catching progressively rarer Pokémon.
• Super Rod is the best: It appears after completing the main story and unlocking the Alola region’s full map.
• Location matters: Certain bodies of water favor specific rods; learning these spots maximizes success.
• Upgrade tricks: Using the Poké Finder and time‑of‑day bonuses can make the Good Rod feel like a Super Rod.
• Side quests help: Completing the “Fishing Competition” in Hau’oli City rewards a temporary boost to rod effectiveness.
• Comparisons: While the rods are fixed, other games like Animal Crossing let you upgrade, a useful perspective for players.
• Practical tip: Always carry a Pokéball and a bait‑type item (like a Sweet Berry) to increase catch rates.

Introduction: Why the Fishing Rod Matters in Pokemon Moon

Fishing in Pokemon Moon isn’t just a side activity—it’s a reliable way to fill your Pokédex, earn rare items, and even stumble upon exclusive Pokémon that don’t appear in the wild. Many new trainers ask, “are there better fishing rods in Pokemon Moon?” The short answer is yes, but the answer is also layered. Unlike some games where you can buy limitless upgrades, Pokemon Moon gives you three distinct rods, each with its own strengths and limitations.

This article walks you through every rod, how to unlock the best one, and the best spots to use each. We’ll also sprinkle in a few real‑world fishing analogies and link to related guides on our site for a broader perspective.

Understanding the Three Fishing Rods

1. Old Rod – The Starter

The Old Rod is handed to you by the fisherman in the Seaward House on Route 1. It’s the most basic tool and only catches Magikarp and the occasional Surskit. While it feels limited, it’s perfect for early‑game trainers who want to experiment with timing and bait.

2. Good Rod – The Mid‑Tier Upgrade

After you beat the first island’s trial and speak with the fisherman again, he upgrades you to the Good Rod. This rod expands your catch pool to include Barboach, Corphish, and even the elusive Staryu in certain weather conditions. It’s a clear step up and often the rod most players use for the majority of their island exploration.

3. Super Rod – The Ultimate Tool

The Super Rod is the crown jewel. You receive it after completing the Alola League and unlocking the post‑game content. With the Super Rod, you can reel in rare Pokémon like Wishiwashi, Luvdisc, and even the legendary Mewtwo in specific hidden locations. This is the rod most players refer to when they ask, “are there better fishing rods in Pokemon Moon?”

How to Unlock the Super Rod

Complete the Main Story

The first requirement is finishing the Island Challenge and defeating the Elite Four. Once you become the Alola Champion, head back to the Seaward House. The fisherman will congratulate you and hand over the Super Rod.

Explore Post‑Game Areas

After receiving the Super Rod, you’ll notice new fishing spots open up, especially around the Seafoam Islands and the Ultra Wormhole lakes. These locations have higher encounter rates for rare water‑type Pokémon.

Side Quest Boosts

Don’t overlook the “Fishing Competition” in Hau’oli City. Winning this mini‑event grants a temporary “Rod Boost” that increases the chance of encountering shiny Pokémon while using any rod.

Best Locations for Each Rod

Old Rod Hotspots

• Route 1’s shoreline – perfect for early Magikarp.
• Seaward House pond – a guaranteed Surskit if you’re patient.

Good Rod Hotspots

• Tapu Village’s river – Barboach appears frequently during the day.
• Akala’s Malie City fountain – Corphish shows up at night.
• Ula’ula’s Seafolk Village – Staryu spawns after rain.

Super Rod Hotspots

• Lake of Outrage (post‑game) – Chance for Wishiwashi and Rare Luvdisc.
• Seafolk Village’s dock – Mewtwo appears only during a full moon event.
• Ultra Wormhole water portals – Random legendary water Pokémon.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Catch Rate

Use the Poké Finder

Activating the Poké Finder while fishing gives you a subtle visual cue when a rare Pokémon is nearby. This tool works best with the Good and Super Rods.

Timing and Bait

Just like real fishing, the time of day and bait type matter. Bring a Sweet Berry in your bag and feed it to the rod’s “bait slot” (a hidden feature unlocked after the first Ultra Beast battle). This increases the chance of catching a higher‑level Pokémon by up to 15%.

Weather Effects

Rainy weather in Pokemon Moon boosts the appearance of water‑type Pokémon. If you’re using the Good Rod, a rainstorm can turn a common Corphish encounter into a rare Staryu.

Patience and Reels

When a splash appears, wait a moment before pressing “A.” Reacting too quickly can cause the Pokémon to break free. Think of it like waiting for a fish to bite on a real hook.

Comparing Pokemon Moon’s Rods to Other Games

If you’re familiar with fishing mechanics in other titles, you’ll notice that Pokemon Moon’s rods are static, unlike the upgrade system in games such as Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley. In those games, you can craft or purchase better poles that improve casting distance and bite rate. Pokemon Moon keeps the experience simple: three rods, each unlocked by progression, keeping the focus on exploration rather than gear grinding.

Common Misconceptions About Better Rods

Myth: You Can Buy a Super Rod Early

Some players think the Super Rod can be purchased from the Poke Mart after a certain amount of money is saved. This isn’t true; it’s strictly a story‑driven reward.

Myth: Using the Old Rod is Useless After Getting the Good Rod

While the Old Rod catches fewer species, it’s still the fastest way to farm Magikarp for evolution into Gyarados, especially in early battles where you need a strong water‑type.

Myth: All Water Pokémon Are Available With the Super Rod

Even the Super Rod has limits. Some exclusive Pokémon, like Alolan Raichu in water form, only appear during special events or via in‑game trades.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Fishing Adventure

So, are there better fishing rods in Pokemon Moon? Absolutely—progression unlocks the Good Rod and finally the Super Rod, each offering a broader and more exciting catch pool. By mastering the locations, timing, and a few simple tricks, you can turn a casual pastime into a powerful tool for completing your Pokédex and discovering hidden treasures.

Remember to keep an eye on the weather, use the Poké Finder, and take advantage of side quests like the Fishing Competition. With these strategies, you’ll become the ultimate Alolan angler in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Super Rod before beating the Elite Four?

No. The Super Rod is only awarded after you become the Alola Champion and complete the main storyline.

Does the Good Rod ever catch rare Pokémon?

Yes, under specific conditions such as rain or night time, the Good Rod can catch rarer water‑type Pokémon like Staryu.

Is there any way to increase the catch rate of the Super Rod?

Using the Poké Finder, feeding Sweet Berries as bait, and fishing during a full moon all improve your odds.

Do I need to buy any items to use the rods?

No. The rods work out of the box, but carrying extra Poké Balls and Sweet Berries helps.

Can I fish in the same spot with different rods for better results?

Yes. Switching rods in the same location can yield different Pokémon, so experiment to see what works best.

Are there any hidden fishing spots not listed in the guide?

Some players have reported rare spawns near hidden waterfalls on Ula’ula. Exploring off the beaten path can reveal surprises.