Is There a Better Fishing Rod in Pokemon Sun

Yes, there is a better fishing rod in Pokemon Sun. The game offers three rods — the Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod — each unlocking new fishing spots and rarer Pokemon. Upgrading your rod is essential for completing your Pokedex and finding powerful water-type Pokemon. This guide shows you exactly how to get each rod, what you can catch, and which rod is the best choice for your team.

If you are playing Pokemon Sun and wondering whether a better fishing rod exists, the answer is a definite yes. Fishing is one of the most rewarding activities in the game, and having the right rod makes all the difference. You start with the weakest option, but as you progress, you unlock tools that open up entirely new Pokemon encounters.

This article breaks down every fishing rod available in Pokemon Sun. We will cover how to get each one, what Pokemon you can catch, and why upgrading matters. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trainer looking to fill out your Pokedex, this guide has you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Three rods are available: Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod — each progressively better.
• The Super Rod is the best fishing rod in Pokemon Sun for accessing deep-water Pokemon and rare encounters.
• You must progress through the story to unlock each new rod upgrade.
• Different rods catch different Pokemon, so using all three expands your options significantly.
• Fishing locations matter — some spots only work with specific rods.
• Water-type Pokemon found via fishing can fill key gaps in your team lineup.
• The Old Rod is a great starting tool but quickly becomes outdated as you advance.

Why Your Fishing Rod Matters in Pokemon Sun

Fishing in Pokemon Sun is not just a mini-game. It is a core mechanic for finding water-type Pokemon and completing your collection. The rod you use determines which Pokemon appear and where you can find them. Using the right fishing rod Pokemon Sun strategy saves you time and effort.

Think of your rod like a key. Each new rod unlocks doors that the old one cannot open. A better fishing rod means access to rarer Pokemon, better spots, and more diverse encounters. This is especially important if you are trying to build a balanced team with strong water-type members.

How Fishing Works in Pokemon Sun

When you approach a body of water with a rod equipped, you will see ripples on the surface. These ripples are your fishing spots. Press A to cast your line, and wait for a bite. The type of Pokemon you hook depends on the rod you are using and the location you are fishing in.

Some spots only work with certain rods. For example, the Old Rod will not give you the same results as the Super Rod. This is why upgrading early and often is so important for any trainer who wants to catch rare water-type Pokemon in the game.

All Fishing Rods Available in Pokemon Sun

Pokemon Sun gives you three rods throughout your adventure. Each one is better than the last. Here is a full breakdown of what you get and when you get it.

The Old Rod

The Old Rod is your starter fishing tool. You receive it early in the game from a fisherman on Route 2. It is basic and limited, but it gets the job done for the first few hours of play.

With the Old Rod, you can only fish for common water-type Pokemon. The selection is small, and the encounters are not very exciting. However, it is a solid way to learn how fishing works in the game. You will mostly catch Pokemon like Magikarp and Tentacool. These are fine for beginners, but you will want to move past this rod quickly.

If you are looking for something better, check out our guide on getting a better fishing rod in Pokemon Moon for comparison tips that also apply to Sun.

The Good Rod

The Good Rod is a clear step up. You unlock it as you progress through the main story. It opens up new fishing locations and gives you access to stronger water-type Pokemon.

With the Good Rod, you can now fish in deeper waters and encounter Pokemon like Poliwag, Horsea, and Feebas. These are much more useful for building a competitive team. The Good Rod also increases your chances of finding Pokemon with better stats and potential.

The Good Rod is a great middle-ground option. It is not the final word, but it covers a lot of ground while you work toward the ultimate rod.

The Super Rod

The Super Rod is the best fishing rod in Pokemon Sun, period. You earn it later in the game, and it completely changes your fishing experience. This rod lets you fish in the deepest spots and encounter the rarest water-type Pokemon in the game.

With the Super Rod, you can catch Pokemon like Gyarados, Milotic, and even some version-exclusive water types. The encounter rates for rare Pokemon are much higher too. If you want to complete your Pokedex or build a powerhouse water team, the Super Rod is non-negotiable.

For trainers wondering how this compares to other games, our article on better fishing rods in Pokemon Moon explains the differences across versions.

Rod Comparison Table

Rod	When You Get It	Best For	Rare Pokemon
Old Rod	Early game (Route 2)	Beginners, learning basics	Magikarp, Tentacool
Good Rod	Mid-game	Building a water team	Poliwag, Horsea, Feebas
Super Rod	Late game	Rare catches, Pokedex completion	Gyarados, Milotic, version exclusives

Best Fishing Spots for Each Rod

Not all fishing spots are created equal. Where you fish matters just as much as which rod you use. Here are the best locations for each rod type in Pokemon Sun.

Old Rod Spots

The Old Rod works in shallow, calm waters. Route 2 and the early beach areas are your best bet. These spots are easy to access and perfect for grinding experience with low-level water Pokemon.

Use the Old Rod to stock up on basic supplies and get comfortable with the fishing mechanic. It is not glamorous, but it sets a solid foundation for your journey.

Good Rod Spots

Once you have the Good Rod, head to routes with deeper water. Routes near the coast and larger bodies of water give you the best results. You will start seeing more variety in the Pokemon that bite.

The Good Rod also works in spots that the Old Rod cannot reach. This means you can explore more of the map and find Pokemon you would otherwise miss. It is a big quality-of-life upgrade.

Super Rod Spots

The Super Rod opens up the most exclusive fishing locations. Look for the deepest parts of rivers, lakes, and oceans. These spots often have rare ripples that indicate a valuable catch is waiting.

Save your Super Rod for these prime locations. Using it everywhere wastes the opportunity to find the rarest Pokemon in the game. Save it for deep-water spots and you will be rewarded handsomely.

How to Maximize Your Fishing Results

Having a better fishing rod is only part of the equation. How you fish also makes a big difference. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of every fishing session in Pokemon Sun.

Use the Right Pokemon in Your Party

Before you start fishing, make sure you have a strong water-type Pokemon in your party. This helps you handle encounters that are tougher than expected. It also ensures you can survive long fishing sessions without needing to heal as often.

Some trainers also recommend keeping an Electric-type Pokemon handy. Electric types are strong against water Pokemon and can help you catch things like Pikachu or Jolteon that appear near fishing spots.

Fish During the Right Time of Day

Pokemon Sun has day and night cycles, and some Pokemon only appear at certain times. If you are fishing for a specific Pokemon, check whether it is a daytime or nighttime encounter. Fishing at the right time dramatically increases your chances of finding what you are looking for.

For more tips on timing your fishing sessions, read our article on why fishing is better in the morning for general advice that applies to Pokemon Sun too.

Explore Every Body of Water

Do not skip any water spot on the map. Even if a location looks unimpressive, it might hold a rare Pokemon you need. The Super Rod especially rewards exploration, as some of the best catches are hidden in the most unexpected places.

Make it a habit to fish at every ripple you see. You never know when a rare encounter will pop up. Over time, this habit will fill out your Pokedex faster than you thought possible.

Upgrade Your Rod as Soon as Possible

It can be tempting to stick with the Old Rod because it feels familiar. But upgrading early gives you a huge advantage. The Good Rod and Super Rod both unlock new Pokemon and new areas, so do not delay your upgrade for too long.

If you are curious about how rod upgrades work in other fishing games or simulators, check out how to get a better fishing rod in Fishing Simulator for broader insights.

Common Mistakes Trainers Make When Fishing

Even experienced trainers make fishing mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.

• Sticking with the Old Rod too long. The Old Rod is fine for the first hour, but it holds you back from rare catches. Upgrade as soon as you can.
• Fishing at every spot randomly. Not all spots are worth your time. Focus on deep-water areas and ripples for the best results.
• Ignoring the time of day. Many rare Pokemon are time-specific. Check your Pokedex for encounter conditions before you fish.
• Forgetting to save before fishing rare spots. If you are hunting for a rare Pokemon, save your game first. This way you can reset if you do not get the encounter you want.
• Not having the right team. Fishing without a strong team means you might lose Pokemon during encounters. Always be prepared.

Expert Insights: Why the Super Rod Changes Everything

From a competitive standpoint, the Super Rod is the most important upgrade in Pokemon Sun. It is the difference between a basic water team and a powerhouse lineup. The Pokemon you can catch with the Super Rod have higher base stats and better movepools than what you find with the other rods.

Many competitive players consider the Super Rod essential for building a top-tier team. Pokemon like Milotic and Gyarados are staples in competitive play, and you can only reliably find them through Super Rod fishing. If you take your Pokemon Sun experience seriously, the Super Rod is a must-have.

For trainers interested in how fishing compares across different games, our piece on which rod is better in fish provides additional context on rod selection across platforms.

Final Thoughts on the Best Fishing Rod in Pokemon Sun

The answer to whether there is a better fishing rod in Pokemon Sun is clear. The Super Rod is the best option, but you need to earn it through story progression. Each rod in the game serves a purpose, and using all three gives you the best possible fishing experience.

Start with the Old Rod, upgrade to the Good Rod as soon as you can, and save the Super Rod for the late game. Follow the tips in this guide, fish at the right spots, and you will have a water-type team that competes with the best in the game.

Fishing in Pokemon Sun is more than just a side activity. It is a path to some of the most powerful and beautiful Pokemon in the game. Grab your rod, hit the water, and start catching. Your best catches are waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fishing rod in Pokemon Sun?

The Super Rod is the best fishing rod in Pokemon Sun. It unlocks the rarest water-type Pokemon and gives you access to deep-water fishing spots that the other rods cannot reach. You earn it later in the main story, and it is well worth the wait.

How do you get the Good Rod in Pokemon Sun?

You receive the Good Rod as you progress through the main storyline. It replaces the Old Rod and opens up new fishing locations with better Pokemon encounters. Check with the fisherman NPCs in the game to find your next upgrade.

Can you use the Old Rod after getting the Super Rod?

Yes, you can still use the Old Rod at any time. However, it only catches common water Pokemon and will not give you access to the rarer encounters available with the Super Rod. Most trainers switch to the Super Rod as soon as they get it.

Are there different Pokemon you can catch with each rod?

Yes, absolutely. Each rod has a different pool of Pokemon it can encounter. The Old Rod catches basic water types, the Good Rod adds mid-tier species, and the Super Rod gives you access to rare and powerful water Pokemon like Gyarados and Milotic.

Does the time of day affect fishing in Pokemon Sun?

Yes, the time of day does affect what Pokemon you can catch while fishing. Some water-type Pokemon only appear during the day, while others are nighttime exclusive. Check your Pokedex for specific encounter conditions to maximize your fishing results.

Is fishing in Pokemon Sun worth the time investment?

Fishing is absolutely worth your time in Pokemon Sun. It is one of the best ways to build a strong water-type team, fill gaps in your Pokedex, and find rare Pokemon that are hard to get through other methods. With the right rod and the right spots, you will be rewarded with some of the most valuable catches in the game.