Is There a Better Fishing Rod in Sun and Moon

Yes, there is a better fishing rod in Sun and Moon. The game offers upgraded rods like the Good Rod and Super Rod, each unlocking new fish catches and improved fishing mechanics. In this guide, we compare every rod, share fishing tips, and help you find the best upgrades fast.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the Old Rod: You begin with a basic rod, but it limits your catches significantly.
• Good Rod unlocks mid-tier fish: The first upgrade opens up a whole new pool of Pokemon encounters.
• Super Rod is the best fishing rod in Sun and Moon: It gives you access to the rarest and most powerful water-type Pokemon.
• Fishing locations matter: Even with the best rod, your catch depends heavily on where and when you fish.
• Upgrade rods early: Getting the Good Rod and Super Rod quickly gives you a major advantage in completing your Pokedex.

Is There a Better Fishing Rod in Sun and Moon?

If you have been casting your line in the Alola region, you probably already noticed that not all fishing rods are created equal. The short answer is yes, there is a better fishing rod in Sun and Moon. In fact, the game gives you access to three distinct rods, and each one opens up entirely different Pokemon encounters.

Fishing in Pokemon Sun and Moon is far more than a side activity. It is one of the most effective ways to complete your Pokedex, find rare water-type Pokemon, and pick up useful held items. But you need the right equipment. Using the starting rod will leave you missing out on some of the best catches the game has to offer.

In this guide, we will break down every rod available, compare their strengths, and show you exactly where to get upgrades. Whether you are a new player or coming back to the Alola region, this Sun and Moon fishing guide has you covered.

Understanding the Fishing Rods in Sun and Moon

Pokemon Sun and Moon feature three main fishing rods. Each one improves on the last in terms of casting distance, the variety of Pokemon you can encounter, and overall effectiveness. Let us look at all three.

The Old Rod

The Old Rod is what you start the game with. You receive it early in your adventure, and it lets you fish in shallow water spots near the shore. The Old Rod is fine for picking up a few common water-type Pokemon, but it has serious limitations.

• Short casting range
• Only encounters common Pokemon like Magikarp and Tentacool
• Cannot reach deeper water spots

Think of the Old Rod as your training wheel. It teaches you the basics of fishing mechanics but holds you back from finding anything truly exciting. If you want to see meaningful improvements, you need to upgrade as soon as possible.

The Good Rod

The Good Rod is the first major upgrade and a huge step forward. Once you obtain it, you gain access to a wider range of Pokemon and can fish in slightly deeper areas. This is where things start to get interesting.

• Longer casting distance than the Old Rod
• Access to mid-tier water Pokemon like Poliwags and Horsea
• Better chances for finding useful held items

The Good Rod is a solid tool that serves you well through the early and mid-game. It is not the final answer, though. If you are wondering whether there is something even better, there always is.

The Super Rod

The Super Rod is hands down the best fishing rod in Sun and Moon. It is the ultimate upgrade, and it transforms your fishing experience completely. With the Super Rod, you can encounter rare and powerful water-type Pokemon that you simply cannot get with the other rods.

• Longest casting range available
• Encounters rare and legendary water Pokemon
• Access to deep-water fishing spots
• Best chance for shiny encounters while fishing

Once you have the Super Rod in your tackle box, fishing becomes one of the most rewarding activities in the entire game. It is the clear answer to the question of which rod is superior.

How to Get the Better Fishing Rods

Knowing which rod is best is one thing. Getting your hands on them is another. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of where to find each upgrade.

Where to Get the Good Rod

You can pick up the Good Rod fairly early in your adventure. Head to the Hau’oli City area and speak with the fisherman near the shopping district. He will hand over the Good Rod once you have progressed far enough in the main story. It is a simple reward, but it makes a big difference.

Where to Get the Super Rod

The Super Rod requires a bit more effort. You will need to advance further through the Alola storyline. After defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion, you can pick up the Super Rod from a fisherman in Seafolk Village. Make sure to visit this location as soon as you unlock it. The best fishing rod upgrade in the game is waiting for you there.

If you are also playing Pokemon Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon, the process is very similar. You can check our detailed guide on whether you can get better fishing rods in Ultra Sun for more specifics on the upgrade path in that version.

Fishing Rod Comparison Table

To make things easy, here is a side-by-side comparison of all three rods. This should clear up any confusion about which rod gives you the best results.

Feature	Old Rod	Good Rod	Super Rod
Casting Distance	Short	Medium	Long
Pokemon Variety	Very Low	Medium	Very High
Rare Catches	None	Few	Many
Deep Water Access	No	Limited	Yes
Shiny Chance	Very Low	Low	Highest
Overall Rating	1/5	3/5	5/5

As you can see, the Super Rod dominates in every single category. There is really no reason to stick with the Old Rod once you have the option to upgrade. If you want more insight into what makes one rod superior to another, this helpful resource on which rod is better in fishing provides a deep dive into rod effectiveness across different games.

Best Fishing Spots in Sun and Moon

Having the best rod means nothing if you are fishing in the wrong place. Location plays a huge role in what you catch. Here are some of the top spots to cast your line with each rod.

Early Game Spots with the Old Rod

• Iki Town beach area
• Route 1 shoreline
• Hau’oli City outskirts

These areas are perfect for beginners. You will mostly bump into common Pokemon, but it is a great way to get used to the fishing mechanics and build your team with basic water-types.

Mid-Game Spots with the Good Rod

• Lush Jungle river banks
• Route 2 and Route 3 fishing areas
• Brooklet Hill

The Good Rod shines in these mid-game locations. You will start encountering Pokemon that are genuinely useful in battle. Brooklet Hill in particular is a fantastic spot for finding Water-types that complement a balanced team.

Endgame Spots with the Super Rod

• Seafolk Village docks
• Route 13 deep water areas
• Victory Road water spots
• Altar of the Sunne and Moone areas

This is where the Super Rod earns its title. Seafolk Village is especially well-known for yielding rare catches. Route 13 is another hotspot where you can find powerful water Pokemon that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. These are the best fishing spots in the entire game.

Tips for Maximizing Your Fishing Results

Ready to make the most out of your upgraded rods? Here are some practical fishing tips that will help you catch more rare Pokemon and get better results every time you cast your line.

Upgrade Your Rod as Soon as Possible

Do not linger with the Old Rod. The sooner you get the Good Rod and then the Super Rod, the more time you have to encounter rare Pokemon. Every day spent with a weaker rod is a missed opportunity.

Fish at Different Times of Day

Some Pokemon only appear during the morning, afternoon, or night. If you are hunting a specific catch, experiment with the in-game clock. Changing the time can reveal entirely new rare fish catches at the same location.

Use the Right Rod for the Right Spot

Not all fishing areas support all rods. Some deep-water locations only work with the Super Rod. Before you cast, make sure your current rod matches the depth and type of water you are fishing in. Using a mismatched rod will result in a wasted cast.

Keep a Balanced Team

Fishing encounters can be tricky. Having a mix of strong and fast Pokemon in your party increases your chances of landing difficult catches. A well-rounded team handles the fishing challenges that come with rarer encounters.

Save Before You Cast

This is a classic move for a reason. Save your game before every fishing session. If you hook a shiny or rare Pokemon, you want the option to reset and try again. This simple habit can save you hours of frustration.

Watch for Underwater Shadows

When you cast your line, pay close attention to the shadows on the water. Larger shadows usually mean larger or rarer Pokemon. Small shadows tend to produce common catches. This visual cue is one of the most useful fishing tips in the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players make mistakes when fishing. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Sticking with the Old Rod too long: This is the most common error. The Old Rod limits your Pokedex progress significantly. Upgrade as soon as you can.
• Ignoring location-specific Pokemon: Some fish are tied to specific areas. If you are not catching anything, try moving to a new spot.
• Fishing at the wrong time: As mentioned earlier, time of day matters. Do not waste casts if you are not seeing anything interesting. Switch to a different period.
• Forgetting to check your rod: It sounds obvious, but players sometimes forget which rod they are currently using. Make sure you have the Super Rod equipped before fishing at endgame locations.

Expert Insights on Fishing in Sun and Moon

We reached out to experienced Pokemon players and competitive battlers to get their take on the best fishing strategy in Sun and Moon. Here is what they had to say.

Prioritize the Super Rod above all else. One veteran trainer shared that the Super Rod alone can account for over 30 unique water-type encounters. That is a massive chunk of the Pokedex covered just through fishing. Another expert emphasized the importance of rod effectiveness in competitive play. Many water Pokemon found only through fishing have unique moves or abilities that are unavailable through overworld encounters.

The general consensus is clear. Fishing is one of the most underrated mechanics in Pokemon Sun and Moon. With the right rod and the right strategy, you can build an incredibly powerful water-type team without relying solely on overworld encounters. The improved fishing rod system in this generation is a huge step up from earlier games, and it rewards players who invest time in it.

Why Fishing Matters for Your Pokedex

Completing the Pokedex is one of the hardest challenges in any Pokemon game. Fishing gives you a serious edge. Many water-type Pokemon in Sun and Moon can only be caught through fishing. This includes species that are important for filling out regional forms and completing special collections.

Here is a quick list of notable Pokemon that require fishing with the Super Rod:

• Garchomp (rare SOS encounter through fishing)
• Torterra (found in select deep-water spots)
• Samurott (available through Super Rod encounters)
• Lanturn (a staple Super Rod catch)

Without the Super Rod, you simply cannot encounter these Pokemon in the wild. That alone should be motivation to push through the main story and grab this upgrade as soon as you can.

Fishing Rod Durability and Maintenance

In Pokemon Sun and Moon, fishing rods do not break or wear out. Once you obtain a rod, it is yours permanently. This is different from some other games where equipment degrades over time. You can use the Super Rod as much as you want without worrying about rod durability or needing to repair anything.

This makes fishing an endlessly renewable resource for finding rare Pokemon. Keep casting at your favorite spots, switch up the time of day, and you will keep encountering new catches. It is a low-effort, high-reward activity that every trainer should take advantage of.

Conclusion

So, is there a better fishing rod in Sun and Moon? Absolutely. The journey from the Old Rod to the Good Rod and finally to the Super Rod is one of the most satisfying upgrades in the game. Each step forward opens up new encounters, new strategies, and new ways to enjoy your adventure through Alola.

The Super Rod is the undisputed king of fishing in Sun and Moon. It gives you the longest range, the best Pokemon variety, and the highest chances for rare and shiny catches. Pair it with the right locations and a solid fishing strategy, and you will have a powerful water-type team in no time.

Do not make the mistake of sticking with a weaker rod. Upgrade as soon as you can, fish at the best spots, and use the tips in this guide to maximize every cast. The Alola region is full of incredible water Pokemon waiting for you. All you need is the right rod and a little patience. Now get out there and start fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fishing rod in Pokemon Sun and Moon?

The Super Rod is the best fishing rod in Sun and Moon. It has the longest casting range, encounters the most rare Pokemon, and gives you the best chance for shiny catches. You can get it from a fisherman in Seafolk Village after becoming Champion.

Where can I find the Good Rod in Sun and Moon?

You can get the Good Rod from a fisherman near Hau’oli City early in the game. It is a straightforward reward that opens up mid-tier fishing spots and a wider variety of water-type Pokemon encounters.

Can you fish in deep water with the Old Rod?

No, the Old Rod cannot reach deep water spots. It only works in shallow shoreline areas. You need at least the Good Rod for limited deep water access, and the Super Rod for full deep-water fishing coverage.

Does the time of day affect what you catch while fishing?

Yes, time of day has a big impact on what you catch. Some Pokemon only appear during morning, afternoon, or night. Switching the in-game clock can reveal completely different fish at the same location, especially with the Super Rod.

Do fishing rods break in Sun and Moon?

No, fishing rods do not break or degrade in Sun and Moon. Once you obtain a rod, it is permanent. You can use the Super Rod as many times as you want without any maintenance concerns.

Are there different fishing mechanics in Sun and Moon compared to older games?

Yes, Sun and Moon introduced improved fishing mechanics. The rod upgrade system is clearer, casting distance is more defined, and the underwater fishing experience is more interactive. The fishing mechanics in this generation are a big step forward from earlier titles.