Bait Guide — All Baits & Which Boss They Summon
Progression in the How to Fish game is gated by bait. You can't just cast anywhere and expect a boss — each island's boss fish ignores normal bait and demands its own specialized attractant. This hub covers the three core baits, their tiers, how to obtain each, and which boss every bait unlocks.
Bait Tier List
How to Fish has three named bait tiers. Each step up unlocks a deeper island boss:
1 · Worm Bait (Starter)
The basic starter bait you begin the game with. It's good for catching generic fish and Drip variants to build early money, but it will not summon any island boss. Think of it as your economy bait — use it to fund the rods and weapons you'll need later.
→ Rod Upgrades guide · → Fast Money & Trick Shots
2 · Leech Bait (Island 2)
When you reach Island 2, the local boss fish completely ignores normal bait. Leech Bait cannot be purchased from any shop — it spawns directly on the ground scattered across the island. Equip it to your rod and cast into the deep waters around Island 2 to trigger the encounter.
- Get it: Forage on the ground on Island 2 (look for small, dark, wriggling objects on sand and grass).
- Known bug: In Co-op multiplayer, leeches may stop spawning if you wait too long or leave the island. Forage them immediately on arrival.
- Use it for: Summoning the Island 2 Boss to secure the next coordinates.
→ Full Leech Bait guide · → Island 2 Guide
3 · Carrot Bait (Island 3, highest tier)
The most elusive and vital quest bait. Carrot Bait cannot be bought or foraged — you must trade a rare or endangered fish to the NPC on Island 3. Once equipped and cast, it is guaranteed to summon the Pufferfish boss almost immediately.
- Get it: Catch a rare / endangered fish on Island 3, then trade it to the NPC (do NOT sell it).
- If you lose it: Re-catch a rare / endangered fish and re-trade with the NPC.
- Use it for: Summoning the Pufferfish Boss, the Island 3 climax encounter.
→ Full Carrot Bait guide · → Island 3 Guide
Special Attractant — Scientific Lure & Fish Bucket (Final Boss)
Beyond the three bait tiers, the Volcano (final island) uses a different attractant: the scientist NPC gives you a Fish Bucket and a Scientific Lure after you deliver the five Volcano fish. Throwing a caught Bowhead Whale into the volcano mouth with this setup mutates it into the Mutated Bowhead Whale (Lava Whale) — the game's final boss. This is a lure mechanic rather than a standard bait, but it's the attractant that closes out the campaign.
→ Mutated Bowhead Whale final-boss guide
Bait → Boss Quick Reference
- Worm Bait → generic fish & Drip variants (no boss)
- Leech Bait → Island 2 Boss
- Carrot Bait → Pufferfish Boss (Island 3)
- Scientific Lure + Fish Bucket → Mutated Bowhead Whale (Volcano, final)
FAQ
Can you buy bait in How to Fish?
Only the basic Worm Bait is yours from the start. Leech Bait cannot be purchased — it spawns on the ground on Island 2. Carrot Bait also cannot be bought or foraged; you must trade a rare or endangered fish to the NPC on Island 3.
What is the bait tier order?
Worm Bait (starter) < Leech Bait (Island 2 boss) < Carrot Bait (highest tier, Island 3 Pufferfish boss). Each tier unlocks a deeper island boss.
What happens if I lose my Carrot Bait?
If you lose it or fail the boss fight, you will need to catch another rare or endangered fish and trade with the NPC on Island 3 again.
Why are leeches not spawning on my island?
This is a known multiplayer bug. Restart the lobby or make sure you forage them immediately when you arrive on Island 2.