Defeating the Pufferfish Boss
How to Summon the Pufferfish
The Pufferfish is the major progression blocker on Island 3 in the How to Fish game. To summon it, you cannot use standard bait or leech bait. You must acquire carrot bait by trading an endangered fish to the Island 3 NPC. Once equipped, cast your line into the water, and the massive Pufferfish will immediately spawn and attack.
Best Strategy & Loadout
The Pufferfish rolls around like a massive, spiky beach ball, trying to crush you and your boat. Basic pistols are incredibly ineffective.
- Weapons: Upgrade to an SMG or Assault Rifle at the weapons crate/casino before the fight. (See rod upgrades and economy to make money fast).
- Positioning: Use the island's trees or cabin roofs for cover. The boss struggles to roll over steep terrain.
- Co-op: Have one player act as bait while the others focus fire on the boss.
Drops: Pufferfish Tail & Boss Trophy
When you finally burst down the Pufferfish's health, it will explode into chunks of meat. Do not sell everything indiscriminately! Amidst the meat chunks is the Pufferfish Tail / Boss Trophy (it looks like a bone-exposed remnant of the fish). This is a critical quest item.
What the Boss Trophy Unlocks
Pick up the Pufferfish Tail and bring it back to the main NPC. Handing over this boss trophy is the exact trigger that unlocks the coordinates to the next island, allowing your crew to progress the game.
Seagulls Will Steal It — How to Protect the Trophy
The most devastating mistake players make is dropping the Pufferfish Tail on the ground. Seagulls will swoop down and steal the trophy, forcing you to re-do the entire Carrot Bait trade and boss fight! If playing co-op, designate one player to immediately grab the tail and sprint to the NPC while the others shoot any approaching seagulls.
FAQ
How to summon the Pufferfish in How to Fish?
You must equip Carrot Bait and cast your line on Island 3. It will spawn instantly.
Why can't I go to the next island after killing the Pufferfish?
You likely sold the Pufferfish Tail or let a seagull steal it. You must deliver the Boss Trophy to the NPC to get the coordinates.