Different types of bait in Stardew Valley
Image by Destructoid

How to use bait in Stardew Valley

A bait for every fish.

If you’re wanting to go fishing in Stardew Valley, you’re going to need some bait. Whether you make it yourself or purchase it from Willy, it can help to increase the likelihood of catching certain fish or even catch fish out of season.

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How to get all baits in Stardew Valley

Using a Worm Bin to make bait in Stardew Valley
Screenshot by Destructoid

Baits come from a variety of sources in Stardew Valley. You can create any type of bait through crafting, a Worm Bin, or a Bait Maker, though you will need to purchase or unlock the recipe before you can do so:

Bait name How to getCrafting recipeWhat it does
BaitCrafted (recipe earned at Fishing level 2) or Worm Bin1 Bug MeatReduces delay before a nibble by 50%
Lowers possibility of fishing up trash
Deluxe BaitCrafted (recipe learned at level 4 Fishing) or Deluxe Worm Bin5 Bait
2 Moss
Reduces delay before a nibble by 67%
Increases the size of the fishing target bar
Wild BaitCrafted (recipe learned from Linus’ 4-heart event)10 Fiber
5 Slime
5 Bug Meat
Reduces delay before a nibble by 62%
Makes it possible to catch two fish at once
MagnetCrafted (Recipe learned at level 9 Fishing)1 Iron BarIncreases the chance of fishing up treasure from 15% to 30%
Magic BaitPurchased for 5 Qi Gems
Recipe can be purchased for 20 Qi Gems
1 Radioactive Ore
3 Bug Meat
Allows you to catch any fish regardless of usual time, weather or seasonal restrictions
Challenge BaitCrafted (recipe unlocked after claiming Fishing Mastery)5 Bone Fragments
2 Moss
Allows you to catch up to three fish at a time
Targeted BaitCreated by putting a fish in a Bait Maker Cannot be craftedIncreases the chance to catch the type of fish used to make the bait

How to put bait on your rod in Stardew Valley

Attaching bait to a rod in Stardew Valley
Screenshot by Destructoid

Bait cannot be used on the first rod you get, so you’ll need to upgrade to one of the following rods in order to use it:

  • Fiberglass Rod
  • Iridium Rod
  • Advanced Iridium Rod

Depending on which platform you’re playing on, you’ll need to press a couple of buttons to attach the bait to your rod:

  • PC
    • Left click the bait to select it, right click the rod to attach the bait
  • PlayStation
    • Cross to select the bait, Square to attach it to your rod
  • Xbox
    • A to select the bait, X to attach it to your rod
  • Nintendo Switch
    • A to select the bait, Y to attach it to your rod
  • Mobile
    • Simply press and drag the bait onto your rod

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Author
Image of Paula Vaynshteyn
Paula Vaynshteyn
With her first experience of gaming being on an Atari ST, Paula has been gaming for her entire life. She’s 7,000 hours deep into Final Fantasy XIV, spends more time on cozy games than she would care to admit, and is also your friendly resident Whovian. Juggling online adventuring with family life has its struggles, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.