# Basics

## Fishing Areas

In order to start fishing you must cast your **Apex Rod** while at a [Fishing Area](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/fishing-areas), which are accessible in the `/fishing` menu. Certain areas become unlocked after reaching certain [Fishing Level](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/fishing-level) milestones.

{% hint style="success" %}
An **Apex Rod** will be added to your inventory upon visiting your first Fishing Area. Additionally `/kit fishing` may be used if another rod is needed.
{% endhint %}

## Catches

While fishing, you can catch various fish and items

* [Trophy Fish](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/trophy-fish): awards ![:trophy\_diamond:](https://cdn.discordapp.com/emojis/1452106581784137830.webp?size=56)**Angler Trophies**, and can be sold to the [Fish Merchant](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/shops#fish-merchant) for ![:pin\_fish:](https://cdn.discordapp.com/emojis/1452109380639265020.webp?size=56)**Angler Credits**
* [Pearls](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/pearls): used to unlock [perk upgrades](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/perks) and fishing supplies
* [Essence](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/essence): used to unlock [perk upgrades](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/perks) and fishing supplies
* [Treasure](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/treasure): contains valuable rewards and cosmetics
* [Pokémon](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/pokemon): can be caught or defeated for rewards
* [Junk](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/junk): can be sold to the [Junk Trader](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/shops#junk-trader) for a small amount of ![:pin\_fish:](https://cdn.discordapp.com/emojis/1452109380639265020.webp?size=56)**Angler Credits**

Some catches trigger a quick minigame that must be completed to finish the reel.

All caught fish and items are automatically placed in your **Fishing Bag**, which may be accessed by pressing **shift + right click** while holding your Apex Rod.

## Perks

There are 24 powerful [Fishing Perks](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/perks), with each providing a unique buff/effect. Perks may be **permanently** upgraded by spending  ![:pin\_fish:](https://cdn.discordapp.com/emojis/1452109380639265020.webp?size=56)**Angler Credits** and Pearls in the **Fishing Perks** menu. Higher perk tiers grant more **Perk Points** resulting in a greater effect.

## Supplies

Supplies are equipped in the **Fishing Supplies** menu and provide temporary boosts to specific [Fishing Perks](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/perks). Supplies can be purchased from the [Supply Shop](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/shops#supply-shop) or found in [Treasure](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/catches/treasure).

* [Bait](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/supplies#bait): increases perk points for all hook perks
* [Lines](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/supplies#lines): increases perk points for all rod perks
* [Augments](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/supplies#augments): increases perk points for a specific perk
* [PokéBait](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/supplies#pokebait): applies standard Cobblemon PokéBait effects when fishing up Pokémon

## Fishing Hotspots

While exploring, you may encounter a **Fishing Hotspot**. Fishing within the circular boundary grants certain buffs to your [Fishing Perks](https://wiki.apexcobblemon.com/features/fishing/perks), resulting in higher quality catches! Each hotspot has a limited amount of stock, and will become exhausted after enough catches.

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