[ Natsume ]

"Catching fish requires many skills. But most of all, it demands patience. While you learn the techniques, don't get discouraged if you come up empty-handed at first. If all else fails, you can always get tips from the Fishing Master! Listen carefully to what he has to say, then put his advice to work--before long you'll be pulling in more fish than you ever imagined!"

–Fishing Master

Q: How do I successfully set the hook?

A: When trying to set the hook underwater, move the bait in front of the fish, just above the eye level, by tapping the X button. As soon as the bait gets close to the fish, stop tapping the button and let the current take the bait to its mouth. If you move the bait artificially in front of the fish, it will swim away in fear. If you're setting the hook on the surface, carefully watch the movement of the fly or lure. When the fish approaches, you'll see water splash and hear a noise. At that moment, you'll be able to set the hook.

Q: Why does the line break so often?

A: While playing the fish, pay close attention to its movement. As soon as it starts running fast toward the left, release all buttons. If you touch a button, the line will break. The fish will eventually tire and slow down. Then you can reel in the line by pressing and holding the X button. When the fish faces right, you can pull it toward the landing spot. But if the fish resists by bending its body, again release all buttons and let it run freely. You'll break the line if you force the fish too much.

Q: How can I get a hooked fish to face right?

A: While a fish is running fast toward the left, watch the movement of the river bottom at the lower left-hand corner of the screen. The bottom moves according to the fish's speed. It will slow down and eventually stop when the fish stops. If you press and hold the X button when the bottom stops moving, the fish will turn right and slowly move toward the landing point.

Q: What is the quickest way to catch a fish?

A: That is not information I usually share with anyone. However, because it's my 60th birthday today, I'm feeling generous and will tell you the secret. When a fish is running fast toward the left, tap the X button once lightly. In that moment when the line is pulled tight, the fish will resist by slightly bending its body. As soon as the fish slows down, reel in the line. You should be able to pull the fish all the way to the landing spot now. Unfortunately, this technique does not work well with Stage 3 and Stage 5.

Q: How do I land a fish?

A: Landing a fish is not difficult, if you remember a few important details. Your rod is the control pad and your reel is the X button, so when you bring a fish to the top of the water and the view changes from the underwater view to the overhead view, tab up on the control pad and tap the X button to pull the fish into shore.

Q: How do I get back my lost lures, flies and baits?

A: The easiest way to get lost tackle back is to return to the Aqua room and re-select the level. When you do this you will randomly get back a select few of your lost tackle.