10 Best Fishing Games to Play in 2024

Patrick_Yu · August 6

Do you love fishing? Because I sure do. Fishing games have long captivated gamers with their blend of relaxation and challenge, offering a serene escape into the virtual outdoors. As we dive into 2024, the selection of fishing games has never been more diverse and exciting, catering to every type of angler—from those seeking realistic simulations to those preferring more casual, arcade-style experiences. Whether you're an avid fisherman looking to hone your skills in a digital realm or a casual gamer seeking a peaceful pastime, there's a perfect fishing game for you. In this article, we explore the ten best fishing games to play in 2024, each offering unique features and immersive experiences that will hook you right from the start.

1. Fishing Planet

At the moment, Fishing Planet is the de facto best fishing game for fishing enthusiasts due to its variety and detailed and realistic approach to virtual angling. The game, developed by Fishing Planet LLC using the Unity 3D engine, offers an immersive fishing experience with mechanics that closely mirror real-life fishing techniques. Players must consider a myriad of factors such as rod setup, bait types, fishing locations, and even the time of day to succeed, creating a deeply engaging and authentic simulation. The variety of customization options, from different rods and lures to real-world fishing locations, ensures that the gameplay remains fresh and challenging. Moreover, the game’s online multiplayer feature allows users to interact with fellow anglers, adding a social dimension to the solitary sport.

However, while the base game of Fishing Planet is free-to-play, the extensive list of downloadable content (DLC) can lead to significant expenses for those seeking the complete experience. The game offers numerous equipment bundles, special bait, and advanced licenses that can enhance gameplay, but these are often locked behind paywalls. Premium currency, baitcoin, and various event-themed items also add to the potential costs. Although all items can be purchased with in-game currency, the grind to earn enough can be lengthy, pushing many towards the premium options. Therefore, while Fishing Planet delivers one of the most fleshed-out and realistic fishing simulations on the market, players should be prepared to drop some hefty dollars if they wish to access the full breadth of content available. My advice, just wait for the DLC to go on sale on Steam.

2. Call of the Wild: The Angler

Call of the Wild: The Angler is garnering attention for its immersive and visually stunning fishing experience, crafted by Expansive Worlds, the creators of The Hunter: Call of the Wild. Released initially on PC in 2022 and now available on consoles, The Angler builds on the fast-paced action and breathtaking graphics of The Hunter. If you loved The Hunter, you'll likely enjoy The Angler, which offers a blend of excitement and relaxation with beautifully detailed environments and a vast open-world map that provides a true sense of adventure.

In The Angler, you can explore various unique locations such as high mountain rivers, low elevation waterways, and picturesque lakes. One of the standout maps is Norway, featuring stunning scenery and diverse fishing spots. You can catch a wide variety of fish, with 21 species currently available, including largemouth bass, rainbow trout, northern pike, and the rare diamond fish, such as the diamond largemouth bass. These special fish add an exciting challenge and a sense of accomplishment when caught.

Despite being more simplified than real-life fishing, The Angler delivers a highly enjoyable experience, with easy-to-follow tutorials and missions that make it accessible to both novices and experienced gamers. The game's standout features include its social aspect, with multiplayer capabilities allowing up to 12 players on a server and crossplay options to connect with friends across different platforms. The diverse fish species and the rewarding challenge of catching rare gold and diamond fish add depth and replayability. If you're looking for a fun and relaxing game that combines stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a social component, Call of the Wild: The Angler is definitely worth trying.

3. Rapala Pro Fishing

Even though Rapala Pro Fishing was released in 2004, it remains a charming and enjoyable arcade fishing game that offers casual fun and simplicity, making it perfect for those who love fishing or are new to the genre. Developed by Sand Grain Studios and featuring fully licensed Rapala fishing gear, the game provides two modes: free fishing and tournament fishing, where players compete to catch the most and largest fish within a time limit. The intuitive controls, with options for both easy and manual casting, make it accessible to beginners while still offering enough challenge for more experienced players.

Despite its age, the game features decent fish models and engaging underwater views that highlight the exaggerated but distinguishable fish colors. Players can unlock new equipment by achieving various goals, adding a layer of progression to the gameplay. While the graphics and animations may not be groundbreaking by today's standards, the underwater effects and detailed fish models still provide a visually pleasing experience. Although online features are limited to a scoreboard, the game's core mechanics of finding the right fishing spot, selecting appropriate gear, and reeling in fish create a satisfying loop that can be quite addictive.

For those interested in revisiting this nostalgic title, Rapala Pro Fishing is available on MyAbandonware. While technically illegal to download, it is considered abandonware, and the publishers are unlikely to pursue any action. If you're looking for a straightforward, relaxing fishing game that still holds up in terms of fun and accessibility, Rapala Pro Fishing is definitely worth checking out.

4. Ultimate Fishing Simulator

Ultimate Fishing Simulator offers a realistic fishing experience on the Nintendo Switch and PC, with both casual and realistic modes. The game simulates various fishing techniques, equipment, and weather conditions, providing a satisfying experience for fishing enthusiasts. Diverse environments, changing weather, and a variety of fish species keep the gameplay engaging. Additionally, it educates players on fishing strategies, improving real-life fishing skills while offering a relaxing escape. The PC version includes a VR mode, enhancing the immersion.

The game's mechanics require patience and skill, making it rewarding when you catch elusive fish. Mastering different techniques and dealing with varying conditions adds depth to the gameplay. The high replay value, with numerous locations to unlock and various challenges to overcome, ensures continued engagement. Ultimate Fishing Simulator is a solid choice for fishing enthusiasts and casual gamers, offering a realistic and enjoyable virtual fishing experience.

5. SEGA Bass Fishing

Sega Bass Fishing, originally developed by SIMS and published by Sega, was a launch title for the Sega Dreamcast released in 1997. Re-released on PC in 2011, this game offers an enjoyable arcade-style fishing experience that has stood the test of time. The standout feature is the immersive gameplay, especially when using the specialized Dreamcast Fishing Rod Controller, which makes reeling in those big catches an exhilarating experience. The game’s three modes—Arcade, Original, and Practice—cater to different play styles, from the high-energy, time-constrained Arcade mode to the laid-back, exploratory Practice mode.

The nostalgia factor is significant, with the game's graphics and mechanics remaining faithful to the original Dreamcast version. This dedication to its roots ensures that long-time fans will appreciate the authentic experience, while new players can enjoy a solid fishing game with a touch of retro charm. The additional content, such as unique lures and unlockable stages, adds depth and replayability. Despite some limitations in control precision and graphical updates, Sega Bass Fishing remains a fun, social game that is perfect for casual play sessions and parties. If you're looking for an engaging fishing game with a classic arcade feel, this title is worth a cast, especially if you have the Dreamcast Fishing Rod Controller to enhance the fun. To get the Rod Controller compatible with a PC, you may need an adapter like the one available from Raphnet-Tech.

6. Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour

Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour, developed and published by Dovetail Games, offers an immersive and realistic fishing experience that appeals to both seasoned anglers and newcomers. Released in September 2018, this game introduces a career mode featuring 100 of the world's best anglers and a sponsorship system with 50 licensed fishing tackle companies. The career mode allows players to earn money and fame through social media followings, making the experience more engaging and rewarding.

The game features a variety of gameplay options, including online tournaments, customizable settings, and free play fishing. Despite the initial learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with fishing terminology and techniques, the game offers satisfying mechanics such as casting, adjusting reel speed, and managing line tension. Graphically, the game shines with realistic water effects and detailed fish models, creating an immersive environment. The audio enhances the experience with natural lake sounds, adding to the serene atmosphere. Regular updates and DLC packs ensure that Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour remains fresh and engaging, providing long-term value for fishing enthusiasts.

The casting and reeling mechanics are praised for their realism and challenge, while the graphics and audio contribute to the overall immersive experience. The game offers a wide range of customization options for gear and boats, and the inclusion of a trophy fish system adds a sense of achievement. However, the tutorials could be more interactive, and some players may find the career mode challenging without prior fishing experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a digital fishing adventure.

7. The Catch: Carp & Coarse

Another fishing game developed by Dovetail Games, The Catch: Carp & Coarse, offers a varied and engaging fishing experience. Featuring stunning visuals and five unique fishing locations, the game provides multiple modes such as Fishing Trip, Events, Multiplayer, and Online Leagues. These modes allow for both casual solo fishing and competitive multiplayer events, keeping the gameplay engaging and dynamic.

Unlike Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour, which focuses on competitive sport fishing and professional circuits, The Catch: Carp & Coarse emphasizes diverse fishing experiences, including the pursuit of unique Boss Fish. It boasts enhanced graphics, detailed fish behaviors, and a wide range of fishing techniques and gear customization, offering a more comprehensive and realistic fishing simulation. Despite minor issues like occasional fish behavior glitches, the game’s realistic mechanics and variety make it an accessible and rewarding experience for all players, whether or not they have real-life fishing experience.

8. Dredge

Unlike traditional fishing games like Fishing Planet that simulate the act of fishing, Dredge offers a unique twist by focusing on fishing boat management with RPG elements. Set in an eldritch horror world, this game isn't about realistic fishing mechanics but about upgrading and managing your boat. Starting as a contract fisherman rescued by the townsfolk of Greater Marrow, you navigate through five unique zones filled with secrets, quests, and diverse fish species. The game’s simple mechanics and low-poly art style, combined with its eerie atmosphere, make it an intriguing alternative to standard fishing simulators.

In Dredge, the emphasis is on managing your expeditions rather than simulating fishing. Upgrading your boat to improve fishing speed, inventory capacity, and evading nighttime dangers adds strategic depth. The story unfolds through fishing minigames, dialogues with townsfolk, and uncovering hidden relics and notes, with nighttime bringing increased tension and danger. Progressing through quests unlocks advanced gear, essential for exploring new zones and solving puzzles. With its blend of horror elements and strategic management, Dredge offers a refreshing and engaging experience for those looking for something different from traditional fishing games.

9. Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2

Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2, developed by Ultimate Games S.A. and released in August 2022 as an early access title, offers a highly realistic and immersive fishing experience. This sequel brings several improvements over its predecessor, Ultimate Fishing Simulator, including enhanced graphics, realistic water physics, and better fish behavior. Players can explore a wider variety of real-world locations, such as the lakes of Russia and the Blue Bay of Thailand, each beautifully rendered. The game also introduces more fish species and incorporates both "bob" and "spinning" fishing methods, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

In addition to its graphical and mechanical enhancements, Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 provides engaging social and competitive features. The game supports online tournaments, allowing players to compete globally or set up private tournaments with friends, adding excitement and a competitive edge to the fishing experience. The skill progression system and customizable equipment offer long-term engagement, ensuring that players can continuously improve their techniques and gear. The game also addresses control and interface issues from the first game, with better support for various controllers and the Steam Deck, though it still has minor issues like small text on the Steam Deck.

Despite being in early access, Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 runs smoothly and continues to receive updates from the developers. The game's detailed environments, realistic mechanics, and immersive ambient sounds make it a must-try for fishing enthusiasts and gamers alike. The improvements and new features in this sequel make it a worthy upgrade from the original game, offering a comprehensive and engaging virtual fishing experience.

10. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Fishing minigame)

For a game about the Wild West and outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR 2) includes numerous mini-games, a signature feature of Rockstar Games, such as various casino games, hunting, and fishing. Today, we will focus on the fishing aspect of this game, which is unlocked during Chapter 2. Fishing in RDR 2 is an engaging and enjoyable way to spend your time in the game. You'll encounter a variety of fish like Bluegill in lakes and Bullhead Catfish in swamps, each requiring different baits and lures. The fishing mechanics are detailed: you cast your line, attract fish by moving the rod, and carefully reel them in, managing line tension to avoid breaking it.

The real excitement comes from hunting legendary fish, like the Legendary Channel Catfish and Legendary Muskie. These special fish are found in specific spots and require special lures, offering a tougher challenge and a great sense of achievement when you catch them. This makes fishing not just a relaxing activity but also an exciting part of your RDR 2 adventure.

Catch you later!

The world of virtual fishing offers an incredibly diverse range of experiences for gamers and fishing enthusiasts alike. From hyper-realistic simulations to fun and engaging arcade-style games, there's something for everyone in 2024's top fishing game selections. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or challenge yourself to catch the rarest fish, these games provide endless entertainment.

For the best gaming experience, consider upgrading to a powerful gaming laptop like the Acer Nitro or the Acer Predator series. These machines are designed to handle the most demanding games with ease, offering stunning graphics and smooth performance that will make your virtual fishing trips even more enjoyable. You can explore and purchase these top-notch gaming laptops here. Happy fishing, and game on!