Fishing in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time may not be a requirement to finish the game, but it stands out as one of the most memorable and beloved side activities available. Nestled within Lake Hylia, the Fishing Pond offers a peaceful break from Hyrule’s dungeons and dangers. With simple mechanics, hidden challenges, and a rewarding mini-game structure, fishing quickly became a fan favorite. Whether you’re chasing the elusive Hylian Loach or trying to beat your previous record, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fishing in Ocarina of Time.
Accessing the Fishing Pond
Location and Entry Requirements
The Fishing Pond is located in Lake Hylia, just to the north of the lake’s main area. Whether you’re playing as Child Link or Adult Link, you can access this area from early in the game, although some rewards and fish types are only available depending on Link’s age.
- As Child Link: Accessible after visiting Lake Hylia for the first time.
- As Adult Link: Return later to catch larger fish and unlock special rewards.
Time of Day and Conditions
You can fish at any time of the day. However, if you’re trying to catch certain rare fish like the Hylian Loach, visiting at different times (such as early morning) may affect their spawn.
Fishing Mechanics
How to Fish
Once inside the Fishing Pond, speak with the man behind the counter and pay a small fee (20 Rupees) to rent a fishing rod. You can then walk to the edge of the water and begin casting your line.
- Cast the line: Press and hold the button to determine the strength and angle.
- Reel in: Use the control stick and button to bring the lure back.
- Hook a fish: When a fish bites, quickly press the button again to hook it.
- Reel carefully: Don’t reel too fast or change directions erratically, or the fish might escape.
Fishing Tips
- Watch for ripples and shadows to locate fish.
- Target the deeper water near logs and rocks for larger catches.
- Be patient; some fish will follow but not bite immediately.
Differences Between Child and Adult Link
Fishing as Child Link
As Child Link, you can fish immediately upon arrival at Lake Hylia. The goal here is to catch the biggest fish you can and beat your personal best. The fish sizes will usually range between 6 to 10 pounds, and if you catch a fish over 10 pounds, the pond owner will reward you with a Piece of Heart.
Fishing as Adult Link
When you return as Adult Link, the fishing mechanics are the same, but the fish are larger and more aggressive. A new lure the Sinking Lure also becomes available, and with it, you can catch even heavier fish. The ultimate goal as Adult Link is to catch a 15-pound or larger fish to win the Golden Scale, which improves your underwater diving capabilities.
Finding the Sinking Lure
What Is the Sinking Lure?
The Sinking Lure is a special item that lets your bait sink to the bottom, allowing you to catch the rare Hylian Loach and heavier fish. However, it’s not available by default and must be found within the Fishing Pond area.
Where to Look
The Sinking Lure spawns randomly in one of these locations:
- Near the rocks along the pond’s edge
- In the stream running through the middle of the pond
- By the lily pads
- In the grass near the log in the water
Once found, use it to target bottom-dwelling fish. Note that using the Sinking Lure is technically against the rules, so the pond owner won’t accept catches made with it unless you find the Hylian Loach.
The Hylian Loach
How to Find It
The Hylian Loach is the rarest and most elusive fish in Ocarina of Time. It’s a long, snake-like fish that only appears under very specific conditions, usually around early morning or when there’s less light in the pond.
Tips to Catch the Loach
- Use the Sinking Lure for the best chance to catch it.
- It often appears near the bottom around the log in the center of the pond.
- Be extremely patient this fish takes a long time to bite.
- Once hooked, it’s a tough fight, so avoid jerky movements while reeling it in.
Is There a Reward?
There’s no unique reward for catching the Hylian Loach aside from bragging rights. However, it’s a major achievement for any completionist or fan of Zelda’s mini-games.
Fishing Rewards
Piece of Heart
As Child Link, catching a fish over 10 pounds rewards you with a Piece of Heart. This adds to your overall health pool and is vital for 100% completion.
Golden Scale
As Adult Link, catching a fish over 15 pounds earns you the Golden Scale. This allows Link to dive deeper underwater, which is helpful for reaching submerged items or progressing in certain quests like in the Lake Hylia Laboratory.
Fun Extras and Secrets
Stealing the Hat
One humorous Easter egg involves casting your lure toward the pond owner’s hat and hooking it. If you reel it in, he becomes angry and makes you leave the pond, resetting your progress. It doesn’t break the game, but it adds a touch of fun to the experience.
Fishing Without Paying
If you save and reset your game while inside the Fishing Pond, you’ll still have the rod in your inventory for a while, allowing you to fish without paying the entry fee. However, it’s more of a bug than a feature.
Fishing in Ocarina of Time is more than just a mini-game; it’s a relaxing and immersive side quest that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. Whether you’re trying to break your own record, earn valuable rewards like the Heart Piece or Golden Scale, or simply unwind from battling monsters and solving puzzles, the Fishing Pond in Lake Hylia is a perfect diversion. With a little patience and technique, you’ll be reeling in the big ones in no time and maybe even catching that legendary Hylian Loach.