Bait
- This article is about the item category. For the item, see Bait (item).
Bait can be attached to a Fiberglass Rod or an Iridium Rod, or inserted into a Crab Pot. Fishing rods do not require bait, but fish will bite faster with bait; specialized baits provide additional benefits. Crab Pots require bait to catch fish (unless the player has the Luremaster profession), but there is no difference when using specialized types of bait. Bait is always a single-use item.
Use
To attach bait to a fishing rod, open the inventory, click on the bait (
left-click or 
right-click, depending on how many bait will be used), and then on the rod. To remove bait, on the rod.
Each cast uses one piece of bait or one magnet. When all bait is used up, the game pops up a notification saying "You've used your last piece of bait."
On an Xbox controller, press 
on the bait to select the whole stack (or 
to pick up a single one), then to attach to the rod.
On a PS4 controller, press 
on the bait to select the whole stack (or 
to pick up a single one), then to attach to the rod.
On a Nintendo Switch Controller, Press 
on the bait to select the whole stack (Or 
to pick up a single one), then to attach to the rod.
Bait can be detached by pressing on either Controller. ( on Nintendo Switch)
For the mobile version, bait can be added to the fishing rod by opening the inventory, then dragging the bait and dropping it on top of the rod.
Bait Items
 Warning: Spoilers  This page or section contains unmarked spoilers from update 1.6 of Stardew Valley. Players may want to avoid or be cautious toward reading this article/section. |
| Image | Name | Description | Notes | Purchase | Crafting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bait | Causes fish to bite faster. Must first be attached to a fishing rod. | Default bait, decreases the time taken for fish to bite (reduces the delay before a nibble by 50%) and lowers chance of getting trash items. The recipe is earned at Fishing Level 2. |  5g
|
 Bug Meat (1)
|
 |
Magnet | Increases the chance of finding treasures when fishing. However, fish aren't crazy about the taste. | Increases the treasure chance by 15% (30% base chance instead of 15%). Despite the description, the bite rate is the same as for standard bait. The recipe is earned at Fishing level 9. | 1,000g
|
 Iron Bar (1)
|
 |
Wild Bait | A unique recipe from Linus that gives you a chance to catch two fish at once. | Decreases the time taken for fish to bite slightly more than standard bait, reducing the delay before a nibble by 62.5%. Does not provide a chance to catch two of a type of Legendary Fish. The recipe is obtained from Linus' 4-heart event. | N/A |  Fiber (10) Slime (5) Bug Meat (5)
|
 |
Magic Bait | Allows you to catch fish from any season, time, or weather, from whichever type of water you cast into. | 20 Magic Bait will be received when purchased. The recipe can also be purchased from Qi's Walnut Room for  20. The bite rate is the same as for standard bait.
|
5
|
 Radioactive Ore (1) Bug Meat (3)
|
History
- 1.5: Added Magic Bait.