Table of Contents
Fishing Location
Fishing Pond on the East Side of Lake Hylia
| Map Image | On-Site Image |
|---|---|
  |  |
Fishing in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time can be done at the fishing pond on the east side of Lake Hylia. The prize changes depending on the era and the size of the fish you catch, so visit whichever suits the prize you're after.
How to Play Fishing and Tips
- Show catch to the owner to receive a prize
- Cast your line a distance away from the fish
- Fish bite more or less depending on the time of day and weather - Sinking Lure makes it easier to catch fish
Awards Based on the Size of Your Catch
| Entry Fee | 20 Rupees per attempt |
|---|---|
| Rules | Only one fish may be kept at a time (no time limit) |
The fishing minigame in Ocarina of Time awards prizes based on the weight of the fish you catch. For just 20 Rupees you can play with no time limit, so take your time until you reel in a fish you're satisfied with.
Controls List
| Before Casting | After Landing | After a Bite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Brake | Reel In | Reel In |
| A + R | - | Fast Reel | - |
| A + ↓ | - | - | Set the Hook |
| B | Cast | Lure Control | - |
| Left Stick | Move | Lure Control | Rod Control |
| ZL | Target Fish | Change View | Change View |
Use ZL to lock onto a fish, then press the B button to cast your lure. Once a fish bites, press A and tilt the stick down to set the hook, then hold A to reel it in.
Cast Your Line a Distance Away From the Fish
If you are too close to a fish, it will not bite your lure, so make sure to cast your line from a distance. It is recommended to lock onto the fish with ZL before casting your rod.
Fish Bite Rates Based on Time of Day and Weather
Fish are more likely to bite your lure during early morning and at dusk, or on rainy and cloudy days. If you are having trouble catching fish, it is recommended to visit during the early morning, at dusk, on a rainy day, or on a cloudy day.
Sinking Lure Makes Fish Easier to Catch
| How to Obtain | |
|---|---|
| As Young Link | Catch a fish 10 Pounds or longer to receive a Piece of Heart |
| As Adult Link | Catch a fish 20 Pounds or longer to receive the Golden Scale |
| Both | Pick it up on the fishing pond grounds after obtaining the item - Leaving the fishing pond resets the lure, and you must find it again |
After meeting the unlock conditions, you can pick up the "Sinking Lure" lying on the ground in the field, which makes fish easier to catch. Unlock it by catching a fish 10 Pounds or bigger as Young Link to obtain a Piece of Heart, or by catching a fish 20 Pounds or bigger as Adult Link to obtain the Golden Scale. Once unlocked, you can pick it up inside the fishing pond, so make use of it when going after big catches.
You Need to Walk Over the Spot Where It Lies
The Sinking Lure can appear at one of four locations within the fishing pond. It is invisible and can only be obtained by walking over the spot where it is hidden. Leaving the fishing pond causes the Sinking Lure to disappear from your inventory. If you wish to use it again, you must search for and retrieve it each time you re-enter the fishing pond.
Fishing Easter Egg
Throw the Lure at the Shopkeeper as an Adult
If you cast your lure at the fishing pond owner as an adult, you can catch his hat. There's no reward for doing this, but talking to him afterward triggers a special conversation event.
Throw the Hat Into the Pond
If you throw the caught hat into the pond repeatedly, it will sink, and the owner will fine you 50 Rupees. Once the hat sinks, it can't be recovered, and the owner will be stuck without his hat from then on.
Fishing Rewards
| Clear/Condition | Prize |
|---|---|
| Catch a fish 10 Pounds or Bigger as a Child (first time) | Piece of Heart |
| Catch a fish 20 Pounds or Bigger as an Adult (first time) | Golden Scale |
| Catch a Hylian Loach (first time) | 50 Rupees |
In Fishing in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, catching a fish 10 Pounds or bigger as a child gets you a Piece of Heart, while catching one 20 Pounds or bigger as an adult gets you a Golden Scale. The Golden Scale is an item that increases how deep you can dive, which will help you later in the game.
Ocarina of Time Related Articles
 Shooting Gallery |  Treasure Chest Shop |
 Cucco Game |  Bombchu Bowling Alley |
 Fishing Pond |  Frog Ocarina Game |
 Dampe's Race |  Obstacle Course |
 Horseback Archery |  Marathon |
