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Stardew Valley Eel: A Guide to Catching, Using, and Maximizing Your Catch

Stardew Valley Eel

The Stardew Valley Eel is an exclusive fish and requires certain things. It is one of the fishes that can be harder to catch. The hardy, useful, and, then, mostly rare Eels are imperative for bundles. Eels only pop up in the right conditions, making them one of the tricky yet beneficial fish in Stardew Valley. In this guide, we will take a look at everything you need to know: where and when to find Eels, and what bait to use for them.

How to Catch Stardew Valley Eel?

In order to catch a Stardew Valley Eel, you have to be mentally ready. Unlike most fish, Eels are more difficult to catch. They require unique tools, specific weather conditions, and varying skill levels of the angler. Here is what you will need to begin the project:

Fishing Rod: While you can manage with a basic Bamboo Pole, upgrading to a Fiberglass Rod or Iridium Rod is advisable. After that, the Iridium Rod gives you access to both bait and tackle; both of which will increase your chances to catch something.

Bait: You will need some bait for this. Using the right bait can accelerate your bites and increase your catch rate.

Fishing Skill: Eels are slippery and require a solid fishing skill to succeed at catching. We suggest going to at least Level 5, to boost your odds and to help deal with the fish once on the line.

Place to catch: You can only find Eel only in the ocean, so you need to head to the beach.

The Eel from Stardew Valley is known as a slippery little fish that is fast and creates a lot of commotion. When it bites, it seems to dart around a fair bit, making it hard to keep it on the line, especially for more novice players. For ease, using the right tackle and upgrading your fishing rod will allow you to keep the Eel at bay.

When and Where to Catch Stardew Valley Eel?

To catch Eel, the condition is the key point. Eels are only available in certain locations, at certain times, and only when it is raining.

Location: The Eel is a saltwater fish, so you can only catch it in the ocean. 

Seasons: Eels can only be found during Spring and Fall. Make sure you time your fishing trips, as you will never be able to catch one if it is Summer or Winter.

Time of Day: Eels are most active in the late afternoon and evening. You can begin to fish for those around 4 PM until 2 AM. Arrive to the ocean just before 4 PM to be sure to land one on time.

Weather: Eel have a remarkable connection to the weather. They show only when it rains, just like Red Snapper Stardew Valley. Even if you need an Eel and there are no rain showers in sight, you can craft a Rain Totem.

Check the weather for the next day on your TV before you go fishing. And be prepared to deviate from your plan when the weather is not good. Catching an Eel can require a bit of planning and timing though.

What Do Eels Produce in Stardew Valley?

A Stardew Valley Eel isn’t simply another bundle or recipe item once you reel one in. There are several ways to use Eels in the game:

Bundles: Eels are required for the Night Fishing Bundle in the Fish Tank at the Community Center. If you finish this bundle, you’ll receive a Glow Ring as a reward. It is perfect for exploring dark spaces like the Mines!

Fish Pond: Eels can be placed in a Fish Pond on your farm. Eels are a good option for stocking your Fish Pond with. Eels will breed (and create Roe) so it’s a good way to utilize any Eel that you catch. You can over time create a population of Eels in the pond. It can yield you continuous and infrequent supply of Roe along with some other resources.

  • Roe: Made by pressing Eels on the Preserving Machine, can be further processed into Aged Roe. Aged Roe is worth more than ordinary Roe, so it’s good to sell.
  • More Resources: Sometimes, an Eel in a Fish Pond will produce Iron Ore, or Spicy Eel dinners. This is quite rare, but it can also make having Eels in your pond worth it in the long run.

Spicy Eel Recipe: Eels are one of the natural ingredients used in the Spicy Eel recipe, which is a dish that grants speed and luck bonuses. Spicy Eel increases your speed. While the luck boost increases the chance of finding valuable items in the Skull Cavern or Mines. In Spicy Eel, you need Eel and Hot Pepper.

Eels are not picky eaters and will consume a wide variety of baits. However, in most regions anglers seem to have their own favorites, usually based on a particular species.

What is the Best Bait for Eels?

Basic Bait: This raises the bite percentage and makes it easier to hook fish, such as the Eel. The basic bait is easy to craft with bug meat and pretty cheap.

Wild Bait: Wild Bait is really the best option as it also gives you a chance to have two fish on a rod. This bait is a reward for a Linus special event. It consists of fiber, bug meat, and slime. Wild Bait is a great investment if you want to snag some Eels quickly.

Magic Bait: A bait that you can use to catch any fish regardless of the season, time and weather. This type of bait is hard to obtain and can be considered pretty rare. However, it will allow you to catch Eels all of the time so you can throw it on just before time is about to pass. You unlock Magic Bait via completing certain quests at Mr. Qi’s Walnut Room on Ginger Island.

Trap Bobber: While not technically a bait, Trap Bobber is another effective tackle to use along with your bait. It provides a fish-fighting advantage when reeling in a runaway fish because this bobber makes fish escape very slowly. As Eels are quick to dart off, the Trap Bobber keeps them on a line at lower fishing levels. If you have been having trouble hooking and landing Eels, then this is a must read.

Final Thoughts

The Stardew Valley Eel is not easy to catch, yet it is an important fish for progressing in the game, and to profit from. By preparing yourself with bait and timing, you can catch Eels consistently. You can also use them for cooking, bundling, and even farming material. If you want to make the best of every fishing trip, don’t forget to check the weather, take the right tackle and test at the right time. 

For more tips on catching elusive fish like the Stardew Valley Eel, visit VGamerz. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional insights and resources on making the most of your fishing in Stardew Valley.

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