Getting to the different islands in How to Fish is important because many quests, fish, bosses, and upgrades are found away from the starting area. However, you cannot simply swim between islands. You first need to unlock a boat, then get a radar so you can follow the coordinates given during your adventure. The good news is that getting the first boat does not take too long. After defeating the Spider Crab at the Lighthouse, you can receive the boat keys from the Lighthouse Keeper. From there, you can buy the radar and start traveling to other islands.
How to Get Your First Boat
Your first boat is unlocked at the Lighthouse. You need to complete the early quest involving the Spider Crab before the Lighthouse Keeper gives you the keys. Follow these steps:
- Catch fish using the Basic Fishing Rod to earn some money.
- Buy a Knife and sharpen it at the anvil near the Lighthouse.
- Buy a Beer Can and give it to the Lighthouse Keeper.
- The Lighthouse Keeper will return an empty can.
- Use the empty can as a lure to spawn the Spider Crab.
- Defeat the Spider Crab.
- Pick up the Spider Crab meat after the boss is defeated.
- Give the meat to the Lighthouse Keeper.
- The Lighthouse Keeper will give you the keys to your first boat.
Make sure you give the crab meat to the NPC instead of selling it. Once the quest is completed, you should be able to get into the boat and travel away from the starting island.
How to Get the Radar
After unlocking the boat, your next goal should be getting the radar. The Lighthouse Keeper sells the radar for $10, making it one of the cheapest and most useful upgrades early in the game.
The radar helps you follow the coordinates that NPCs give you after completing certain island quests and boss fights. Without it, traveling to the next location can be much harder because you have no clear way to check where you are going.
You only need to sell a few fish to get the $10 required for the radar. There is one downside to the first radar. It is a handheld item, meaning you need to hold it to use it. While holding the radar, you cannot use your fishing rod or weapon at the same time.
How to Mount the Radar on Your Boat
Later in the game, you can upgrade the radar so you no longer have to carry it around.
Before heading to The Rocks, look for the radar upgrade at the local shop. Purchase the upgrade that mounts the radar directly onto your boat.
This is a useful upgrade because you can check your location while keeping your weapon or fishing rod equipped. It also makes traveling around the ocean much easier during the later parts of the game.
For players who plan to spend a lot of time exploring different islands, getting the mounted radar is well worth it.
How to Upgrade Your Boat Engine
The normal boat can already reach the islands you need to visit, so engine upgrades are mainly useful for making the boat faster. They are not required to unlock new areas. There are two important engine upgrades to look for:
First Engine Upgrade
- Cost: $230
- Location: Forest Island
- Achievement: Getting an upgrade
Dual Motors
- Cost: $860
- Location: The Rocks
- Achievement: I am speed
The Dual Motors upgrade is the fastest engine setup available. If you do not have much money, you can skip other unnecessary purchases and save toward this upgrade.
However, do not rush to buy engine upgrades if you still need money for weapons, quest items, or other important equipment. The basic boat is enough to continue the main story.
How to Get the Military Boat
The final boat is the Military Boat, but you will not get access to it until you reach the end of the main story.
First, travel to Volcano Island and make your way to the top of the volcano. This will lead to the final boss fight against the Mutated Bowhead Whale.
After defeating the boss, follow these steps:
- Defeat the Mutated Bowhead Whale.
- Collect the Whale Fin from its body.
- Take the fin back down the volcano.
- Find the NPC wearing the yellow hazmat suit.
- Give the fin to the NPC.
- Receive the keys to the Military Boat.
- Board the Military Boat to finish the main story.
The Military Boat is mainly used to take you back to the mainland and trigger the ending.
Can You Keep Playing After the Ending?
Yes. After the credits, you can reload your save if you want to continue playing.
Your progress remains available, including your boat, radar, engine upgrades, weapons, and other upgrades you have collected. This means you can return to the islands and continue fishing, searching for fish, or completing anything you missed.
For most players, the best order is simple: get the first boat → buy the $10 radar → mount the radar before The Rocks → upgrade the engine when you have spare money → get the Military Boat after defeating the final boss.
The boat system in How to Fish is fairly simple once you know what to prioritize. You do not need to spend all your money on upgrades immediately. With the boat and radar sorted out, traveling between the islands becomes much easier, and you can focus more on fishing, bosses, quests, and completing the rest of How to Fish.