I received an Old Rod from an NPC, but was never given instructions on how to use it. I worked out by standing near a bed of water, I can open my inventory and select the item, and Use it. I also realised it was easier to Register the item, so I could use it without opening by inventory.
However any time I stand near a bed of water and use the item (either from the inventory or my registered key, I suspect there should be no difference) I am greeted with a
. . . . . . . .
Not even a nibble...
The amount of periods vary, and I've found I can press the Action key to cut it short (although I suspect that doesn't help). Every few attempts, I normally get a nibble, but the Pokémon escapes.
. . .
Oh! A bite!
The Pokémon got away...
I played several of the original games on GameBoy (FWIW: Blue, Yellow and Silver) and don't recall having this many problems. I also recall that one only message I ever got in those previous games was
. . . (3 dots)
Not even a nibble...
And one couldn't truncate the procedure.
I feel like my success rate is about 1/20. Is there some special way to catch Pokémon with a rod? Should I or should I not be using the Action key part-way through? Am I just at an unlucky bed of water? I've tried several nearby:
2 Answers
Have you tried hitting the action button immediately after seeing the "Oh! A bite!" message? In the first two generations, the fishing was either a yes or no and you didn't have to do anything, but after those generations, you had to hit a button to actually initiate the battle, otherwise the pokemon would get away after a few seconds.
I noticed the games you listed were all games that were released prior to this feature.
For the record, I haven't played Pokemon Uranium, but I'm suspecting that it works the same as in the canonical games.
The answer provided by Vemonus is completely correct for this game, and this is actually explained in game, although a little later than desired.
As you enter Route 08 - Wheatfields, there is a sign that reads the following:
Trainer Tips!
When fishing, you need patience and quick reflexes. Wait until the message "Oh! A bite!" appears, then reel it in quick!
This at least ties in
to where you receive a Good Rod, which allows you to catch better Pokémon.
It's worth noting that similar to the first generation games, you will eventually have the option to get a better rod which appears to have a better success rate (I don't have any proof, sorry)
