Most Pokémon can be caught on land. As for water type Pokemon, the best way to catch them is by fishing. In order to fish, you will need a fishing rod and a good fishing spot. Fishing in Emerald is a little different than previous versions of Pokémon, you need more focus and quick reflexes. By mastering fishing, you can catch some powerful and rare Pokémon, including the elusive Feebas.
Step
Step 1. Find the best fishing rod
The fishing rod you use determines the level of Pokémon you can catch. You'll find stronger sticks as you move around. There are three types of sticks available:
- Old Rod - This stick can be obtained from the fisherman near the Dewford Town gym. With this wand you can catch Pokémon up to level 15 (mostly Magikarp).
- Good Rod - This rod can be obtained from the fisherman on the right side of the river on Route 118. With this wand you can catch Pokémon up to level 30.
- Super Rod - This rod can be obtained from the fisherman who lives in the house on the north cliff in Mossdeep City. You can catch every Pokémon that swims.
Step 2. Find a fishing spot
You can fish from anywhere next to the water, or from behind a surfing Pokémon. You can't fish if you're too high up, for example, on a cliff.
Chances of finding a particular Pokémon are based on the area, not where you fish. There isn't one particular place that would be better for catching Pokémon. The only exception to this is Feebas, which can only be caught on certain tiles in certain regions
Step 3. Start fishing
Open the menu by pressing Start and selecting your wand from Key Items, or pressing Select if you registered your wand as a shortcut. Your character will start fishing.
Step 4. Wait for signs of a bite
As soon as the fishing line is extended, a text box will appear at the bottom of the screen. Several dots will appear while you wait. If a Pokémon bites, the text " Oh! A bite!" will appear. Once this happens, press the "A" button.
If you don't press "A" fast enough, the Pokémon will leave
Step 5. Continue pressing the "A" button at the appropriate time
Each time you press the "A" button correctly, the waiting period will start again, and the amount of time between bites will also change. After pressing "A" continuously at the right time, you'll pull the Pokémon out of the water.
Step 6. Fight Pokémon
Pulling a Pokémon out of the water will start the fight. You can defeat a Pokémon, or try to catch it. If you're hunting for a specific Pokémon and catch the wrong type of Pokémon, the quickest way to get out of combat is to run away.
