The Guitar Rod drops from the Angler fish in the Volcanic Crater

The Guitar Rod is a fishing rod you obtain by catching the Angler fish, which spawns only in the Volcanic Crater. This is a mid-game rod that performs well in warm-water zones and is worth the effort to unlock because it has solid stats and opens access to fish you cannot catch with starter rods.

The Angler fish itself is not rare, but it only appears in one location, so you need to travel there and fish in the right spot. Once you catch one, the Guitar Rod is yours to keep and use in any zone where it is strong enough to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Travel to the Volcanic Crater and fish in the lava pools to encounter the Angler fish.
  • The Angler fish is a common catch in the Volcanic Crater, so you should get the Guitar Rod within a few casts.
  • The Guitar Rod works best in warm-water and volcanic zones, where it has higher catch rates than in cold areas.
  • Once you own the Guitar Rod, you can use it to catch mid-tier fish that require better equipment than starter rods.

Travel to the Volcanic Crater

The Volcanic Crater is located in the eastern part of the map. From the main hub, head east and follow the path until you reach the volcanic zone with red lava and dark stone. The area is marked on your map once you unlock it, so check your map screen to see the exact route from your current location.

You do not need special items or permissions to enter the Volcanic Crater. Walk in, and you are ready to fish. The zone is dangerous if you wander into lava, but you can fish safely from the designated fishing spots around the edges of the pools.

Fish in the lava pools for the Angler fish

Once you arrive at the Volcanic Crater, move to any of the lava pools and cast your line. The Angler fish spawns in these pools and is one of the more common catches there. You should see it appear within the first five to ten casts, though luck varies.

Use any rod you currently own—even a starter rod will work. The Angler fish does not require a specific rod to catch, only to be encountered in the Volcanic Crater. Cast, wait for a bite, and reel in when the fish tugs. The Angler fish has a moderate bite speed, so watch for the animation and react at normal timing.

What happens when you catch the Angler fish

When you successfully reel in the Angler fish, it goes into your inventory as a caught fish. At the same time, the Guitar Rod is added to your rod collection automatically. You do not need to do anything extra—the rod appears in your inventory the moment the catch completes.

After you have the Guitar Rod, you can switch to it from your rod menu and use it for future fishing trips. It will remain in your inventory permanently, so you can return to other zones and use it whenever you want.

When to use the Guitar Rod

The Guitar Rod is strongest in warm-water and volcanic zones. Use it in the Volcanic Crater, Lava Lagoon, and similar hot areas where it has the highest catch rates. In cold zones like the Frozen Lake or Snowfield, the Guitar Rod is less effective, and you may want to switch to a cold-water rod instead.

The Guitar Rod also unlocks access to mid-tier fish that will not bite on starter rods. If you are trying to catch a specific fish and your current rod is too weak, the Guitar Rod is often the next step up in power. Check your fish guide to see which rods work best for each species.

Common mistakes when hunting the Angler fish

The biggest mistake is fishing in the wrong zone. Some players confuse the Volcanic Crater with other lava-themed areas or try to find the Angler fish in regular water zones. Double-check your map and make sure you are in the Volcanic Crater specifically, not a nearby zone.

Another mistake is giving up too early. The Angler fish is common in the Volcanic Crater, but if you cast ten times and do not see one, keep fishing. Spawns are random, and you might just need a few more casts. Also, make sure you are actually in a lava pool and not standing on dry land—you need to be at a valid fishing spot for fish to spawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific rod to catch the Angler fish?

No. Any rod you own will work, including starter rods. The Angler fish does not have a rod requirement. You just need to be in the Volcanic Crater and cast into a lava pool.

Can I get the Guitar Rod without catching the Angler fish?

No. The Guitar Rod only drops when you catch the Angler fish. There is no other way to obtain it. However, the Angler fish is common in the Volcanic Crater, so it should not take long.

What if I already caught an Angler fish but did not get the Guitar Rod?

Check your rod inventory. The Guitar Rod may already be there and you missed it. If it is not there, try catching another Angler fish. Each catch should give you the rod if you do not already own it.

Is the Guitar Rod better than my starter rod?

Yes. The Guitar Rod has higher stats and works in more zones. It is a clear upgrade for mid-game fishing and will let you catch fish you could not reach before.

Where else can I use the Guitar Rod after I get it?

Use it in any warm-water or volcanic zone on the map. It works in the Volcanic Crater, Lava Lagoon, and similar areas. In cold zones, switch back to a cold-water rod for better results.