The Thrill of the Catch: Critter Catching & Collection
Embark on a journey of discovery with our guide to critter catching in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Learn the best techniques for catching bugs and fish, understand their habitats, and build your ultimate collection for the museum or for sale.
Critter catching is a cornerstone of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience, offering both a relaxing pastime and a lucrative way to earn bells. Whether you're aiming to complete your museum's collection, impress Blathers, or simply make a tidy profit, mastering the art of catching bugs and fish is essential. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to become a top-tier critter collector.
Your primary tools for critter catching are the Net (for bugs) and the Fishing Rod (for fish). Both can be acquired early in the game from Nook's Cranny or Tom Nook. As you progress, you can craft upgraded versions of these tools, offering greater durability and sometimes better performance.
Bug Catching Strategies:
- Observe and Approach Slowly: Most bugs will fly away if you approach them too quickly or make sudden movements. Crouch by pressing 'ZL' to sneak.
- Timing is Key: Different bugs appear at different times of the day and night. Some are diurnal (active during the day), while others are nocturnal (active at night). Check your Critterpedia for specific active times.
- Habitat Matters: Bugs are found in various locations: flying in the air, on trees, on flowers, on the ground, or even on stumps. Some bugs, like the Peacock Butterfly, are attracted to specific flower colors.
- The Net Swing: Once you are close enough and have crouched, swing your net with the 'A' button. Aim to release the button just as you are about to reach the bug for the most accurate catch.
- Specific Bug Tips:
- Butterflies and Moths: Approach slowly, then swing your net.
- Beetles on Trees: Stand a reasonable distance away and swing your net. Some rarer beetles require you to be very patient and approach them while they are stationary.
- Tarantulas and Scorpions: These are dangerous! When you see one, it will likely charge at you. Stand your ground, and when it rears up, immediately swing your net. If you get stung, you'll pass out and wake up at your house.
- Ants: Found on sugar or fruit left on the ground.
Fishing Strategies:
- Find a Fishing Spot: Fish can be found in various bodies of water: the ocean, rivers, ponds, and even clifftop rivers. Different fish inhabit different types of water.
- Cast Your Line: Aim your cast using the 'A' button. The further you cast, the better chance you have of attracting a rarer fish.
- The Bobber: Once your lure is in the water, wait for a fish to notice it. A fish will circle the bobber, then eventually bite.
- The Bite and Reel: When the bobber dips underwater and makes a 'plink' sound, press 'A' to set the hook. Then, keep the 'A' button pressed to reel in the fish. Crucially, do NOT let go of 'A' when the fish is pulling hard, or the line will snap. Release 'A' when the fish is resting or swimming towards you.
- Shadow Size: The size of the fish's shadow in the water can give you a clue about its rarity, though some common fish have large shadows and vice-versa.
- Bait: You can craft bait using Manila Clams found by digging up the little squirts on the beach. Bait makes fish appear instantly in the spot where you use it, which is excellent for targeting specific fish or rare spawns.
Collection and Donation:
- The Museum: Donate your first of each unique bug and fish to Blathers at the museum. He will identify them and add them to the museum's exhibits.
- Selling Critters: If you've already donated a critter, or if you need bells, sell them to Timmy and Tommy at Nook's Cranny or directly to Tom Nook at Resident Services. Some critters are worth sificantly more bells than others.
- Critterpedia: The Critterpedia app on your NookPhone is your best friend. It lists all known bugs and fish, their active times, locations, and selling prices.
By practicing these techniques and paying attention to the subtle cues of the game, you'll soon be filling your museum and your bank account with the bounty of your island's waters and skies.