To use bait in Terraria, you simply need to have at least one bait item present in your character's inventory when you cast your fishing pole. The game automatically detects and utilizes the bait; you do not need to "equip" it in any specific slot. The bait item is only consumed once you successfully reel in the line with a catch on the hook, meaning failed attempts or casting without a bite will not use up your precious bait.
Understanding Bait in Terraria
Bait is a crucial resource for fishing in Terraria. Without it, even with the best fishing pole, you won't be able to catch anything from water or lava. Bait typically consists of various critters, insects, and other small creatures found throughout the world.
How Bait Works
When you cast a fishing pole into a body of water or lava, the game checks your inventory for bait. If bait is present, your fishing line becomes active, allowing you to get "bites" and potentially reel in items. If you have no bait in your inventory, your fishing pole will still cast its line, but no bites will occur, and consequently, no items will be caught.
Key Mechanics:
- Inventory Requirement: Bait must be in your main inventory. It does not need to be in a hotbar slot or equipped in an accessory slot.
- Automatic Consumption: Bait is consumed automatically, one item per successful catch. If you cast your line and don't get a bite, or if you reel in without a catch, the bait is not consumed. This makes bait management more efficient.
The Fishing Process with Bait
Fishing in Terraria is a straightforward process once you have the necessary tools: a fishing pole and bait.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Obtain Bait: Gather bait from various sources (see "Types of Bait" below). Ensure you have a good supply.
- Get a Fishing Pole: Craft or find a fishing pole. Basic poles can be crafted from wood, while better ones are found in chests, purchased from NPCs, or dropped by enemies.
- Find a Water Body: Locate any body of water, honey, or lava that is at least 75 tiles in size (300 for lava fishing without a special rod) to get the best results. The deeper the water, the better your chances of catching higher-tier items.
- Cast Your Line: Select your fishing pole in your hotbar and click to cast the line into the liquid. You'll see a bobber appear.
- Wait for a Bite: The bobber will occasionally twitch and then quickly sink. This indicates a bite.
- Reel in a Catch: As soon as the bobber sinks, click again to reel in your line. If successful, you'll pull out an item (fish, crates, junk, etc.), and one bait item will be consumed from your inventory.
For more detailed information on fishing mechanics, you can refer to the Terraria Wiki on Fishing.
Bait Power and its Impact
Every bait item in Terraria has a "Bait Power" value, represented as a percentage. This value is crucial because it directly contributes to your overall Fishing Power. Higher Fishing Power increases your chances of:
- Catching rarer items.
- Reducing the time it takes to get a bite.
- Catching more valuable fish and crates.
For example, a Worm has 2% Bait Power, while Master Bait offers a significant 50% Bait Power. Using bait with higher power will significantly improve your fishing experience.
Types of Bait and Where to Find Them
Bait can be found throughout the world, with some types being more common than others. Catching critters often requires a Bug Net, which can be purchased from the Merchant.
Here are some common examples of bait:
| Bait Name | Bait Power | How to Obtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worm | 2% | Breaking pots, cutting grass, digging dirt/snow | Common and easy to find, especially at the start. |
| Grasshopper | 5% | Cutting tall grass | Slightly better than worms. |
| Firefly | 10% | Spawns at night (caught with Bug Net) | Good early-game bait, available nightly. |
| Journeyman Bait | 15% | Fishing, pots, various enemies, Angler quests | Decent mid-tier bait. |
| Apprentice Bait | 30% | Fishing, pots, various enemies, Angler quests | Stronger mid-tier bait. |
| Master Bait | 50% | Fishing, various enemies (rare), Angler quests (rare) | Best conventional bait in the game, highly sought after. |
| Lavafly | 15% | Spawns in The Underworld (caught with Bug Net) | Essential for lava fishing. |
| Scarab Bait | 17% | Catching Scarabs in the Desert biome (caught with Bug Net) | Alternative desert bait. |
You can find a comprehensive list of all bait types on the Terraria Wiki Bait page.
Optimizing Your Fishing Experience
While bait is essential, several other factors and items can significantly enhance your fishing success:
- Fishing Potions:
- Fishing Potion: Increases Fishing Power by 15.
- Sonar Potion: Shows you what's on the hook before you reel it in.
- Crate Potion: Increases the chance of catching crates.
- Accessories: Items like the Angler Earring, Tackle Box, and High Test Fishing Line provide various fishing bonuses.
- Armor: The Angler Armor set provides substantial Fishing Power bonuses.
- Time of Day/Moon Phase: Fishing Power is higher during specific times (e.g., 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM) and during certain moon phases (Full Moon).
- Weather: Rain increases Fishing Power.
- Luck: The Luck stat can positively influence fishing results.
By combining good bait with these optimizations, you can maximize your catches and acquire valuable resources from the waters of Terraria.
