Can you fish without bait?

[hmpf1998]

I managed to lose the two worms I had during my first, very inept attempt at fishing. Since then I've been trying to fish without bait because most online guides say it's possible, just takes a bit longer. However, I've been at it for an extremely long time now (at least 50 attempts at Meteor Lake) without a single catch. I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong - do I need to do something more than just pressing x to reel in my line when the thingy gets pulled under to indicate that a fish is biting? I've had a few instances of a fish seemingly pulling at the line while I was trying to reel it in, but this invariably ends with my line breaking (or the fish escaping or whatever, I'm not sure how to interpret the animation there; no caught fish, anyway).

[hmpf1998]

(In case anyone checks my library: I have this game on GOG, not here, but there doesn't seem to be much activity in the GOG forums, hence I'm posting here.)

[BubbleBro]

You can fish without bait go onto the item selection press z on bait and you van stop using it

[Space is the Place]

You can, but it generally takes longer and you get worst fish.

Best scenario it´s to fish with bait and in places where you can see the shadow of fishes, or at least that´s my experience. I didn´t even had to find all special fish for the fisherman to give the golden rod, and that also helps a lot.

If you´re having no catch then you´re doing something wrong, you always get a fish if you wait enough. You can either hear the sound or see Claire getting up if she gets to sit while waiting and the splashes of water as the string is pull. From there is just a matter of smashing the return button, same one you used to use the rod. I´ve never had a single fishing attemp not give me a fish other than the ones where I fail to get the cue, do it too soon or simply CLaire falls to the water.

[hmpf1998]

I must be doing something wrong! The thing is, I don't actually have bait anymore, so I can only try it without. And I've had fish bite, a few times, but every time I try to reel them in there's an animation I'm not sure how to interpret - I think my line is snapping? I've never actually managed to reel in any fish.

[hmpf1998]

I figured it out! Apparently you have to move back a step or two as you're reeling in the fish. Without those steps, your line will snap/the fish will escape every time.

[Space is the Place]

Never had to do the step myself, but if it´s working for you glad it finally did!

[hmpf1998]

Weird! Just tested it again - with "walking": success. Without: no fish. But then I actually went and watched a let's play, just to see what exactly the angler who first teaches you how to fish said about it, andi it turns out he actually mentions it! Maybe you do it without being conscious of it?