Still fairly early on in this (what I call) Active Idler.
Absolutely lovely pixel graphics- get over the fact that the ducks are big enough to eat *you* for lunch, lol.
The Bait Store dude is a decent guy- tip him well. His coffee and advice are both good. :)

Yes, it's an idler, but yes, some things need you to be actively playing. For example- there is no catch & release in Idle Mode, and one achievement requires catch & release.

Just a chill fishing game- catch fish, sell them, make money to buy new lures, new boats, and upgrade your rods and boats. Dogs need to go out or the kids need fed and homework needs checked? Put it in Idle Mode for a bit and let the game make you some money while you deal with Real Life.
There are settings for Idle Mode to change what the game allows- No Restrictions, No Trophy Fish can be caught, No Legendary Fish can be caught, Full Restrictions- Screensaver only.

It's not high action, it's just a slow lazy day or night of fishing. Get the Supporter Pack so you can have the Cat or the Big Doggo ride in the boat with you. The gaming industry is going through a reset right now, gamers are being real dorks on forums and review bombing small indie games studios out of existence. Chill out peeps- they're humans too, who need to buy groceries and take care of their families. Them not putting out Dev Diaries or updates every week or month- let them cook, they may have IRL stuff going on that has to be dealt with too.

Honestly, I am looking forward to what's on the roadmap, but if it never happens- this is still the calm, cozy, quiet bit of relaxation I needed right now. And it's letting me remember days and nights out fishing with Dad many decades ago.
I miss you Dad-I'll catch every fish in your memory and remember those days as a kid putting worms on hooks to see if we could catch dinner for everyone at camp.

before playing - not chill
after playing - chill af

Bit disappointed in the ambiance overall and was especially sad that the voice actor who does the video isn't actually the voice of the guy in the shop. What a let down to find out that it was exclusively text. Gameplay wise it does feel like they left a lot of opportunities to add some depth to the game on the table. The actual mechanics are simple but fine. Would have been nice to have just a little more substance to the worlds. Even something dumb like pulling up weeds if you let your lure drag along the bottom.

I do love the pixel graphics that certainly is what carries the game.