Is it possible to over-fish?

[defunct profile]

Sounds silly, but I just saw a note somewhere in-game that said "Respect the waters and don't remove too many fish from the ecosystem."

I love the fishing mechanic and have been known to go out on a rainy day with a few bobbers, a big stack of bait, and some trout soup and fish all the way 'till 11pm.

If it's possible to overfish the ecosystem, I'm probably gonna do it.

[KaisarDragon]

Willy says this, books say this, and I think Linus even mentions it. I've fished well past skill level 10 and haven't seen a single reprecussion.

[Symmortal TTV]

In my first year I spent 2 seasons not doing anything else BUT fishing (I did not want to farm because I didn't really know what I was doing). I get a lot of fish still and haven't noticed any drop rate.

[PsychGamer]

It's impossible (as far as I am aware) to over-fish; I think this is just something mentioned by NPC's as added dialogue but with no real occurrance.

[defunct profile]

That's a relief! I didn't think it was possible, but I would hate to ruin the ecosystem. ;P

[Happy Birthday!]

There is only one fish you can 'overfish', and that's the one and only "Legendary fish" that can only be caught once per save. :]

[Liren]

It's a pity there isn't more to this. I seem to remember in Harvest Moon: Back to Nature that throwing trash back in the water caused you to fish up more and more trash, but you received less of it if it was thrown away properly.

[Draygo]

Pretty sure that's not a mechanic, thankfully. I wish trash showed up less though.

[KatherineOfSky]

I *think* it has to do with fishing in one spot and not moving. I've noticed that after 5-6 casts, the bite rate seems to go down a bit. Just a guess.

[Ad Massive]

I think respecting the water means don't throw your trash in it, or it's just a nice moral reminder.