In the Pokémon games, fishing is a great way to catch different kinds of Water Pokémon, often kinds you can't catch any other way. There are three different Rods available in the games for fishing. The location of these Rods and the way you fish varies a little from generation to generation. The Old Rod generally catches only Magikarp around level 15, the Good Rod can catch a variety of Pokémon around level 25, and the Super Rod can catch an even wider range of Pokémon, including rare ones, around level 35.
In Red, Blue, and Yellow, the Rods are just normal items that sit in your pack with the rest of your items. Fishing is very simple, just throw your line in and wait.
In Fire Red and Leaf Green, the Rods are special items that go in a separate pouch in your pack. They can be set so you can use them when you press Select.
-Old Rod: Vermillion City-Good Rod: Fuchsia City
-Super Rod: Route 12
In Gold, Silver, and Crystal, the Rods still function the same way as in RBY and FRLG. They are still special items that go in a different pocket.
-Old Rod: Route 32-Good Rod: Olivine City
-Super Rod: Route 12
The fishing system in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald has changed a lot. The Rods still go in a separate pocket and can be assigned to the Select button, but their function is different. When you throw your line in the water, dots will appear on the text box. When the words, "Oh! A bite!" appear, press A. Keep pressing A when the phrase appears, and eventually it will say, "A Pokémon's on the hook!" and the battle will begin. However, if you don't press A fast enough, or if you press it too soon, the Pokémon will get away.
-Old Rod: Dewford Town-Good Rod: Route 118
-Super Rod: Mossdeep City
