Fishing is a tradition as old as humans living by water. At first, it was something we did for survival; now, for most people, it’s a form of relaxation and sport. It’s no wonder it’s made its way into video games, such as these Xbox gems.

There Are Fishing Games and Games With Fishing

Before we get into the list of games for fishing fans, we’ve decided that two types of games qualify for this list. The first are games which are specifically fishing games. Catching fish is the central theme and purpose of the game.

The second type of game isn’t about fishing but contains fishing mini-games that are worth mentioning in addition to their main gameplay. So, if you like the type of game where you can divert into a bit of fishing, you’ll find some of those games as well toward the end of the list.

1. Fishing: North Atlantic

For those who dream of the briny deep and the life of a commercial fisherman, Fishing: North Atlantic offers a deep dive into the profession. Set against the rugged backdrop of Nova Scotia, this simulation game prides itself on realism and exploration. It’s a game where your knowledge of the sea and its seasons becomes as crucial as your fishing gear!

The game’s attention to detail extends to its dynamic weather system and the intricate management of your fishing vessel, demanding a blend of strategy and skill to navigate the treacherous Atlantic waters. It’s this depth that makes Fishing: North Atlantic a compelling simulation, offering a glimpse into the life of a commercial fisherman with all its challenges and rewards. It’s perhaps not the best game for those just looking for a fun arcade fishing game, but if you want to feel your boots get wet through the screen, this is a great choice.

2. Sega Bass Fishing

A classic in the genre, Sega Bass Fishing may not boast the realism of modern simulations being an Xbox 360 rendition of a retro arcade game, but it captures the essence of bass fishing with an arcade twist. It’s straightforward, fun, and accessible, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the thrill of the catch without getting bogged down in the minutiae of fishing simulations.

Its arcade roots mean Sega Bass Fishing is all about the thrill of the catch, focusing on the excitement of landing a big bass rather than fiddling with bait and tackle. This approach makes it an excellent choice for gamers looking to enjoy a quick and satisfying fishing experience.

3. Rapala Fishing: Pro Series

Striking a balance between arcade fun and simulation depth, Rapala Fishing: Pro Series offers a comprehensive fishing experience. With a variety of boats, gear, and fishing locations, it’s a game that invites exploration and mastery over time, proving to be an addictive formula.

The game’s realistic physics and AI behavior make each fishing trip unpredictable and engaging, challenging you to refine your techniques and adapt to the game’s varied environments. It’s a game that can cater to both casual players and fishing aFISHionados, offering depth and accessibility.

4. The Fisherman: Fishing Planet

For the angler who wants it all, The Fisherman: Fishing Planet presents an expansive fishing simulation. From the wide array of gear and fish species to the inclusion of multiplayer elements, it’s a title that aims to replicate every aspect of fishing, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts who wish they were fishing for real, but can’t right now.

The community aspect of The Fisherman: Fishing Planet is particularly notable, with multiplayer tournaments and cooperative challenges adding a competitive edge to the usually serene activity of fishing. This social dimension, combined with the game’s comprehensive approach to the sport, creates a vibrant online space for anglers to share tips, celebrate catches, and even forge friendships on the waters.

5. The Catch: Carp & Coarse

With its beautiful graphics, The Catch offers more than just fishing, but also an immersive world to catch a huge variety of virtual fish.

There are 35 species of fish in the game and over 100 “boss fish” to challenge you. The game also offers heaps of licensed gear and has multiplayer in case you want to see how you measure up against other virtual anglers.

6. Fishing: Barents Sea

Taking a page from its sibling, Fishing: North Atlantic, Fishing: Barents Sea expands the horizon to the icy waters of the Barents Sea. It’s a game about the harsh beauty of the sea, the challenge of navigation, and the satisfaction of a successful haul.

The game also emphasizes the economic aspect of fishing, challenging you to manage your resources, upgrade your boats, and expand your fishing empire in the harsh but bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. You start with a boat inherited from your grandpa and from there the world is your oyster, or your tuna, as the case may be.

7. Ultimate Fishing Simulator

If you’re looking for a no-frills fishing experience that’s both relaxing and rewarding, Ultimate Fishing Simulator might be your best catch. It’s a game that respects your time, ensuring that with the right equipment and bait, success is just a castaway.

With its range of environments, from icy lakes to open seas, the game encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing you to discover your preferred fishing spots and techniques. Ultimate Fishing Simulator’s emphasis on accessibility and success does not detract from its depth, offering layers of complexity for those who wish to dive deeper into the art of fishing. If the fishing power fantasy of Normal Mode seems too easy, you can also try the Realistic Mode, which makes you work a little harder for your supper.

8. Fishing Sim World: Pro Tour

With a realistic approach to the sport, Fishing Sim World is a haven for those who crave authenticity. With a diverse range of fishing environments and species, it offers a digital fishing experience that’s as close as you can get to the real thing without leaving your living room.

The inclusion of pro tours and challenges, alongside detailed tutorials and guides, means that Fishing Sim World is as much about learning and mastering the sport as it is about enjoying it. This is pretty much like the F1 video games, but with fishing. So if the idea of a career as a pro sports fisherman appeals to you but isn’t in the cards, this game will be right up your alley.

9. Dovetail Games Euro Fishing

Bringing the serene beauty of Europe’s most famous lakes to your screen, this game offers a fishing experience that’s both relaxing and authentic. With a variety of fish species and real-world fishing techniques, it’s a game that appeals to both casual anglers and seasoned veterans.

The game’s multiplayer features, including online tournaments and leaderboards, add a competitive edge to the serene activity, making it a social experience as well. Dovetail Games Euro Fishing’s blend of relaxation and rivalry, combined with its authentic representation of European fishing locales, offers a unique and engaging digital fishing experience.

With that, we’ve depleted our list of pure fishing games on Xbox, but there are still a few great games that feature fishing in them.

10. ARK: Survival Evolved

While ARK may primarily be known for its dinosaur-taming and survival elements, its fishing mechanics offer a peaceful reprieve from the usual dangers of its prehistoric world. Fishing in ARK becomes a strategic element, blending seamlessly with its broader survival gameplay. It’s not your typical fishing game, but it’s a game that offers a unique fishing take as one small part of its overall survival gameplay.

Beyond the basic act of casting a line, ARK incorporates fishing into its broader narrative of survival, offering players the chance to forage for rare resources and even hunt for leviathan creatures beneath the waves.

11. Sea of Thieves

Embark on a swashbuckling adventure with Sea of Thieves, where fishing is just one of many activities that enrich this pirate-themed multiplayer game. Fishing here is more than a mini-game, it’s part of the fabric of a pirate’s life. Offering both a relaxing activity between raids and a source of sustenance and trade.

The communal aspect of Sea of Thieves adds a layer of camaraderie to fishing, allowing players to share tales of the sea, compete in catching the biggest fish, or simply enjoy a quiet moment on the waves.

12. Red Dead Redemption 2

Amongst its many activities, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a fishing experience that’s both serene and deeply integrated into the game’s world. Fishing in RDR2 is a way to connect with the game’s rich natural environments, providing a peaceful contrast to the often violent life of an outlaw.

The immersive world of RDR2 means that fishing is a way to interact with the game’s detailed ecosystem, where the time of day, bait choice, and fishing location all play a role in what you might reel in. This attention to detail enriches the overall experience, making fishing a reflective, almost meditative activity within the game’s wild frontier. It’s also period-accurate, so if you want to experience vintage fishing, this amazing open-world game won’t disappoint.

13. Stardew Valley

In the idyllic world of Stardew Valley, fishing is but one of many activities to lose yourself in. The game’s fishing mechanics are simple to learn yet challenging to master, making every catch a rewarding experience as you build your farm and forge community ties.

The game’s seasonal changes and diverse fish species add variety and challenge to fishing, making it an integral part of the community and economy of Stardew Valley. This integration ensures that fishing is a rewarding and interconnected aspect of the game’s broader narrative of life and growth. It’s a very basic, retro-inspired take on fishing, but it’s still a fun way to grind towards goals in the overall game and it’s also available on mobile.