There are a lot of video games out there with fishing mechanics, but many strictly fishing video games also exist. Whether players want to relax and reel in a big one, compete in tournaments, or turn their fishing endeavors into a business, there are some great options out there. No matter what system people are playing on - PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch - here are some of the best fishing video games to play now and throughout 2021.

A lot of video games, like Fortnite and Stardew Valley, have great fishing mechanics. Animal Crossing: New Horizons even has regular updates that add in new fish for players to catch. While these games are great, they don't necessarily create a realistic fishing experience. For those who want more realism in their fishing, though, there are still some great video games out there.

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Fishing can offer relaxation as well as entertainment. Whether players want to fish from freezing seas or tranquil lakes, these games offer a variety of ways to go fishing without leaving the comforts of home. As people are anticipating playing new games in 2021, here are some of the best fishing video games to play throughout the new year.

The Catch: Carp & Coarse

the catch carp and coarse

The Catch: Carp & Coarse is perfect for fishing enthusiasts who enjoying catching a wide variety of fish. There are over 3o different species, and 125 Boss Fish, including 11 Monster Boss Fish, provide extra challenges. This could also appeal to people who've enjoyed catching Legendary fish in Fortnite or who find themselves constantly trying to snag the rarest fish in Animal Crossing.

Weather, water flow, and equipment all affect the types of fish that appear, so players will need a bit of skill and experimentation to reel in the biggest catches. There's also multiplayer functions, so players can compete with friends online. Released in June 2020 on Steam, The Catch: Carp & Coarse is also one of the newest fishing games out there.

Rapala Fishing: Pro Series

rapala fishing pro series

Rapala Fishing: Pro Series has been out for a few years, but it holds up well. It has the benefit of being on almost all platforms, which makes it accessible for just about anyone. Although Rapala has fewer species compared to games like The Catch, the emphasis here is on competition. Players compete in world-class tournaments and can even complete daily challenges for extra bonuses.

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Since the game is from Rapala, there's a huge number of fishing lures and other equipment for players to choose from. Fishing Pro Series also has catch cameras above and below the water, which adds to the spectacle of reeling in catches. Players who liked fishing missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 should enjoy the nearly endless challenges that Rapala Fishing: Pro Series has to offer.

Fishing: North Atlantic

fishing north atlantic

For fishing enthusiasts with an entrepreneurial spirit, Fishing: North Atlantic should be perfect. This game is a realistic commercial fishing simulator that's currently available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It's the newest fishing game to release, giving it an edge when it comes to graphics.

Fishing: North Atlantic shines when it comes to its immersive experience. With a multitude of real-world fishing zones and dozens of vessels to upgrade along the way, Fishing: North Atlantic allows players to turn a hobby into a business. Fish can be caught through half a dozen methods, including harpooning and trawling, and fish prices (like the weather) are constantly changing.

No matter what kind of fishing players are into, these games offer a variety of challenges and fun on systems like PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. They're sure to keep the good times rolling - and reeling - throughout 2021.

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