Yes, you can still obtain fishing rods by fishing in Minecraft, even after updates. While AFK fishing farms were nerfed in Java Edition 1.16 and Bedrock Edition 1.16, manual fishing in open water (with direct sky access) allows players to catch rods. Enchantments like Luck of the Sea increase chances, and rods can also be found in loot chests or traded with villagers.
Best Practices for Catch and Release Fishing
How Does Fishing Work in Minecraft?
Fishing requires a rod cast into water. Wait for bubbles and a splash, then reel in. The loot table includes fish, treasure (like enchanted rods), or junk. After updates, “open water” (5×5 blocks, no obstructions above) is required for treasure loot. Biomes and time of day don’t affect results, but enchantments and patience do.
To optimize your fishing setup, consider building a dedicated pond with at least 5×5 blocks of water surface. Ensure no leaves, lily pads, or other blocks hover above the water column, as these disrupt the open-water requirement. Players often use wooden platforms or glass enclosures to maintain visibility while protecting against mobs. The fishing process itself remains rhythmic—cast, wait for visual/sound cues, and time your retrieval carefully to avoid losing the catch.
What Are the Chances of Getting a Fishing Rod While Fishing?
Without enchantments, there’s a 0.8% chance to catch a fishing rod. Luck of the Sea III boosts this to 2.3%. Enchanted rods (e.g., with Lure or Unbreaking) can also be caught. Treasure loot odds drop if water isn’t “open,” so ensure your fishing spot meets the game’s updated criteria to maximize efficiency.
Can You Still Build AFK Fishing Farms in Minecraft?
Post-update, traditional AFK farms using tripwires or note blocks no longer work in open water. However, manual farms with automatic reeling mechanisms (using right-click macros) still function. Bedrock Edition allows simpler designs, but Java Edition enforces stricter open-water checks. Focus on manual fishing for consistent rod drops.
While fully automated systems are obsolete, semi-automatic designs using daylight sensors or redstone clocks can streamline the process. For example, a piston-based farm can automatically reel in the rod when a bubble particle is detected. Bedrock players have more flexibility—some designs exploit cauldrons filled with rain to bypass open-water checks. Always test farms in creative mode before committing resources.
| Enchantment | Effect on Rod Drops |
|---|---|
| Luck of the Sea III | +2.3% treasure chance |
| Lure III | Reduces wait time by 15s |
| Mending | Prevents rod degradation |
What Enchantments Improve Fishing Rod Drops?
Luck of the Sea III increases treasure odds by 2.3%, including enchanted rods. Lure III reduces wait time by 15 seconds per cast. Combining these with Unbreaking and Mending ensures rod durability. Enchanted rods caught via fishing often have better stats than crafted ones, making them ideal for sustainable use.
FAQs
- Can you fish in the rain for better results?
- Rain doesn’t affect fishing speed or loot tables.
- Do deeper oceans improve rod drops?
- No—only open water requirements matter.
- Can fishing rods break permanently?
- Yes, but Mending enchantment prevents this.
“The 1.16 update shifted fishing from a passive to an active mechanic. Players now need to engage with the game’s environment—ensuring open water and balancing enchantments—to optimize rod drops. It’s a refreshing change that rewards strategic gameplay over automation.” — Minecraft Industry Expert