Fishing Planet
★ 9.2 / 10
Simulator
Free to Play
PC · PS4 · Xbox One
Fishing Planet is the undisputed king of free-to-play fishing simulators. Developed by Fishing Planet LLC and available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, it offers an unparalleled depth of gameplay that will satisfy both casual players and hardcore fishing enthusiasts alike. From the moment you cast your first line, it's clear that this game was made by people who genuinely love fishing.
The game features over 100 fish species spread across 40+ real-world inspired locations, including environments reminiscent of Australia's own Murray-Darling basin. The attention to detail is extraordinary — fish behave according to time of day, weather conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns, just like in real life.
The casting system is where Fishing Planet truly shines. Unlike many arcade-style fishing games, here you must consider casting distance, angle, and the weight of your lure. The rod physics feel authentic, and landing a large fish requires genuine skill — you'll need to manage line tension, pump the rod, and keep the fish from swimming into snags.
There are dozens of fishing techniques to master, from float fishing and bottom fishing to fly fishing and trolling. Each method requires different gear and a different approach, giving the game enormous replay value. The progression system rewards patient, skilled play rather than grinding, which is refreshing in the free-to-play space.
Fishing Planet is a genuinely beautiful game. The water rendering is among the best in any fishing title — you can see fish swimming beneath the surface, watch ripples spread from your lure, and observe the way light plays on the water at different times of day. The environments are lush and varied, from misty morning lakes to sun-drenched coastal flats.
The sound design is equally impressive. The ambient audio — birdsong, wind, water lapping against the bank — creates a genuinely relaxing atmosphere. The satisfying thud of a strike and the whirr of the reel under pressure are deeply satisfying.
While Fishing Planet doesn't feature Australian locations specifically, many of its environments closely mirror the landscapes Aussie anglers know and love. The freshwater river systems, the billabong-like lakes, and the variety of species available all feel familiar. Several of the game's fish species — including bass, perch, and catfish — have direct Australian equivalents, making the gameplay feel relevant to local players.
The game's community is active in Australia, with dedicated servers ensuring low latency for local players. Regular tournaments and community events keep the experience fresh year-round.
Fishing Planet is an exceptional achievement in the fishing game genre. It's free to play, genuinely deep, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a virtual fix between sessions on the water, or a newcomer curious about the sport, this game delivers. It earns our highest recommendation and a well-deserved 9.2 out of 10.