How To Get the Good Rod in Pokémon ORAS

Fishing with the Good Rod on Route 118 (Alpha Sapphire)

The Good Rod can be obtained by speaking to a Fisherman NPC standing on the eastern shore of Route 118.

But since this area is separated by an ocean, Route 118’s eastern side can only be accessed with HM03 Surf. You’ll get that HM from Wally’s father after you defeat Gym Leader Norman in Petalburg City.

Getting Surf for Route 118

After earning the Balance Badge from defeating Gym Leader Norman, you will meet Wally and his father outside the Petalburg Gym.

For helping Wally get his first Pokémon, his father will reward you with HM03 Surf.

Receiving HM03 Surf from Wally’s father. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Receiving HM03 Surf from Wally’s father.

Afterwards, Wally will take you with him back to Mauville City.

Good Rod Location (Step-by-Step)

With Surf, it’s now possible to cross to the eastern side of Route 118 where the Fisherman is located.

Step 1: Starting from Mauville City’s east entrance leading onto Route 118, head directly to the east to leave the city.

Mauville City’s east entrance on Route 118. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Mauville City’s east entrance on Route 118.

Step 2: Keep going east until you reach the shore. Then use HM03 Surf to cross the water.

The western shore of Route 118. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The western shore of Route 118.

Step 3: Continue heading east while surfing until you reach the eastern side of Route 118 – you should see a Fisherman NPC standing nearby with a fishing rod in hand.

Arriving at the eastern shore of Route 118 by surfing. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Arriving at the eastern shore of Route 118 by surfing.

Step 4: Talk to this fisherman to obtain the Good Rod.

Receiving the Good Rod from the Fisherman on Route 118. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Receiving the Good Rod from the Fisherman on Route 118.

Pokémon Obtainable with the Good Rod

Compared to the Old Rod, you can now catch higher-leveled fish Pokémon, and you’ll find much more variety using the Good Rod as well.

Encountering a Tentacool with the Good Rod on Route 118. / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Encountering a Tentacool with the Good Rod on Route 118.

Using the Good Rod in various locations listed below, you can catch the following Pokémon at this stage of the game:

Pokémon Location
Magikarp
  • Petalburg City
  • Dewford Town
  • Slateport City
  • Sea Mauville
  • Meteor Falls
  • Route 102
  • Route 103
  • Route 104
  • Route 105
  • Route 106
  • Route 107
  • Route 108
  • Route 109
  • Route 110
  • Route 111
  • Route 114
  • Route 115
  • Route 117
  • Route 118
Tentacool
  • Dewford Town
  • Slateport City
  • Sea Mauville
  • Route 103
  • Route 105
  • Route 106
  • Route 107
  • Route 108
  • Route 109
  • Route 110
  • Route 115
  • Route 118
Goldeen
  • Petalburg City
  • Meteor Falls
  • Route 102
  • Route 111
  • Route 114
  • Route 117
Corphish
  • Petalburg City
  • Route 102
  • Route 117
Wailmer
  • Dewford Town
  • Slateport City
  • Sea Mauville
  • Route 103
  • Route 105
  • Route 106
  • Route 107
  • Route 108
  • Route 109
  • Route 110
  • Route 115
Barboach
  • Meteor Falls
  • Route 111
  • Route 114
Carvanha
  • Route 118

Jon Soluna

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Jon is a game development student pursuing a career in video game writing. When he’s not working on his thesis, you could often find him playing open-world games, reading classic novels, rewatching Game of Thrones, or on occasion, playing Pokémon Alpha Sapphire on his old 3DS.

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