Football fish in tank

How to catch a football fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

How to catch one of the rarer fish in Animal Crossing

There are lots of fish of different sizes and colors to catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but some are definitely harder to find than others.

Recommended Videos

Whether you’re trying to fill out the museum, or just want one of these bad girls for yourself, here is how to catch the elusive football fish.

Timeframe

First of all, you are not going to find this fish during hours of high sunlight, as it’s a creature of the dark. This deep-sea fish will only be catchable between the hours of 4pm and 9am.

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere and want this fish, you’d better hurry. The football fish is considered a ‘winter fish’ and will only be swimming around until March 31. Of course, it will return, but not until November. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, fear not, these fish will be swimming into your waters on May 1.

How to spot

Unlike many of the other fish, which you can find in ponds or rivers on your island, the football fish is only found in the sea. Get down to your island’s beaches and search for shadows or throw in some fish bait.

The football fish is a large size fish and will have a large shadow, no need to waste fishing rod durability on the smaller ones. Finding one may take some time and patience, but keep at it.

The flavor text when you catch a football fish is:
“I caught a football fish! Some countries call it a soccer fish!”

Catching a football fish
Screengrab via Nintendo

Appearance

The football fish is a deep-sea dweller known most for its dark, rich color and the glowing ‘fishing lure’ light sprouting from its head. It’s definitely bigger than some of the other fish you catch, but it’s not going to be as large as, say, an oarfish or tuna.

Football fish critterpedia page
Screengrab via Nintendo

Sale value

While football fish only sell for 2,500 bells and may not be worthy of a repeat investment due to its rarity, they’re definitely a unique specimen, and one you’ll need if you want to complete your fish collection.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article LEGO Fortnite Fan Puts Animal Crossing to Shame In Stunning Home Build
LEGO Fortnite House
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – All Seasonal Event Rewards And How to Get Them
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Best Halloween Crafting Recipes & How to Get Them
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – All Seasonal Events Dates & Times
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Jack’s Halloween Event Guide 2023
Related Content
Read Article LEGO Fortnite Fan Puts Animal Crossing to Shame In Stunning Home Build
LEGO Fortnite House
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – All Seasonal Event Rewards And How to Get Them
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Best Halloween Crafting Recipes & How to Get Them
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – All Seasonal Events Dates & Times
Read Article Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Jack’s Halloween Event Guide 2023
Author
Radiant G
Radiant G! is a game journalist, indie game developer, artist, and writer who currently works freelance in the games industry full-time. He is Gamepur's beat writer for Apex Legends coverage, and also runs his own Apex Legends team called Verve. He is also fiercely committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the games industry, and helms Diverse Gaming Coalition.