Beginner's Guide to Fishing Games: How They Work

What Are Fishing Games?

Fishing games are arcade-style casino games popular across Asia. They originated in physical arcade machines and have been adapted for online casinos.

The basic concept:

  • Fish swim across your screen
  • You shoot at them with a virtual cannon
  • Successfully "catching" fish wins credits
  • Each shot costs money from your balance

Common providers include JILI, CQ9, Spadegaming, and others, each with their own themed versions (ocean, space, dinosaurs, etc.).

Important: It's Not About Skill

This is the most important thing for beginners to understand:

Fishing games look like skill games but are gambling games. Your aiming ability does NOT affect whether you catch a fish. The catch is determined by RNG (random number generator) the moment you fire.

Think of it this way:

  • What it looks like: Aim accurately to catch fish
  • What actually happens: Each shot triggers a random catch probability
  • Your aim: Only determines which fish you're "betting on"

A perfect shot at a boss fish might miss. A seemingly "bad" shot might catch it. The visual is entertainment—the math is gambling.

Cost Structure

Understanding costs is essential before playing:

How Betting Works

  1. Set your bet level: e.g., 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 5.00
  2. Each shot costs: Your bet level × bullet cost (usually 1x)
  3. Fish values are multiplied: Catch value × your bet level

Example at 0.50 Bet Level

  • Each standard shot: RM 0.50
  • Catch a 10x fish: Win RM 5.00
  • But not every shot catches...

Spending Rate

Fishing games can drain balance quickly because:

  • You control fire rate (can shoot very rapidly)
  • Miss rate is high (most shots don't catch)
  • Action is constant (no pause between "spins")

100 shots at 0.50 = RM 50 spent. It's easy to fire 100+ shots in minutes.

Understanding the Interface

Typical fishing game screens include:

  • Balance display: Your current credits/money
  • Bet level selector: Adjust stake per shot
  • Weapon selector: Choose different cannon types
  • Fish values: Shown as multipliers (2x, 10x, 50x, etc.)
  • Paytable: Lists all fish and their values (check this!)

Before Playing Any Fishing Game

  1. Check the paytable to understand values
  2. Understand your bet level and cost per shot
  3. Set a budget before starting
  4. Know how to change bet levels

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Thinking Aim Matters

As explained, catch is random. Don't blame yourself for "missing."

2. Chasing Boss Fish

Big fish have low catch rates. Spending 200 bullets trying to catch a 100x fish often results in net loss.

3. Rapid Fire

Clicking fast doesn't improve odds—it just depletes balance faster.

4. Ignoring Small Fish

Small fish catch frequently. They won't make you rich, but they extend playtime.

5. No Budget

The constant action makes it easy to overspend. Set a limit before starting.

Playing Responsibly

If you choose to play fishing games:

  • Set a bullet budget: "I'll spend max RM X today"
  • Set time limits: Use phone timer if needed
  • Play at low bet levels: Extends entertainment time
  • Take breaks: Step away every 15-20 minutes
  • Don't chase losses: If budget is gone, stop

Remember: The RTP (typically 95-97%) means the game is designed for players to lose over time. Entertainment is the realistic expectation, not profit.

For help: Befrienders Malaysia: 03-7627 2929 (24/7)

Next Step: JILI Fishing Guide - Learn about specific game features