If you’ve been exploring the waters of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you might be wondering if it’s possible to catch a shark. Sharks are some of the most exciting and rare sea creatures in the game, and many players are eager to add one to their collection. But are they actually within your reach?
Catching a shark takes more than just patience. You’ll need to know where and when to fish, and how to spot these elusive predators among the waves. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding the basics can make all the difference in landing this impressive catch.
Can You Catch a Shark in Animal Crossing New Horizons?
You can catch a shark in Animal Crossing: New Horizons by fishing in the ocean during specific months and times. Sharks appear mostly from June to September in the Northern Hemisphere and December to March in the Southern Hemisphere. You must fish between 4 PM and 9 AM to increase your chances. Sharks create large shadows in the water, so spotting these helps identify them quickly. Use a fishing rod and approach quietly to avoid scaring the shark away.
The game features various shark species, including the great white shark, hammerhead shark, and whale shark. Each species has distinct sizes and shadow shapes, which you can learn over time. Sharks are among the rarest catches, making them valuable for your museum collection or selling for Bells.
If you fish in the correct locations—at sea, away from rivers and ponds—and during the right times, you improve the odds of encountering sharks. Persistent fishing and patience make catching sharks achievable for any player.
When and Where to Find Sharks
Finding sharks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons depends on specific times and locations. Knowing these details increases your chances of catching one.
Seasonal Availability
Sharks appear only during certain months. In the Northern Hemisphere, find sharks from June through September. In the Southern Hemisphere, look for them between December and March. These seasonal windows limit shark availability, so focus your efforts during these periods.
Best Times of Day for Shark Fishing
You can catch sharks from 4 PM to 9 AM. Shadows are easier to spot in low light, making sharks more visible when the sun is setting or rising. Fishing at night increases shark detection, even if it requires extra patience.
Ideal Locations on Your Island and Mystery Islands
Sharks appear exclusively in ocean waters surrounding your island and mystery islands. Look for large shadows swimming along the ocean shoreline and beaches. Avoid rivers and ponds, as sharks don’t spawn there. Explore different island coasts to maximize shark encounters.
Types of Sharks in the Game
Animal Crossing: New Horizons features several shark species you can catch while fishing in the ocean. Each species has unique characteristics, making it vital to recognize their size and shadow shape to improve your chances.
Great White Shark
The great white shark appears as a large shadow with a distinct jagged fin. You can catch it from June to September in the Northern Hemisphere and from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere, between 4 PM and 9 AM. It commands a high price when sold and adds prestige to your museum collection.
Hammerhead Shark
The hammerhead shark shows a wide, flat shadow with a hammer-shaped head outline. This species shares the same seasonal availability and active hours as the great white shark. Its unique silhouette helps distinguish it from other ocean fish, making it easier to spot during fishing sessions.
Other Shark Variants
Other sharks in the game include the whale shark and the mako shark. The whale shark features the largest shadow with a rounded shape and is available in the same months and time window. The mako shark presents a sleek, torpedo-shaped shadow with a crescent-shaped tail fin. Each of these adds variety to your shark collection and sells for significant Bells.
Tips for Catching Sharks
Catching sharks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires specific equipment and techniques to maximize your chances. Focus on using the right tools and employing effective strategies to secure these rare ocean fish.
What Equipment to Use
Use your fishing rod exclusively, as sharks cannot be caught with any other tool. Upgrade to a durable fishing rod for longer sessions without frequent repairs, allowing you to stay patient at the water’s edge. Equip items that increase your inventory space to hold multiple catches or bait supplies. Keep shark bait handy, since throwing fish bait into the ocean increases the chance of attracting sharks and other large fish. Avoid using nets or other equipment, which won’t affect shark fishing.
Techniques to Improve Your Chances
Cast your line near large shadows in the ocean, which indicate shark presence. Focus fishing efforts between 4 PM and 9 AM during shark seasons to synchronize with their active periods. Stand still and watch carefully for shadow size and movement, as sharks have distinct, large shadows compared to other fish. Use fish bait strategically by throwing it into the water every few minutes, which summons fish schools and occasionally sharks. Explore different ocean spots around your island and mystery islands, as varying coastal areas increase shark encounters. Remain patient and persistent; sharks are rare and may require multiple attempts to catch. Avoid rushing your casts; precise timing on your button press when the fish bites reduces missed catches.
Using Sharks in Animal Crossing New Horizons
Sharks play a unique role once caught in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You can choose to sell them for Bells or display them as impressive decor on your island.
Selling Sharks for Bells
Selling sharks earns you substantial Bells. The estimated prices vary by species:
| Shark Species | Sell Price (Bells) |
|---|---|
| Great White Shark | 15,000 |
| Hammerhead Shark | 8,000 |
| Whale Shark | 13,000 |
| Mako Shark | 10,000 |
Selling these sharks provides a quick way to boost your Bell reserves. You receive the full amount when selling to Timmy and Tommy or at the drop-off box. Keep in mind prices do not fluctuate, so selling during any market day yields consistent returns.
Displaying Sharks as Decor
Displaying sharks enhances island aesthetics. You can place mounted shark trophies or create aquarium exhibits. These displays serve as conversation starters and demonstrate your fishing accomplishments. Museum donations secure permanent exhibits of sharks, enriching the overall island environment. Bridging the collectible aspect with visual appeal increases your island’s uniqueness.
Conclusion
Catching sharks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a rewarding challenge that adds excitement to your fishing adventures. By focusing on the right seasons, times, and ocean locations, you can increase your chances of landing these rare and valuable creatures.
Whether you’re aiming to boost your Bells or enhance your island’s décor, sharks offer unique opportunities to showcase your fishing skills. Stay patient, keep refining your techniques, and enjoy the thrill of spotting those large shadows beneath the waves. Your next big catch might just be a shark waiting to be reeled in.
I am a passionate explorer of the deep sea, endlessly fascinated by the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean’s surface. From the graceful glide of a manta ray to the powerful presence of a great white shark, I find inspiration in every creature that calls the sea its home. My love for marine life began at an early age and has grown into a lifelong mission to study, understand, and share the wonders of our blue planet. Through Planet Shark Divers, I combine my enthusiasm for sharks and other sea animals with a dedication to education and conservation. Each article is crafted to unravel myths, reveal fascinating facts, and inspire respect for the extraordinary life forms that thrive in the depths. Whether it’s the biology of a hammerhead or the mystery of the deep abyss, my goal is to bring the ocean closer to everyone’s heart and mind.