How to Fish: Boss Fish Tips

Boss fish are the toughest catches in How to Fish. Here's what we know so far about finding and hunting them — and what to bring so you don't get wrecked.

Last updated: Aug 22, 2026

The Spider Crab (first boss)

The Spider Crab is tied to one of the first quests in the game: the lighthouse keeper's stolen beer. The thief is a giant crab, and hunting it is your intro to boss fights.

Location: near the lighthouse (see Game Rant'sSpider Crab location guide for the full walkthrough).
Don't rush it: this is a real fight. Bring your best weapon and boat upgrades first.
Co-op helps a lot: one player draws its attention while others deal damage.

The Pufferfish

The pufferfish boss is another early giant that players hunt for progression (the Russian community has a dedicated pufferfish hunting guide).

Expect it to be more mobile than the Spider Crab — plan for a moving target.
Exact spawn conditions and attack patterns aren't officially documented; the community guide above is the best current reference.

General boss loadout

Bring your best gun — shooting is the most reliable damage in the game, and boss fish are bullet sponges.
Upgrade the boat first — it affects which areas (and bosses) you can even reach.
Bring friends — boss fights are balanced around the chaos of co-op.
Keep ammo stocked — a boss fight is the worst time to run dry.

Source noteBoss details are compiled from official quest text and community reports, and cross-checked against launch-week coverage. Where sources disagree, we note it instead of guessing.

FAQ

Which boss should I fight first?

The Spider Crab — it's part of the early lighthouse quest chain.

Can I fight bosses solo?

Yes, but expect it to be noticeably harder than co-op.

Do bosses respawn?

Not officially documented yet — the Steam community hub is the best place to check for current info.