Imagenea released the fishing action RPG *My Fishing Diary* for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on October 8, 2026.
Created by Yasuhiro Wada, known for the *Harvest Moon* series, this freshwater fishing game lets players enjoy a realistic experience that closely mirrors actual fishing within a serene, nature-filled world. To lift the “curse” cast upon the world, players must work together with their companions to catch the “Lord of the Waters.”
The game features various fishing spots, each with its own unique species of fish, where players can enjoy both bait fishing and lure fishing. It combines the realism of authentic fishing with accessible gameplay—players don’t just chase fish; they also explore habitats based on information and adjust their tackle to suit the target fish.
In this article, we’ll bring you a hands-on preview of *My Fishing Diary*. Please note that gameplay and screenshots were captured using a build provided by the developer on a Nintendo Switch 2.
Restore Color to the World!
The story of *My Fishing Diary* begins with an introduction in which the protagonist, after having a mysterious dream, is guided by “Grandpa,” with whom he lives, to lift the “curse” cast upon the world.Due to this “curse,” the colors have faded from fishing spots across the world, and to resolve the issue, you must catch the “Nushi” that have been set free.
First, as part of the tutorial, you’ll learn how to fish at the first fishing spot, “Miharagawa.” To fish, first locate the fish, cast your line there, and then simply wait for a bite. When a fish takes the bait, set the hook—and the fishing battle begins.
In basic fishing, the key is reeling in the line and moving the rod in response to the fish’s behavior. By tilting the rod in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement, you can make it jump and tire it out. However, if the line is too tight, it will snap; conversely, if it’s too loose, the fish will escape, so it’s important to adjust the tension while keeping an eye on the gauge.
By controlling the fish’s movements, you can tire it out, and at that moment, you can reel it in. Repeat this process until the distance reaches 0, and you’ll successfully land the fish. In the story, catching the target fish unlocks new objectives and necessary gear, and ultimately, you’ll end up catching the “Lord” of that fishing spot.
If you successfully catch the “Ruler,” you’ll restore the color to that fishing spot. The colorful scenery is truly beautiful and perfect for fishing.
Choose your bait and fishing rod, and catch them all!
This game centers on freshwater fishing and features an impressive lineup of over 100 different fish species. Naturally, each fish has its own habitat and behavior, so careful preparation is essential to catch them. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock more types of fishing rods and different fishing styles, such as bait fishing, lure fishing, and stream fishing.
In *My Fishing Diary*, it’s generally not easy to spot fish. Depending on the species, they may be hiding among rocks or lurking in deep water, making them difficult to see. To catch these fish, you’ll need to consult the in-game field guide and thoroughly study their behavior. Matching the right fishing rod, bait, and habitat is the first step to a successful catch.
Play styles also vary depending on the type of fishing. In lure fishing, each lure has its own specific technique, and using the correct controls will pique the fish’s interest. Since stream fishing rods lack a reel, there’s no reeling in motion—instead, it’s crucial to match your movements to the fish’s actions.
Battles with big fish are incredibly rewarding, but if you let your guard down even for a moment, the line will snap and the fish will escape. The vibration feedback during gameplay adds a pleasant sense of tension and gives you a good sense of the condition of your rod and line. The thrill of finally landing a fish after calmly maneuvering your rod through a struggle lasting several minutes is truly special!
Team up with Ayakashi to take on the “Nushi”!
When a “curse” is cast upon the world, the protagonist encounters mysterious beings known as “Ayakashi.” These beings support your fishing by helping to lift the “curse.”The first one you’ll meet is “Pokomi,” the Bunbuku Chagama. By lifting Pokomi’s “curse,” you’ll be able to purchase useful fishing bait, rods, and other gear.
Ayakashi appear at each fishing spot; they are key characters who unlock new features—such as fish collection and fish prints—and drive the story forward.The basic flow of the game involves encountering various Ayakashi at fishing spots and gathering clues about the “Nushi.” If you successfully reel in the “Nushi,” the “curse” on that land is lifted, and new fishing spots are unlocked.
To catch special fish or the “Lord,” you’ll need special rigs that draw on the wisdom and power of the Ayakashi. The story thoroughly depicts the protagonist’s journey to confront the “curse” through these interactions, with the Ayakashi’s colorful personalities adding vibrancy to the experience. It’s also great that the dialogue scenes feature voice acting!
Depending on the fishing spot, the types of fish you can catch may vary based on the weather or time of day, so you’ll need to adjust your strategy and gear accordingly. Your companions will tell you the weather forecast up to two days in advance, and even more convenient features will be unlocked later on. It’s also important to earn enough money to acquire gear that suits the situation.
Plenty of depth for targeting big fish and collecting fish prints
While the main goal of this game is to lift the “curse” cast upon the world, it naturally offers plenty of depth as a fishing game as well. Simply clearing the story won’t allow you to unlock every single element.
Fish come in various sizes, and badges such as gold and silver crowns are awarded based on their size. As the story progresses, you’ll also be able to take prints of the fish you catch, which record details like the fish’s maximum size and the time it took to catch it.
Furthermore, new fish will appear even in stages where the “curse” has been lifted. Catching every fish to collect their prints and aiming for the maximum size requires a tremendous amount of dedication, but the game features systems designed to make it easy to enjoy these in-depth elements.
At fishing spots where the “curse” has been lifted and their colors have returned, you can instantly catch fish that you’ve already caught once and that won’t update their size. In other words, at fishing spots after clearing the game, you’ll only encounter fishing battles with fish you haven’t seen yet or fish that are larger than the ones you’ve caught before.Naturally, fish you catch in a single cast are collected for you, making it a convenient way to earn rewards.
The game strikes a great balance between these small touches that enhance playability and its authentic fishing system, resulting in a very fast-paced and enjoyable experience. Above all, the animations when you catch a fish are fantastic, so you’ll find yourself wanting to fish more and more!
"My Fishing Diary" will be released on October 8, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Both the physical and digital versions are priced at 6,578 yen.
