On Island 3, speak to the swimmer in yellow floaties, buy the Fishing Rod and Standard Lure, then examine each catch with F before selling it. Give the swimmer any catch the game labels endangered creature to receive Carrot Bait. Use the carrot to summon the Pufferfish, keep moving while firing, and use trees or the merchant's shop to break up its path.
What you need before the fight
| Requirement | Current hands-on answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Island | Island 3 | Tourist and boss route |
| Quest giver | Swimmer in yellow floaties | Starts the bait exchange |
| Quest catch | Any catch labeled endangered creature | Completes the swimmer's request |
| Fishing lure | Standard Lure | Used while searching for the quest catch |
| Boss bait | Carrot Bait | Swimmer reward used for Pufferfish |
How to get the carrot bait
- 1
Reach Island 3 and speak with the swimmer in yellow floaties so the request is active.
- 2
Buy the Fishing Rod and Standard Lure, then fish for the requested creature.
- 3
Examine every catch with F before selling it and keep one the game labels endangered creature.
- 4
Bring that labeled catch to the swimmer.
- 5
Take the carrot reward and reserve it for the Pufferfish boss.
How to beat the Pufferfish
Keep moving and firing
The current hands-on route recommends the SMG with upgrades and warns against stopping to shoot while the boss is chasing you.
Watch the purple poison
The hands-on guide reports that the boss leaves purple poison while pursuing you; its damage becomes lethal quickly.
Do not cross the trail
Keep trees between you and the boss, and route around the merchant's shop instead of crossing the purple path.
Start fed and healthy
Top off health and hunger with seafood before summoning the boss so one early mistake does not end the attempt.
Use the official Easy mode
Patch 1.0.9 says Easy gives every creature 25% less health and 50% less damage. You can change difficulty in the main menu or in-game.
Common route mistakes
- Do not rely on a fish name alone; examine the catch and look for the endangered creature label.
- Use the Standard Lure for this quest, not a differently named boss lure.
- Do not sell or cook the labeled quest catch before the swimmer accepts it.
- Do not stop to fire while the boss has a clear path to you, and do not cross its purple poison.
- If the boss still stops your run, use the official Easy setting instead of relying on outdated balance or skip advice.
- Use the live patch balance as the authority; official Patch 1.0.4 says the Pufferfish was nerfed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get carrot bait in How to Fish?
Give the swimmer in yellow floaties a catch that the game labels endangered creature; the swimmer rewards you with Carrot Bait.
Which fish works for the swimmer quest?
Use the on-screen label, not a memorized species list. Examine catches with F and keep one marked endangered creature.
What lure should I use for the tourist quest?
The current hands-on route uses the Standard Lure while searching for an endangered creature.
How do I survive the Pufferfish's purple poison?
Keep running and firing, place trees between you and the boss, and route around the merchant's shop instead of crossing the purple poison.
Was the Pufferfish nerfed?
Yes. The official Patch 1.0.4 notes say the Pufferfish was nerfed, without publishing exact values.
Can I make the Pufferfish fight easier?
Yes. Official Patch 1.0.9 added an Easy setting that gives all creatures 25% less health and 50% less damage.
Sources
What this answer is based on
Official Steam material comes first. Community findings are labeled as player-reported and never passed off as developer documentation.
- PC Gamer Pufferfish boss guide Published August 25, 2026 after solo and co-op attempts; documents the Island 3 swimmer quest, endangered-creature hand-in, Carrot Bait and run-and-gun boss strategy.
- Official How to Fish Patch 1.0.9 notes Adds Easy and Hard difficulty choices plus a Steam connection diagnostic in the main menu.
- Official How to Fish Patch 1.0.4 notes Adds support for lobbies of up to eight players and reports an attempted fix for the join-lobby black screen.
- Official How to Fish Steam achievements Official names and conditions for all 28 achievements; it does not provide walkthrough steps.
Web evidence checked August 28, 2026. Source notes identify what was read and what remains unverified; this is not a gameplay test date. Controls and progression details may change.