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Fishing MENSA SELECT RECOMMENDED 2025 GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2024

Fishing

3-5
Players
60
Minutes
8+
Age
2024
Published

Fishing at your next game night?

Add Fishing to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

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The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

What to Expect

In Fishing, players try to win as many tricks as possible over eight rounds, each card caught worth one point. Your hand evolves each round as you keep caught cards and draw from the ocean deck, which introduces new cards and special buoy cards with unique abilities. Classic trick-taking rules apply, but with tactical deck-building elements that create dynamic gameplay for 3 to 5 players.

Who Is This Game For?

Fishing suits experienced families and hobby gamers looking for a medium-complexity card game with strategic depth. The 60-minute playtime fits well into a game night. Players should be familiar with trick-taking games to fully enjoy the mechanics.

How It Works

Each round starts with a hand of 8 to 13 cards, made from your previously won cards and new cards from the ocean deck. Players follow suit and try to win tricks by playing the highest card. Buoy cards can change the lead, force card exchanges, or affect scoring, adding a layer of strategy. You build your deck round by round to improve your chances in later rounds.

Deck, Bag, and Pool Building Trick-taking

What Makes It Special

Designed by Friedemann Friese, Fishing merges Deck, Bag, and Pool Building with Trick-taking mechanics. It was nominated for the 2024 Golden Geek Light Game of the Year and Most Innovative Board Game awards, and earned a 2025 Mensa recommendation. The game’s theme revolves around fishing with innovative buoy cards that influence gameplay.

Awards

MENSA SELECT RECOMMENDED 2025
Recommended
2025
GOLDEN GEEK NOMINIERT 2024
Nominated
2024

Pro

  • Innovative blend of trick-taking and deck-building
  • Dynamic card pool with ocean deck ensures replayability
  • Special buoy cards add tactical options
  • Designed for 3 to 5 players, ideal for small groups

Contra

  • No solo mode available
  • Requires familiarity with trick-taking games
  • 60-minute playtime may be long for casual players

Setting & atmosphere

Fishing is set in a nautical world focused on angling and marine creatures, with card colors and special buoys representing the ocean environment.

Tips for beginners

Focus first on mastering trick-taking rules and understanding buoy cards before exploring advanced strategies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play this solo?

No, Fishing is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo variant.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.

What prior experience do I need?

Familiarity with trick-taking games is recommended to enjoy Fishing fully.

How does this compare to similar games?

Fishing stands out by combining trick-taking with deck-building and unique buoy cards.

Is this suitable for families?

Suitable for ages 8+, but complexity makes it better for families with gaming experience.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of Deck, Bag, and Pool Building with Trick-taking is the game's key mechanic.

Fazit

Fishing is recommended for players who enjoy trick-taking games with deck-building twists and want a game for 3 to 5 players. Newcomers to trick-taking might find the mechanics challenging at first.

Fishing at your next game night?

Add Fishing to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

Add Fishing to my collection