Howdy! How's the bite?
Today, we will discuss fish AI and how they behave. In a previous devlog, we shared a brief glimpse of it, but today we want to explain it in more detail.
In our game, fish don’t just bite randomly. We have gone beyond simple “bait nearby = bite” triggers. Each fish is controlled by a unique variable that monitors bait movement and interest and decides whether to strike the lure.
Bait Movement & Presentation Matters
How your bait behaves in the water is a critical factor. Fish recognizes what you are doing with your rod and distinguishes between various retrieval techniques, including:
Dead sticking (stationary presentation)
Slow retrieve
Fast retrieve / Burning
Twitching and Jerking
Free falling / Sinking
Topwater waking / Skimming
Bottom bouncing / Jigging
Different species react differently to these actions. Aggressive predators can be triggered by fast, erratic movements, such as jerking, while calmer species prefer a slower, more natural presentation, such as a slow retrieve.
Dynamic Species Profiles & Environment
Every fish has a unique profile. A fish’s behavior is dictated by its settings (predator, omnivore, herbivore), preferred habitat (surface, shallow, or deep water), and peak times. They are also heavily influenced by the environment. The time of day and weather will also determine how active a species is. The same bait can yield very different results depending on the species you target and the current weather!
Fish Don’t React Instantly - They Observe
Distance plays a huge role; the closer the bait, the higher the awareness. Instead of making instant decisions, fish gradually build an internal “interest level.” As long as conditions are favorable - right movement and distance - their interest meter fills up. Once it crosses a threshold, the fish will strike!
When your bait hits the water, fish don’t blindly attack (not all of them :fishingfloat:). They start by checking it. Is the hook size appropriate? Is the bait properly presented and ready? If something doesn’t add up, the fish will ignore it. But that’s not all!
Flocking & The Spooking System
Fish in MLF: Pro Catch also DON’T spawn once you cast the rod, which means fish are always roaming around the waters. Our system allows fish to move independently or in schools, maintain spacing, and respond collectively. As a result, interacting with one fish can indirectly affect nearby fish.
They are highly sensitive to their surroundings. A heavy bait crashing into the water, a boat passing overhead, or careless wading will spook the fish, causing them to scatter and lose interest. Don’t worry -they won’t disappear for hours. The spooked state is temporary, and they will calm down and return to their routines. Because they scattered, you might need to use your boat’s sonar to track their new location again!
Skill Over Luck
All of these systems work together to create a deeply natural and believable simulation. Choosing the right gear is just the beginning - picking the proper lure, casting spot, and time of day you fish truly matter.
You’ll actually need to learn about the fish in the game before you show off your actual fishing skills and situational awareness to land the big ones!
Fish also group together and patrol certain underwater spots. You’ll notice different behaviors, like predators and plant-eaters, and each species has its own swimming speed and habits. Some fish will jump out of the water to try to shake off your hook, while others will dive deep to hide. So, picking the right gear and bait isn’t enough - you’ll need real fishing skills and awareness to catch the biggest fish.
The waters hold more secrets
Every strike in MLF: Pro Catch is earned, not given. From cautious fish to aggressive predators, the AI ensures each encounter feels alive and unpredictable. There os
Stay tuned, in the next devlog, we will dive deeper into the FISH AI & behavior!
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