How to Make a Fishing Rod in Minecraft

Fishing rods have been available in Minecraft since the alpha version. Initially, they had no function and were stackable. 

However, since version 1.2.0 fishing rods can be used to catch fish from any body of water.

They are also no longer stackable as this would allow players to change the damage levels. 

Fishing rods can be enchanted to become unbreakable. Enchanted rods can also be found in underwater ruins.

This how-to guide will give you step by step instructions for crafting a fishing rod as well as all the data information you may need. 

Platform Information

Fishing rods are supported on all platforms. 

Finding Fishing Rods in Creative Mode

To get a fishing rod in creative mode you need to select the right menu.

The creative menus have changed names between consoles and versions so check the table to find the correct menu.

Crafting a Fishing Rod  in Survival Mode

Required Materials

You need two materials to craft a fishing rod in Minecraft; 3 sticks and 2 strings. 

The materials are fairly easy to come by as a fishing rod is an early game tool. 

Sticks can be crafted from wood while string is dropped by spiders.

String can also be found in cobwebs, fished out of water, or looted from jungle temples, desert pyramid chests, and dungeons. 

You will also need a crafting table to make a fishing rod. 

How to Craft a Fishing Rod

1. Open the Crafting Menu

Walk up to your crafting table and open the crafting menu. 

The controls for opening the crafting menu when in front of your crafting table are below.

2. Place the materials

When you open the crafting menu you will be able to see the crafting grid and your inventory. 

The crafting grid is a 3×3 grid and is displayed above your inventory. To craft any item you need to drag materials from your inventory into the crafting grid. 

The positioning of the materials in the grid is key. Some items use the same materials but a different layout. So to avoid wasting your materials get the positioning right.

For a fishing rod, you need a stick in the third box of the first row. The second row should have a stick in the middle box and string in the third box. The third row should have a stick in the first box and string in the third box.  

You are essentially recreating the shape of a fishing rod using the materials.  If you want a visual representation, check out the diagram below. 

XXS

XSR

SXR

X= blank space

S= stick

R= string

3. Collect your fishing rod

When you place the materials in the right pattern, a fishing rod will appear in the box next to the crafting grid. 

You need to pick up the fishing rod and place it in your inventory to complete the crafting process.

If you don’t pick up the rod before exiting the crafting menu, the materials will drop to the ground around the crafting table.

Item ID and Name

Give Command 

Using a Fishing Rod

A fishing rod’s main function is to catch things from the water.

You can catch all manner of fish, shells, crafting materials, and junk when fishing. Different bodies of water contain different creatures and items so go explore! 

You can also craft further items using a fishing rod. By combining a fishing rod with a carrot you can make a carrot on a stick that can be used to ride a pig. 

By combining a fishing rod with warped fungus, you can make warped fungus on a stick. This can be used to ride a strider. 

Finally, you can enchant a fishing rod to give it extra powers. Check the table below for different enchantments and their effects on a fishing rod.