How to get Challenge Bait in Stardew Valley

One of the recipes which can be obtained through the new Mastery system in Stardew Valley is Challenge Bait. This Bait allows you to catch up to three fish at once, but it can prove a bit of a challenge (no pun intended) to begin with. 

The Challenge Bait recipe is unlocked upon achieving Fishing Mastery, along with the Advanced Iridium Rod and the chance to obtain Golden Fishing Chests. 

To make 5 Challenge Baits, you’ll need:

Challenge Bait is an excellent way to catch a lot of fish in a short period of time because it allows the capture of up to three of a single type of fish. Because of this, Challenge Bait is a must if you want to do well during Trout Derby or Squidfest, the two new Fishing based Festivals. To use it, you simply need to attach it to your rod and then go fishing, with the real challenge beginning once you’ve hooked a fish. 

How to use Challenge Bait

You can only use Challenge Bait with the Fiberglass, Iridium and Advanced Iridium Rods, although technically you can use it in a Crab Pot.

Once the Fishing minigame begins, there will be a small box on the right side of the interface, below the preview window which is available when using a Sonar Bobber. To begin with, there will be three fish here. 

As you’re reeling, each time the fish leaves the green bar you will lose one of these fish. If the fish leaves the bar three times, you lose all of the fish. This can prove most challenging with fish that move around a lot, so this Bait is best used on fish who remain calm while they’re being reeled in.