Overview
Fishing Planet stands as the undisputed king of fishing simulators. Developed by Fishing Planet LLC, this free-to-play title has been captivating anglers worldwide since 2015, and it continues to grow with regular content updates that frequently include Australian fishing locations.
For Australian players, the game offers an exceptional representation of our unique fishing culture — from chasing Barramundi in the tropical north to targeting Murray Cod in the inland river systems. The attention to detail in replicating Australian fish behaviour, seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences is genuinely impressive.
Gameplay & Mechanics
At its core, Fishing Planet delivers a deeply satisfying fishing experience built on physics-based casting, realistic fish AI, and an extensive tackle system. The casting mechanic requires genuine skill — you must account for wind direction, water current, and the weight of your lure to place your bait precisely where the fish are feeding.
Once a fish is hooked, the fight begins in earnest. Different species exhibit unique fighting behaviours: a Barramundi will leap and thrash, a Murray Cod will make powerful runs toward snags, while a Coral Trout will dive for the reef. This variety keeps every catch exciting and ensures that mastering the game requires real knowledge of fish behaviour.
- Physics-based casting system with wind and current effects
- Species-specific fish AI with realistic fighting behaviour
- Extensive tackle system with hundreds of rods, reels, lines, and lures
- Dynamic weather system affecting fish activity
- Day/night cycle with time-specific fish feeding patterns
- Seasonal changes affecting fish location and behaviour
Australian Locations
The game features several Australian-inspired fishing locations that will feel immediately familiar to local anglers. The "Weipa Lake" location in the Northern Territory DLC is a highlight, featuring crystal-clear tropical waters teeming with Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and Trevally. The Murray River location captures the essence of Australia's most iconic freshwater fishing destination, complete with Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Yellowfin Bream.
The developers have clearly done their research — the vegetation, water colour, and ambient sounds all contribute to an authentic Australian fishing atmosphere that will resonate with anyone who has fished these waters in real life.
Multiplayer & Community
Fishing Planet boasts a vibrant global community, with a particularly active Australian player base. The multiplayer component allows you to fish alongside friends in real-time, share tips, and compete in weekly and monthly tournaments. The leaderboard system provides ongoing motivation to improve your skills and climb the rankings.
The in-game community is welcoming and helpful, with experienced players regularly sharing location tips and tackle recommendations in the chat. This social aspect significantly enhances the overall experience and mirrors the camaraderie found in real-world fishing communities.
Graphics & Sound
Visually, Fishing Planet is stunning. The water rendering is particularly impressive — you can see fish swimming beneath the surface, watch ripples spread from your lure, and observe how light refracts through the water at different times of day. The environmental details, from the gum trees lining the Murray River to the mangroves of the tropical north, are rendered with care and authenticity.
The sound design is equally impressive. The ambient sounds of nature — birds calling, water lapping, wind through the trees — create an immersive atmosphere that genuinely transports you to the fishing location. The sound of a reel screaming as a big fish runs is deeply satisfying.
Verdict
Fishing Planet is the definitive fishing simulator for Australian players. Its combination of realistic mechanics, authentic Australian locations, and thriving multiplayer community make it essential playing for anyone who loves fishing — whether they fish in real life or purely in the digital world. The free-to-play model means there's no barrier to entry, making it easy to recommend without reservation.
If you only play one fishing game this year, make it Fishing Planet. It's a masterclass in how to create an authentic, engaging, and endlessly replayable sports simulation.