Bait & Tackle

Released Oct 2025

Catch exotic fish and fight comical sea-monsters as you chase after The One That Got Away in this fishing-centric boss rush!

94% positive · 116 reviews

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

Medium confidence

Active Development

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

Medium confidence

Active Development

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Steam Free

Evaluation

Bait & Tackle launched on October 3, 2025 as a free-to-play fishing boss-rush game. In its first year, the developer shipped a steady stream of patches and two substantial free content updates. The first major update — v1.1.0 "The Factually Fresh Update" on February 27, 2026 — added new animated environment art, a visually overhauled shipwreck level, Fishdex improvements, a replayable credits level, and fish facts for every species. The second major update — v1.2.0 "The Star of the Show Update" on July 10, 2026 — added an entirely new optional area (the Estuary), two new bosses (Sensational Starfish and its superboss variant), new music, and seven new catchable fish, followed by a quick bugfix patch (v1.2.1) on August 5, 2026. This establishes a pattern of roughly one major content update every 4–5 months since launch. The developer's one-year anniversary post on October 3, 2026 celebrated the milestone and the community warmly, but made no announcement that development is concluding — nor did it announce any specific upcoming content. The most recent developer communication was October 3, 2026, and the last major content update shipped on July 10, 2026. Given the established cadence and no statement of completion, the game is well within its historical update window.

Evidence

v1.2.0 'The Star of the Show Update' shipped a new optional area (the Estuary), two new bosses with unique movesets and music, and seven new fish to catch.

news post · Jul 10, 2026 source content shipped

high

v1.1.0 'The Factually Fresh Update' shipped new animated environment art, an overhauled shipwreck level, Fishdex improvements, a replayable credits level, and fish facts for all species.

news post · Feb 27, 2026 source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Bad Bass Games

Publisher

MAGIC Spell Studios

Achievements

Platform

Windows, Linux

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Not rated

Players

Single-player

Action Fishing Funny Souls-like Pixel Graphics 2D Combat Side Scroller 2D Fighter Platformer Indie Free to Play Collectathon Linear Bullet Time

About this game

Get Hooked on this Fishing Adventure… Where The Fish Fight Back!

Step into the boots of a legendary fisherman returning from a shameful retirement. Travel the coastline chasing after exotic fish and regaining your forgotten skills. But beware – deadly catches are lurking everywhere…

Take down a variety of comical bosses in fast-paced, high-intensity fights! Cast your fishing line like a grappling hook to sling yourself around stages, while also using your rod to smack sea monsters into submission!

The One That Got Away…

Long ago, The Big One got away and forced you into an early retirement. But now, you finally have the chance to redeem your reputation following recent sightings of the mythical monster! Follow the trail of rumors while taking down other terrible creatures that have been terrorizing the coast, including Mini Minnow, Big Bass, Crude Crab, and Swordmaster Swordfish.

No Laughing Matter.

Don’t let their wacky appearance fool you: each boss fight will push you to your limits and provide fresh challenges that force you to make the most of the fishing rod you wield. You’ll learn to master various movement techniques and boss patterns while constantly switching up strategies and adapting on the fly! As you improve, chase high scores as you replay past fights and challenge yourself with Super-Boss versions of fights! A suite of accessibility options ensures that you can play by your own rules and rise to any challenge.

Gotta Fish ‘Em All!

Chase after dozens and dozens of unique fish (and secret easter eggs) in each location! With unique rarities and difficulties, filling up your Fishdex is no easy task…

Download for Free Today!

Filled with hand-crafted pixel art, gut-busting jokes, and nail-biting challenges, the world of Bait & Tackle awaits… Grab your fishing rod, cast your line, and chase after The One that Got Away!