How do I improve my timing for fishing in Ruby/Sapphire?

Is it just me, or does fishing in Ruby and Sapphire feel way off base?

I’m trying to find Wailmer mainly so I can unlock the Regi Path, but it’s so hard to catch anything! It feels that no matter how fast I press A, I still face the message, “It got away…” every. Single. TIME. Any tips on how to get better at fishing in Gen III, if at all? Or is there something I’m forgetting that once I figure it out will make me look out like a complete idiot?Please help!

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

Generation IIIStarting with Generation III, the fishing mechanic became more complicated, as the player would have to pay attention and confirm as soon as the rod hooked a Pokémon, or else it would get away.A series of ellipses appear prior to the text “Oh! A bite!”, which is when the player should press the A Button.In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, this required a series of confirmations to reel in better Pokémon.

–Bulbapedia

That should give you a better idea of when to press A.

Also, not sure if this applies to Ruby/Sapphire, but from Emerald onwards,> Starting from Emerald, if the first Pokémon in the player’s party has the ability Suction Cups or Sticky Hold, the player is more likely to get a bite.

CrEdit where CrEdit’s due:

You’re supposed to press A when it says “Oh, a bite,” then you see ANOTHER dotted lineso you wait for another bite, wash, rinse, repeat.

–noaisawsom123

and also, sumwun said it a lot before:

You need to press A once, wait for it to say “Oh! A bite!” again,and press A again.This may repeat itself several times before you get to battle the Pokemon. So even if you press A it’s not guaranteed you’ll get a Pokemon; it takes a few tries.

What I do when I fish in Pokemon sapphire is, I just ignore all buttons and focus on the A button with my thumb and look at the text until it says “oh A bite!” and repeat until I get it.