Searchable reference
Stardew Valley Bait Maker Database
Bait Maker and Targeted Bait records for Fishing Level 6 crafting, machine output, hook chance rules, event routes, rare fish targeting, Crab Pot effects, and bait mistakes.
Bait Maker Unlock and Crafting
Unlock / Fishing Level 6, Iron Bars, Coral, and Sea Urchin
The Bait Maker is a 1.6 refining machine crafted after Fishing Level 6. It turns one fish into 5-10 pieces of that fish's Targeted Bait, making rare fish routes and event preparation much more controllable.
Targeted Bait Rules
Mechanics / Fish-specific hook chance and ordinary bait bite speed
Targeted Bait increases the chance of hooking its named fish when that fish is actually available in the current area, season, time, and weather. It still behaves like standard bait for bite speed.
Festival Prep Route
Festivals / Trout Derby and SquidFest targeted bait loops
The Bait Maker is excellent during Trout Derby and SquidFest. Catch one Rainbow Trout or Squid, process it into targeted bait, then spend the rest of the event increasing the chance of the exact target.
Rare Fish Routing
Fish Finder / Hard windows, legendary fish, Goby, mine fish, and Lava Eel
Targeted Bait is strongest when a fish has a narrow window, low chance, or high value. It helps legendary and Extended Family attempts, Goby routing, and some mine fish through special rules.
Crab Pot Targeted Bait
Crab Pots / Lobster, Crab, Oyster, Clam, and Mariner exception
Targeted Bait also works in Crab Pots if the player does not have the Mariner profession. It can push Crab Pot catches toward a specific target and reduce junk compared with standard bait.
Wrong Bait Risk
Troubleshooting / Unavailable fish and trash-heavy hooks
Targeted Bait can backfire when the named fish is not catchable in the current conditions. If the fish is unavailable, the hook selection can become worse and trash chances can rise.