Sardine
A small, oily fish that travels in schools. An important food source for larger ocean predators.
Quick answer
Where to catch Sardine in Stardew Valley
Catch Sardine at Ocean during Spring, Fall, Winter from 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM in any weather. It sells for 40g at normal quality and 80g when smoked.
Ocean
Spring, Fall, Winter
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, any weather
40g base, 80g iridium
50g Roe -> 100g Aged Roe
Trap Bobber or Cork Bobber
Keep one for Ocean Fish Bundle and Dish O' The Sea
Is Sardine worth keeping?
Keep the first Sardine for the Ocean Fish Bundle, then keep two more if you plan to cook Dish O' The Sea for a useful Fishing buff.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extras only after bundle and cooking needs are covered. Sardine has a low 40g base value, so its main value is utility and easy ocean access.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Sardine pond is a low-value collection pond. Use serious pond space for higher-value fish unless you simply want a steady easy Roe source. Formula value: 50g Roe, then 100g Aged Roe.
Best route
What to do with Sardine
Fish the Ocean during Spring, Fall, or Winter from 6 AM to 7 PM. Catch one for the bundle, then keep two if you want Dish O' The Sea for future difficult fish.
Ocean Fish Bundle first
Required for the Ocean Fish Bundle.
Do not treat Sardine as a profit fish. Its value comes from being easy, common, and useful for the bundle and Fishing buff food.
Where & When to Find Sardine
Location
- Ocean
Common ocean fish found in spring, fall, and winter.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 30
EasyGood for building fishing XP
Dart Behavior
Makes sudden, quick movements in random directions. Most unpredictable behavior.
Tip: Stay centered and use small, quick adjustments. Don't overreact to movements.
Expert Tips for Sardine
Very easy to catch despite the darting behavior due to low difficulty. Great for beginners exploring ocean fishing.
Recommended Tackle
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Cork Bobber
Larger fishing bar
Best for: Hard fish like legendaries
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 40g |
| Silver | 50g |
| Gold | 60g |
| Iridium | 80g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 40g | 80g |
| Silver | 50g | 100g |
| Gold | 60g | 120g |
| Iridium | 80g | 160g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Sardine
- Fish Stew ingredient
- Sashimi
- Easy ocean catch
Did You Know?
Sardines are named after Sardinia, Italy, where they were once abundant.