In order to become a fisherman, Luigi had to find his very own fishing rod. Most citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom didn't fish, so he wasn't sure where he would be able to get one. He looked everywhere, from Harry T's shop to the princess's treasury, but to no avail. He did find one rod, but it was being used by some odd looking fellow by the docks. Luigi decided to approach him.

"A-hello!"

"Yeah, you need somethin'? Nobody ever comes around here 'less they need somethin'."

Luigi was put off by the guy's attitude, but decided to pursue nonetheless.

"I was a-wondering… A-where did you get that-a rod?"

"This ol' thing? My father made it fer me some time ago, lad. Sorry to disappoint, but I got no clue where he's at now."

Luigi began to think. If there were no rods available in the kingdom, would he have to make his own? How would he even do that?

"Is that all ye need, pally?"

"Oh, yeah!" Luigi raises his fist to the air.

"All-righty then. Be seein' ye."

Luigi began to walk away, when the man came up with a nasty plot.

"'Ey, pard'ner! Before yer off, would ye like to play a game?"

Luigi turned towards the man, then stroked his chin. What kind of game was this?

"How 'bout a little bet, son. Whoever catches th' biggest fish wins."

"Oho!" Luigi was intrigued.

"Let's see… We're gonna need some stakes, fella'. How 'bout if you win, you get this ol' rod. If I win, you hand over that nice hat of yer's."

Luigi's hat was his most prized possession. He always wore it, even when he went swimming. To lose it would be to lose his identity. If he won, though, he'd be set for life. He'd be able to become a fisherman and begin his training. It was a tough bet, but Luigi decided to take it.

"Oh, yeah!"

"Heheh… good luck, pal. Name's Fishmael, by the way."

The competitors shook their hands, then began. Fishmael was up first; it was his rod they were playing for, after all. The large man casted his rod into the ocean and entered hyper-focus mode. His eyes were wide open, and his gaze affixed to the bobber at the end of the line. A couple minutes passed with no bite whatsoever. Fishmael remained focused; he knew that he had to, as even though he questioned Luigi's fishing capabilities, he didn't want to take any chances. He was a good fisher, but an even better gambler.

Luigi could tell this guy had been a fisherman for a long time. He noticed some techniques the man was using that his mentor, Big, also made use of. The man made no sound. Luigi knew that this was to ensure he was able to hear any subtle movements that he otherwise may not have picked up on.

What Luigi didn't know was that FIshmael's Fishing Luck rating of 9 gave him a 15% bonus to fish size. Luigi was at a huge disadvantage in this battle, but it wasn't impossible for him to win. Though he had only caught one fish, Luigi's stats were respectable. He had a Fishing Strength stat of 7, an abnormally high Fishing IQ of 9, an average Fishing Luck at 5, and a Fishing Reaction Speed of 7. Luigi didn't know about Fishing stats, however, so he was unable to size up his opponent before the match.

After several minutes of silence, Fishmael hooked something. From the looks of it, it was a big one too. Fishmael entered Power Mode and started to reel. It was a feisty one to be sure, as it was looping around all over the place. The fish moved with intense speed, but it couldn't keep up with Fishmael's reeling. The bobber drew ever close to the pier, slowly but surely. When it got close enough, Fishmael launched the rod into the air behind him, and the fish emerged from the water. He released the rod in one hand, with which he caught the fish. It was a black sea bass, and a huge one at that. Things weren't looking good for Luigi.

"Beat that, pard'ner!"

Luigi gulped. He had only ever caught on fish in his life, and it was much smaller than the one Fishmael just reeled in. He knew that only a great deal of luck could save him now. Fishmael tossed the rod over to him, chuckling.

"Heheh… I ain't never seen a rookie catch somethin' that big. Yer hat is good as mine!"

Luigi had to remain calm. He couldn't let the fisherman get to him, or he would certainly lose. He let out a huff, then threw out his line. He didn't know it yet, but his 9 in Fishing IQ gave him a 10% location boost, making it more likely to hook rare fish. Almost immediately, his line tugged. This was it. This fish decided whether he would become a fisherman or not. It pulled hard, which was a good sign. The problem, though, is that he could barely keep up. The fish pulled him around with incredible force, and he couldn't even get his bearings.

"If ye can't even catch a single fish, what are ye even doin' here lad!?" Fishmael tried to get in Luigi's head. It didn't work though; Luigi wouldn't give in just yet. He knew that if he held out long enough, the fish would eventually get tired.

Luigi kept pulling, but the fish pulled even harder. Gripping the fishing pole with all his might, he was unable to focus on his stance, and as a result, the fish tugged hard enough that Luigi stumbled. Luigi managed to catch himself, nearly falling off the pier into the ocean below. It wasn't over yet, though, as Luigi's high Fishing IQ could still earn him the victory.

Under the water, Luigi could see the silhouette of the fish. It was much larger than the one Fishmael had caught. If he could just reel it in, he would win for sure. Luigi steeled himself, for he knew that catching this fish would be a more difficult task than any he had ever done. Luigi closed his eyes, prepared his fishing stance, and went into a meditative state. Fishmael was getting fed up.

"Ey, are ye done playin' around or what?"

Just then, Luigi started to glow. Some toads with violins and trumpets walked on to the scene playing dramatic music. Fishmael had no clue what was going on, and neither did Luigi for that matter, but he felt in his heart that he knew it had to happen. Blue flames surrounded Luigi, but he was not hurt. Luigi opened his eyes which were no longer blue, but gold. His stare was powerful and aimed at the fish with intense focus, the likes of which Fishmael had never seen. Luigi stomped the ground. The fish stopped at his command. Luigi began to reel. The speed at which he reeled was blindingly fast, and in mere seconds, the fish launched 120 feet into the air. Luigi seemed prepared though; he kneeled, then leapt with all his might. Fishmael watched in awe as Luigi caught the fish, which was still over 100 feet from the ground.

When Luigi landed, fish in hand, he said nothing. Instead, he raised the enormous fish in the air, which was well over twice the size of the bass that his opponent had caught earlier. Fishmael had never seen this type of fish before. It was huge, of course, and rainbow-coloured. The fish sparkled in the sunlight as if it was an expensive gemstone. Fishmael took out his Fishdex to identify it.

Rainbow Bicepfish

One of the seven God Fish. The rainbow bicepfish is so powerful that it can pull even the burliest of fishermen into the water. It is rarely seen and has never been caught. Legends say that anyone who lays their eyes on the fish will experience a week of good fortune.

Fishmael was perplexed. He had never heard of a God Fish before. Luigi threw the rainbow bicepfish into his trusty old bucket, then slung the fishing rod over his shoulder.

"I guess it's yours now, fair and square." Fishmael was defeated.

"Oh, yeah!" Luigi declared.

Luigi finally had his own rod. He was now a real fisherman, and ready to take on any fishing related challenges that he may face. Fishmael watched humbly as the green-clad man walked into the sunset. The day was over, but Luigi's great fishing career had just begun.