Finding leeches on the second island is a mandatory progression step for PC players diving into How to Fish in 2026. Without them, you cannot craft the specialized bait required to lure out the island's boss—a massive piranha that blocks your path forward. Because leeches appear as tiny black lines hidden in the grass, they are easy to miss. Follow these steps to find them quickly and summon the boss.

  1. Wander the island perimeter: Walk around the edge of the main island and check the ground closely for leech button prompts.
  2. Check the dirt paths: Watch the dirt path leading from the central cabin, where leeches occasionally wriggle out into plain view without grass hiding them.
  3. Collect three leeches: Keep searching nearby clusters until you have gathered a total of three leeches.
  4. Trade for leech bait: Take the three leeches to the captain's daughter and feed them to her to receive one Leech Bait.
  5. Cast for the boss: Equip your fishing rod, select the Leech Bait, cast your line, and slowly reel it in to start the second major boss fight against the Giant Piranha.

Tips for the Piranha Boss Fight

Once the giant piranha grabs your bait, the second major boss fight begins. Keep in mind that if you die during this encounter, the game will require you to track down more leeches and trade for new bait before you can summon and attempt the boss fight again.