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The Settlers of Catan: The Fishermen of Catan

999 Games, Jeux sur un Plateau, Mayfair Games · Board game · 2005
3–4 · best 4 60 min Weight 2.0/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy Ask about Rules
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Enjoyed Catan and want more? This expansion adds extra charm with fishing, introducing new ways to get resources and benefits. If you like Catan and want a dash of luck and more options, you'll dig it!

Highlights
  • New ways to get resources
  • Fun benefits with fish
  • Adds luck and options
  • Expands Catan lightly
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game
  • Can add too much luck
  • Slightly different rules
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get your fishing rods ready, folks! "The Fishermen of Catan" is an expansion that adds a maritime flair to your favorite colonization experience. If you thought Catan already had it all, think again! Here, some of the sea tiles transform into "Fishing Grounds," and things get interesting. Instead of receiving normal resource cards, you can fish for fish tokens, worth 1, 2, or even 3 fish. And what's all this fishing for? To spend! With 2 fish, you can send the Robber back to the desert, without him being able to steal from you. With 3, you can "swipe" a resource card from an opponent. With 4, grab any resource from the bank. With 5, build a road instantly! And with 7 fish, you get a development card for free. But beware, because besides fish, you might also catch an "old shoe." Whoever gets this relic needs an extra point to win and can only get rid of it by passing it to someone with the same or higher score. It's an addition that brings more options and a bit of extra luck, without overcomplicating the rules we already love. Perfect for those who want a change of pace in Catan and enjoy a new strategy for resources and negotiations.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items
Catan

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Dice Rolling Modular Board Trading

Categories

Economic Expansion for Base-game Negotiation

Families

Game: Catan Magazine: Spielbox Theme: Fishing / Angling
Publisher 999 Games, Jeux sur un Plateau, Mayfair Games, W. Nostheide Verlag GmbH
Designer Klaus Teuber
Artist Tanja Donner

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base Catan game to play "The Fishermen of Catan"?
Yes, absolutely! This is an expansion, so you need to own the base game "The Settlers of Catan" to play with the new rules and components.
How many players can participate with this expansion?
Just like the base game, this expansion is for 3 to 4 players. It does not increase the player count.
How long does a game take with "The Fishermen of Catan"?
The playtime is very similar to the base game, generally around 60 minutes. The new mechanics don't significantly extend the game time.
Does the game's complexity increase a lot?
Not really. The additional rules are easy to learn and integrate well with the main game, adding more options without being overwhelming.
Is it worth it for someone who already has other Catan expansions?
If you enjoy Catan and want a lighter variation focused on resources with a touch of luck, yes! It doesn't radically change the game like larger expansions, but it adds a different and fun flavor.
What is the "old shoe" and how does it work?
The old shoe is an item you might fish up that requires you to have one extra point to win. To get rid of it, you need to pass it to another player who has the same or a higher score than you.
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