This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.
Updated January 4, 2025: This guide reflects the 1.6 update, including new book gifts.
Gift Guide
To gift Willy, visit his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (Saturdays, evenings at the Stardrop Saloon, beach, or river). His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies gift friendship boosts by eight.
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)
These top-tier gifts significantly increase friendship:
- Fish: Catfish
, Octopus 
, Sea Cucumber 
, Sturgeon 
- Books: Jewels Of The Sea
, The Art O' Crabbing 
- Mead:
(Honey in a Keg) - Gold Bar:
(Gold Ore in Furnace) - Iridium Bar:
(Iridium Ore in Furnace) - Diamond:
(Mines) - Pumpkin:
(Fall crop) - Universal Loved Gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)
Solid alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce:
- Fish-based Cooked Dishes: (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
- Fish: Lingcod
, Tiger Trout 
- Quartz:
- Bait and Bobber:
Disliked & Hated Gifts
Avoid these to prevent friendship loss:
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish-based cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universal disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above)
Quests (+150 Friendship)
Willy occasionally posts quests on the bulletin board. Completing these earns gold and a friendship boost. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks
Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as your friendship progresses:
- 3 Hearts: Chowder
(+1 Fishing) - 5 Hearts: Escargot
(+2 Fishing) - 7 Hearts: Fish Stew
(+3 Fishing) - 9 Hearts: Lobster Bisque
(+3 Fishing, +30 Max Energy)
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