Fischfest

If you want the Popsicle Rod, Fischfest is where you go. This First Sea zone, listed as Fischfest Plaza, is obtainable now, and the only rod documented here is the Popsicle Rod at 3,000 Shells. Note the currency: it is Shells, not C$, so your regular money does not apply.

Ten residents are listed, among them a Shell Merchant, a Merchant, a Shipwright, Scuba Steve, Barnacle Bill, Sandy Finn and Axel. The names tied to the zone are beach-party items rather than ordinary fish: Tidepopper, Coconut, Lifeguard Whistle, Sunscreen Bottle, Popsicle, Sunsquid and others, 14 in all.

No fish from this zone have documented values, so there is no price ranking to lean on. That shapes the advice. Go here for the rod purchase and to see the Shell Merchant, not to farm money. Collect Shells first, then spend them on the Popsicle Rod, and do not expect the usual fish-selling loop to pay for the trip.