How do I enhance my rod?
I'm on chapter 14 now and I'm planning to use Umbra to go back and finish up side quests and max out everyone's skills, but I haven't gotten a single fishing rod upgrade. The last time I tried fishing (in Altissia, chapter 9, I think?), the fish were incredibly strong and if I even managed to catch one, it took about 10-15 minutes of intense angling. Typically, though, they just broke the line if I was a couple seconds late switching directions.
Considering how easy it was to catch fish early on, there's no way catching fish is supposed to be this hard, even if it's late in the game.
Did I miss some side quest to get a better rod? Do I randomly find them? Are they sold in stores? Where do I go/what do I do to get a better fishing rod?
There are four different components that are tied into upgrading your Fishing Pole, which are purchased at different Fishing Shops throughout the world.
Fishing Guide
Fishing Equipment
Line - Determines the durability of your fishing pole. This is the HP of your pole. When it reaches 0, you will lose the line, lure, and won't catch the fish that bit.
Lure - This determines what fish will bite. Each lure lists fish that it attracts, but they can also attract fish that are not listed.
Rod - This determines the defense of your pole. The defense affects how fast your durability goes down when reeling in a fish.
Reel - This determines the attack of your pole. The attack affects how fast you can reel in a fish.
You start with all of these, but you can upgrade them by going to fishing shops.
Fishing Shops
Galdin Quay - Bob's Bait Emporium: The first shop you will find is near the Galdin Quay. You can buy extra line and lures here.
Rachsia Bridge - Tabby's Tackle Shack: This shop is north of Old Lestallum. It sells more lines and lures, as well as a new rod and reel.
Vesper Pool East Bank - Bert's Bobbers 'n' Stuff: This shop sells the best line, Dragon's Beard, as well as some great lures and the best purchasable reel and rod.
Car: You can also purchase lines and lures from your car as you progress through the game.