At the point in the storyline where you reach the Waterfall area and complete Manato's challenge, you will have the chance to participate in bonus fishing contests. Manato is your rival after all, and he wants to test your skills.

The fishing contest will start in the Pond area and then move once through the other locations. The contests are optional and there's no penalty if you lose nor an advantage if you win. Each contest will have a different set of rules. Your competition will always be Manato and Ren, while Ahaya acts as the judge.

Each contest has a time limit and you can not end the contest once you have started. You can use any type of item you have on hand, which includes Scatter Bait, flutes, and gems. You can change your fishing equipment at any moment during the competition but the contest time will not stop while you are in your inventory. If you are in the middle of reeling in a fish and the time limit is reached, you will lose the fish.

Once the contest time has expired, everyone will gather together and brag about their achievements. Ahaya will then announce who the winner of the contest is. If you are the first place winner you will receive your small prize and then the contest is over.

After you have reached the last area, the contest will rotate back around to the Pond and go through the list again.