In Reel Fishing III, the first title in the series to be released for the PlayStation 2, players assume control of a remote fishing lodge which includes food, shelter, books with instructions on nearly every facet of fresh-water fishing, and even a dog. A tutorial offers help on casting, twitching, trolling, playing the fish, and setting the hook for bluegill and bass. As gameplay proceeds, various aspects "unlock," such as lure and bait fishing, fly fishing, using two types of livewell (aerated for river and stream fish and unaerated for stillwater catches), letting fish mature for future release, and more.