This guide focuses on befriending Willy, the kindly old fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable ally, offering fishing supplies and helpful advice. Befriending him unlocks significant benefits, including unique recipes that boost your fishing skills.
Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward. Find him at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Gifts significantly impact your friendship level. Remember his birthday is Summer 24 – gifts on this day have an 8x effect!
Gift Guide
Loved Gifts (increase friendship by 80 points):
- Fish: Catfish
, Octopus 
, Sea Cucumber 
, Sturgeon 
- Books: Jewels Of The Sea
, The Art O' Crabbing 
- Mead:
(Made with Honey in a Keg) - Gold Bar:
(From Gold Ore in a Furnace) - Iridium Bar:
(From Iridium Ore in a Furnace) - Diamond:
(Found in Mines) - Pumpkin:
(Grown in Fall) - All universally loved gifts.
Liked Gifts (increase friendship by 45 points):
- Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – he's neutral towards these).
- Fish: Lingcod
, Tiger Trout 
- Quartz
- Bait And Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts (avoid these):
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish-based cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish; he's neutral towards most fish not listed above).
Quests:
Willy occasionally posts quests on the notice board outside Pierre's shop, rewarding you with gold and friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid on Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod on Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks:
Reaching higher friendship levels with Willy unlocks four unique fishing-buff recipes: Chowder 
(3 hearts), Escargot 
(5 hearts), Fish Stew 
(7 hearts), and Lobster Bisque 
(9 hearts). These recipes provide significant health, energy, and fishing boosts.
