This guide focuses on befriending Willy, the kindly fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's an early connection, gifting the player a fishing rod and providing fishing supplies. Befriending him offers significant benefits.
Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's favorite gifts have expanded with the 1.6 update, including several fishing-related books.
Gift Guide
Gifts are given at his shop (weekdays), or where he fishes (Saturdays/evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies friendship gains by eight.
Loved Gifts (80 friendship points):
- Fish:
Catfish, 
Octopus, 
Sea Cucumber, 
Sturgeon - Books:
Jewels of the Sea, 
The Art O' Crabbing 
Mead (Honey in a Keg)
Gold Bar (Gold Ore in Furnace)
Iridium Bar (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
Diamond
Pumpkin- All universally loved gifts
Liked Gifts (45 friendship points):
- Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll)
- Fish:
Lingcod, 
Tiger Trout 
Quartz
Bait and Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked/hated items (except for fish – Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).
Quests:
Willy posts requests on the bulletin board, rewarding gold and 150 friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters challenging fish catches (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks: Willy sends four fishing-buff recipes at increasing friendship levels: Chowder (+1 fishing), Escargot (+2), Fish Stew (+3), Lobster Bisque (+3 and +30 max energy).
