How do you get the fishing rod in legend of Zelda phantom hourglass?

Answer 1

You must talk the fisherman on Bannan Island and he will tell you that he dreams of catching a mermaid. To catch the mermaid, you must clear the island of monsters and snakes. She may surface from the water somewhere, when she does, do not chase her or get to close, just take out your boomerang and hit her. She will talk to you and reveal that she is a girl dressed as the legendary mermaid. After that, talk to the fisherman about her. After that, talk to captain Linebeck, he will say something about seeing a mermaid. Go back to the fisherman's hut, and talk to him, he will give you the fishing rod.