In a fishing shooter game, a cannon appears at the bottom of the screen for you to control. A set amount is deducted from your balance for each shot — this is the "shot cost". Various fish, sea creatures, and special targets swim across the screen. From small common fish to mid-value fish and boss targets with the highest rewards, each target has its own set prize.
The number of shots needed to defeat a fish is not fixed — it is determined by the game's internal programming. Boss fish or special targets generally take more shots, but the rewards are also much higher. In Star Fishing you can collect special star-marked fish and bonus items that drop from the environment, which add direct rewards or multipliers. The game also lets you use multiple weapon types or special skills that attack most targets on screen at the same time for a set duration.
The cost per shot depends on the cannon level. A higher level deducts more per shot but also gives bigger rewards on a successful hit. This straightforward yet strategic structure is what sets a fishing shooter game apart from a slot game.