You can get an Auto Hook enchantment on your rod at the forge on Ginger Island. No mini game after that.

We finally just finished it as a full 4 member party. It was our first play through. One huge tip if you're in a party; at the endgame, when you go for the final fight, be prepared to settle in. You cannot reload mid fight or anywhere in that region once it starts. It will take 2 hrs to complete