So for fishing it isn’t about getting through bars. The goal is to get the bar at the bottom of the screen all the way to the right. Whenever you press a correct key the bar increases slightly. It’s more about pressing the correct keys consistently than going fast. Also depending on when and where you are fishing the fish can be more difficult. I hear the ocean is easier to fish in.
As for fishing in general it was made easier a few patches back but I’m sure I’ll be giving it another check. You certainly aren’t the only person to say it is too difficult.