diff --git a/fishing/fishing_spot.gd b/fishing/fishing_spot.gd
index 0fdc5f7..2559af5 100644
--- a/fishing/fishing_spot.gd
+++ b/fishing/fishing_spot.gd
@@ -781,7 +781,10 @@ func confirm_pending_bite() -> void:
 
 func _set_bite_confirmation_pending(is_pending: bool) -> void:
 	if is_pending:
-		_set_fishing_input_priority(true)
+		# The Standby deliberately pauses before the fight begins. Keep chat and
+		# menus available during that pause; fishing only owns input once the
+		# player confirms the bite and enters the actual minigame.
+		_set_fishing_input_priority(false)
 	if _bite_confirmation_pending == is_pending:
 		if not is_pending:
 			_bite_confirmation_requested = false
@@ -1142,7 +1145,6 @@ func _activate_bite(confirmation_override: bool = false) -> void:
 	):
 		_cancel_attempt()
 		return
-	_set_fishing_input_priority(true)
 	if (
 		not confirmation_override
 		and _active_lure_has_effect(&"deferred_fight")
@@ -1155,6 +1157,7 @@ func _activate_bite(confirmation_override: bool = false) -> void:
 		_presentation.show_bite()
 		return
 
+	_set_fishing_input_priority(true)
 	_set_bite_confirmation_pending(false)
 	_pending_catch = _fish_selector.create_catch(_selected_fish)
 	if _pending_catch == null or not _pending_catch.is_valid():
diff --git a/tests/art_tools_validation.gd b/tests/art_tools_validation.gd
index 3bc4633..3b9d6a3 100644
--- a/tests/art_tools_validation.gd
+++ b/tests/art_tools_validation.gd
@@ -305,6 +305,17 @@ func _run() -> void:
 		assert(on_screen_keyboard.is_open())
 		on_screen_keyboard.call("_close_keyboard", true)
 		assert(typed_chat_entry.has_focus())
+
+	# A deferred Standby bite has not started the fishing minigame yet. It must
+	# release fishing's input ownership so chat remains available until the
+	# player confirms the bite.
+	chat_fishing_spot.call("_set_fishing_input_priority", true)
+	chat_fishing_spot.call("_set_bite_confirmation_pending", true)
+	for _frame: int in 4:
+		await process_frame
+	assert(not chat_fishing_spot.is_fishing_input_priority_active())
+	assert(chat_ui.is_open())
+	chat_fishing_spot.call("_set_bite_confirmation_pending", false)
 	var left_bumper := InputEventJoypadButton.new()
 	left_bumper.button_index = JOY_BUTTON_LEFT_SHOULDER
 	left_bumper.pressed = true