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Arthur Morgan fishing

Fishing is a new mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2. Much like hunting, it plays a prominent role in the game, where players can catch and hunt various species of fish for survival, sport and money.

Description[]

Fishing can be done manually or through the use of a fishing rod. When a fish is caught, the player may cook a fish (to restore health, stamina, or Dead Eye cores), donate it to the camp, or sell it for profit.

Species[]

Red Dead Redemption 2-Legendary Fish

Legendary fish map

There are 15 types of fish that can be caught in Red Dead Redemption 2, with each type having its own legendary version. These species of fish will differ in weight and size when caught or fished. Fish are commonly found in lakes, ponds, and rivers, but some are exclusive to one habitat or region.

The following species appear in Red Dead Redemption 2:

Common Bait Legendary Bait
Bluegill Cheese Legendary Bluegill Special lake lure
Bullhead Catfish Corn, cheese, bread Legendary Bullhead Catfish Special river lure
Chain Pickerel Corn Legendary Chain Pickerel Special river lure
Channel Catfish Swamp lure Legendary Channel Catfish (cannot actually be caught) Special river lure
Lake Sturgeon Lake lure Legendary Lake Sturgeon Special river lure
Largemouth Bass Crayfish Legendary Largemouth Bass Special river lure
Longnose Gar Swamp lure Legendary Longnose Gar Special swamp lure
Muskie Lake lure Legendary Muskie Special river lure
Northern Pike River lure Legendary Northern Pike Special river lure
Perch Bread Legendary Perch Special lake lure
Redfin Pickerel Bread Legendary Redfin Pickerel Special lake/river lure
Rock Bass Cheese Legendary Rock Bass Special lake/river lure
Smallmouth Bass Cricket Legendary Smallmouth Bass Special lake lure
Sockeye Salmon River lure Legendary Sockeye Salmon Special lake lure
Steelhead Trout Worm Legendary Steelhead Trout Special river lure

Locations[]

Tools of the Trade[]

The primary tool for fishing is the fishing rod. The equipment is unlocked as the player progresses through the story, specifically in "A Fisher of Men". However, fishing rods can be found in random encounters within the game.

Another tool for fishing are baits and lures, which can be bought in bait shops and general stores.

Tips[]

Location[]

  • It's a good idea to take note of good locations for each species of of fish. For example, one of the best areas to catch Sockeye Salmon is in O'Creagh's Run, especially during cloudy weather.
  • Choosing a fishing spot clear of obstacles is advised, because they can break the line prematurely.

Baits and Lures[]

  • Choosing proper baits and lures will help catching fish more easily. Small fish, like Bluegill or Perch, tend to be attracted to baits, while ignoring lures. By contrast, Sockeye Salmon will generally ignore baits, but can be tempted by river lures.
  • To catch legendary fish, players need to use special lures, which can be bought at a bait shop in Lagras.

Casting and Reeling[]

  • When using lures, players have to slowly reel the lure in (in the real world, this technique is used to make lures look "alive" for fishes). On the other hand, players simply need to hold the rod still after casting when they use baits.
  • A fish often nibbles a bait before biting. Wait until the fish actually bites it before hooking the fish.
  • To reel the fish in without snapping the line, players should tire the fish out first. When the fish is tired, evident by the lack of splashing water, then they can be reeled in safely. Players may need to repeat this process several times, especially when catching large or Legendary fish.

After Catching Fish[]

  • Players may return a fish to the water. This action will slightly increase players' honor. Returning a Legendary fish back to the water allows the player to catch them again.
  • While small and medium-sized fish can be stored in the satchel, large fish need to be carried on horseback. However, the horse can carry only one fish at a time, as they take up as much room as animals such as wolves, or a bison pelt.
    • Like animal carcasses, the fish placed on horseback will decompose over time. As a result, the player should endeavour to sell or cook the fish before this can happen.
  • Players are able to earn a considerable amount of money by catching and selling fish such as Sockeye Salmon and Steelhead Trout, due to their high selling price. Furthermore, with the fully-upgraded satchel, the player can store up to 99 of them in their inventory, potentially allowing for very big profits.

Method on PC[]

  1. Hold the right mouse button for the entire time you are fishing.
  2. Quickly hold and release the left mouse button to cast the bait (the longer you hold, the further you will cast).
  3. If you are using bait, simply wait for the fish to bite. If you are using a lure, you must reel it in by pressing space (using R to reel in faster or F to reel in slower).
  4. When the fishing rod bends, press the left mouse button to hook the fish.
  5. The fish will fight for a few seconds, splashing water. Go in the opposite direction with your mouse, without pressing any buttons or keys (except for the right mouse button which must be held down at all times).
  6. When the fish stops fighting, press space + R and move up and down with your mouse as far as possible until the fish starts fighting again.
  7. When the fish fights again, return to step 5 and repeat the process until you draw it towards you close enough to get it out of the water.

Other Methods[]

  • The fishing rod is not the only way to catch fish. Players can also use weapons to kill fish in the water and then pick them up. However, most weapons will leave them in a poor state, and using Dynamite as "depth charges" will give an Honor penalty. A Bow with Small Game Arrows is the best way to kill fish without damaging them, though they must be close to the surface, or the arrows will lose all velocity upon hitting the water. This method is less effective when playing as John, as he can't swim.

Video Guide[]

Achievements and Trophies[]

The player can attain these following trophies/achievement when specific requirements are achieved.

ItwasTHISBig
IT WAS THIS BIG!
20 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Catch a fish weighing at least 16 lbs (7.3 kg).

Zooloogist
ZOOLOGIST
20 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Study every animal across all states in Story Mode.


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