Key Takeaways
- You only need a fishing rod to start, no bait required
- Learn fishing by observing NPC fishermen near rivers
- Regular rod is enough early, save for the Pororin rod later
- Reel only when fish is tired to avoid losing it
- Fishing in Crimson Desert is a reliable early-game money source
- Legendary fish require specific locations and the Pororin rod
Fishing here is something you mostly figure out on your own. The game barely explains it, so it can feel confusing at first. But once it clicks, it actually feels pretty relaxing and you can make some money from it too.
It’s not just about catching fish either. You can cook them, sell them, or just take a break from combat. If you understand a few key mechanics and where to go, fishing becomes very useful early in the game.
How to Start Fishing in Crimson Desert
Image via Pearl Abyss and YouTube/@IGN
Fishing in Crimson Desert cannot be unlocked through quests or menus. You learn it by exploring and paying attention to what NPCs are doing around you.
Head to any river and look for NPC fishermen actively fishing. When you get close, you will see an option to observe them. Hold the observe prompt for a few seconds, and your character will pick up the skill.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to start fishing. There’s no separate tutorial, so the game expects you to figure things out as you go.
How to Get a Fishing Rod in Crimson Desert
Image via Pearl Abyss and YouTube/@SpookyFairy
Getting a fishing rod is pretty easy, and you have a few options. You can buy one early for around 15 copper from vendors like Alden in Hernand or Hailard at Rodbel Fishing Dock. If you don’t want to spend money, you can get one for free by completing Annabella’s request or by finding one near fishermen by the river early in the game.
There are three main rods available for fishing in Crimson Desert:
- Basic fishing rod: This is the one you will use at the start. It works well for most situations and is easy to obtain through vendors, quests, or exploration.
- Fine fishing rod: This rod slightly reduces the time it takes for fish to bite. You can craft it after unlocking blacksmith features or buy its blueprint from a back alley shop. It helps a bit, but not enough to prioritize early.
- Pororin fishing rod: This is the late-game upgrade. You can unlock it through research tasks and camp missions, and it is the only reliable way to catch Legendary fish.
Once you have a rod, just equip it from the radial wheel. It uses the same slot as your bow, so you will need to switch between them before casting. No bait or extra gear is required, so you can start fishing right away.
How Fishing Works in Crimson Desert
Image via Pearl Abyss and YouTube/@SpookyFairy
Fishing feels more like a back-and-forth fight with the fish. It is not just pressing one button and waiting.
First, cast your line into a spot where you can fish. You will usually see a visual indicator when the spot is valid. After a few seconds, a fish will bite. That is your cue to hook it.
The tricky part comes after that. The fish will move around and resist. You need to move in the opposite direction to keep control. If you try to reel it in while it is still fighting, it will escape.
It usually goes like this:
- Hook the fish
- Counter its movement
- Wait until it gets tired
- Then reel it in
You might have to repeat this a few times before you finally catch it. It feels a bit slow at first, but you get used to it quickly.
Legendary Fish Locations in Crimson Desert
Image via Pearl Abyss and YouTube/@GamersHeros
If you want rare catches, you will need to visit specific spots:
- Clockwork Fish: Appears in a brook southeast of Tashkalp
- Coelacanth: Spawns in the wide river section between Delysia and Dewhaven
- Golden Carp: Can be caught in a small water body near Pailun
- Golden Coelacanth: Shows up near Deadfire Mountain
- Golden Tench: Available in the southwest corner of the map
These fish don’t just spawn randomly. You need to go to the exact areas, and having the Pororin rod helps a lot.
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FAQs
Do you need bait for fishing in Crimson Desert?
No, bait is not required. A fishing rod is enough to start fishing anywhere valid.
How do you unlock fishing?
You learn it by observing NPC fishermen near rivers. No quests or trainers are involved.
Which fishing rod should I use in the early game?
The regular rod is the best choice early. It is cheap and works well for most fish.
Why do my fish keep escaping?
You are likely reeling too early. Wait until the fish stops struggling before pulling it in.
Is fishing a good way to make money?
Yes, especially early in the game. You can sell fish or cook them for higher value.
Can you catch Legendary fish with any rod?
You might be able to, but realistically you need the Pororin rod to catch them reliably.
