Fishing in Final Fantasy XIV is more than just a leisurely pastime; it’s a deep and rewarding activity that allows you to explore the vast world of Eorzea, uncover hidden stories, and connect with a passionate community. Whether you’re a sprout just picking up your first rod or a seasoned adventurer looking to reel in the most elusive catches, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to master the art of fishing in FFXIV. Inspired by expert fishers like Fruity Snacks, we’ll dive into everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies, ensuring you become a true master of the rod and reel.
Getting Started with Fishing in FFXIV
Embarking on your fishing journey in FFXIV is straightforward, but understanding the fundamentals is crucial for success.
Basic Requirements: Level, Gear, Bait, and Locations
To begin fishing, you’ll first need to unlock the Fisher class. This is easily done by speaking to the Fisher’s Guild receptionist in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (x7, y14) after reaching level 10 with any combat class. Once unlocked, equip your fishing rod and start your angling adventure!
Your initial gear is provided by the guild, but as you progress, upgrading your rod, reel, and fishing gear is essential for accessing new fishing spots and catching tougher fish. You can acquire better gear from vendors in major cities, through crafting, or by trading in scrips earned from fishing collectables.
Bait is just as important as your rod. Different fish are attracted to different types of bait, and using the correct bait is crucial for successful catches. You can purchase basic bait from vendors, while more specialized bait can be crafted, bought from specific vendors, or even gathered. Always check the fishing log in-game to see recommended bait and locations for specific fish.
Fishing locations are scattered throughout Eorzea, each teeming with unique aquatic life. From serene rivers to vast oceans, exploration is key to discovering new fishing spots. The in-game fishing log is your best friend here, providing details on where to find specific fish, optimal times, and even weather conditions.
Core Mechanics: Casting, Reeling, Hooking, and Mooching
The core fishing mechanics are intuitive yet offer depth for mastery. To start, equip your rod and bait, then select a fishing spot near a body of water. Use the “Cast” action to throw your line. Patience is key as you wait for a bite.
Once a fish bites, your screen will indicate the type of bite with different strengths of vibrations or sounds. This is where “Hookset” comes into play. There are typically three strengths of tug: weak (!), medium (!!), and strong (!!!). Using the correct hookset – either “Hook” for general catches, “Precision Hookset” for weak bites, or “Powerful Hookset” for strong bites – significantly increases your chance of a successful catch. Observing the bite type and reacting accordingly is a fundamental skill for any fisher.
“Reeling” is the next step after a successful hookset. Follow the on-screen prompts to reel in your catch, adjusting your reeling speed to maintain tension without breaking the line.
“Mooching” is an advanced technique where you use a smaller fish you’ve just caught as bait to attract larger, rarer species. This is essential for catching many of the game’s prized “big fish”. Mastering the art of mooching opens up a whole new level of fishing challenges and rewards.
Essential Skills: Patience, Patience II, and Hookset Types
Fisher abilities are not just about catching fish; they are about strategy and efficiency. “Patience” and “Patience II” are crucial skills that increase your chances of catching larger fish and gaining stacks of “Angler’s Art,” which can be used for other beneficial skills. While “Patience” reduces your catch rate, it significantly increases the chance of landing high-value fish, making it invaluable for big fishing.
Understanding when to use “Precision Hookset” and “Powerful Hookset” is not just about reacting to bite strength but also about predicting what type of fish you might encounter based on location, bait, and time of day. Experimenting with different combinations and observing the results will hone your intuition as a fisher.
Mastering Advanced Fishing Techniques
Beyond the basics, advanced fishing in FFXIV requires specialized techniques and in-depth knowledge.
Big Fishing Strategies: Patience, Precision, and Timing
“Big fishing” refers to catching notoriously difficult and rare fish, often required for achievements, titles, and bragging rights. Success in big fishing relies heavily on patience – waiting for specific weather windows and timeframes when these elusive creatures are active.
Precision is also key. This involves using the correct bait, understanding bite patterns, and utilizing skills like “Patience” and “Angler’s Art” effectively. Knowing when to use “Mooch” and “Double Mooch” in specific sequences is crucial for triggering the appearance of certain big fish.
Timing is everything in big fishing. Many big fish only appear during specific weather conditions and Eorzean times. Utilizing resources like weather websites and fishing timers is essential for planning your big fishing expeditions. Community resources often track and predict these windows, making collaboration with other fishers invaluable.
Ocean Fishing Guide: Routes, Scoring, Bonuses, and Optimal Times
Ocean Fishing is a unique and engaging activity that takes you on voyages to various fishing spots around Eorzea. It’s a great way to level up your Fisher class, earn unique rewards, and experience a different style of fishing.
Each Ocean Fishing route has specific fish available at different locations and times of day. Learning these routes and the preferred bait for each location maximizes your score. Scoring in Ocean Fishing is based on the size and rarity of the fish you catch, as well as completing bonus objectives like catching specific fish or achieving rainbow catches.
Bonuses in Ocean Fishing can significantly boost your score. Triggering bonuses often involves catching specific fish in sequence or during certain weather conditions encountered during the voyage. Understanding these bonus conditions and aiming to trigger them strategically is key to high scores. Optimal times for Ocean Fishing voyages can vary depending on your goals, but voyages with favorable weather conditions or specific bonus objectives are generally more rewarding.
Spearfishing: Locations, Techniques, and Rewards
Spearfishing, introduced in later expansions, offers a different style of underwater fishing. It involves diving into specific locations and using a spear to catch fish and gather materials.
Spearfishing locations are found in underwater areas unlocked through the main story progression. Each location has unique fish and gatherable items. Techniques in spearfishing involve observing fish movements, aiming your spear accurately, and managing your air supply. Different types of spear actions can be used to catch different types of fish, requiring timing and precision.
Rewards from spearfishing include unique fish for aquariums, crafting materials, and collectables. It’s a valuable source of resources and offers a more active and visually engaging fishing experience compared to traditional rod fishing.
Finding the Best Fishing Spots
Eorzea is teeming with diverse fishing environments, each offering unique catches and challenges.
Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
From the tranquil rivers of La Noscea to the frozen lakes of Coerthas, each zone in FFXIV offers distinct fishing opportunities. Lower La Noscea is excellent for beginners, with calm waters and readily available fish. Eastern La Noscea offers coastal fishing with a mix of common and slightly rarer species. For more challenging freshwater fishing, explore the rivers and lakes of Gridania and the Black Shroud. The snowy regions of Coerthas are home to ice fishing spots and cold-water species. Heavensward and later expansion zones introduce even more exotic and challenging fishing locations with unique aquatic ecosystems. Exploring and experimenting in different zones is key to expanding your fishing repertoire.
Legendary Fishing Locations: Rare Fish and How to Find Them
Legendary fishing locations are hotspots for incredibly rare and valuable fish. These locations often have specific requirements, such as weather conditions, time of day, and even specific quests that need to be completed to unlock access. Finding these locations often requires research, exploration, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Community resources and fishing guides are invaluable for pinpointing legendary fishing spots and understanding the conditions required for rare fish to appear.
Utilizing Fishing Log and Resources
The in-game fishing log is your primary tool for tracking fish, locations, bait, and recommended skills. It’s an indispensable resource for planning your fishing expeditions and identifying fish you haven’t yet caught. Beyond the in-game log, numerous online resources and community-driven websites offer detailed fishing guides, weather forecasts, time converters, and databases of fish information. Utilizing these external resources alongside your in-game tools will greatly enhance your fishing efficiency and success.
The FFXIV Fishing Community & Resources
The FFXIV fishing community is renowned for its helpfulness and camaraderie.
Fisherman’s Horizon Discord & Other Communities
The Fisherman’s Horizon Discord (Fishcord) is a central hub for FFXIV fishers worldwide. It’s a place to share information, ask questions, coordinate fishing events, and celebrate catches. Joining Fishcord or other fishing communities connects you with experienced players who are always willing to offer advice and support. These communities often collaborate to discover new fishing techniques and share real-time information on fishing conditions.
Eorzean Aquarium: Visiting and Learning from It
The Eorzean Aquarium, as highlighted by Fruity Snacks, is a testament to the community’s passion for fishing. Visiting the Eorzean Aquarium on Crystal, Spriggan, or Sophia servers offers a unique opportunity to see all the aquarium fish in the game displayed in themed exhibits. It’s not just a visual spectacle but also a learning resource, showcasing the diversity of FFXIV’s aquatic life and inspiring new fishers.
Fishing Events like FishFest
Fishing events, like FishFest, are community-organized gatherings that celebrate all things fishing in FFXIV. These events often include fishing competitions, panels, tours, and opportunities to connect with fellow fishers. Participating in fishing events is a fun way to engage with the community, learn new tips and tricks, and experience the social aspect of FFXIV fishing.
Tips and Tricks from Expert Fishers (Inspired by Fruity Snacks)
Drawing inspiration from Fruity Snacks and other expert fishers, here are essential tips to elevate your fishing game:
Job Quests are Essential
Don’t underestimate Fisher job quests. They are not just for leveling; they are designed to teach you fundamental fishing mechanics and introduce you to various skills and techniques. Completing job quests unlocks crucial abilities and provides valuable insights into the nuances of fishing in FFXIV. The narratives in these quests are also surprisingly engaging, adding flavor to your fishing journey.
Read Skill Tooltips Carefully
Skill tooltips in FFXIV provide vital information, and Fisher skills are no exception. Understanding the precise effects of each skill, such as “Patience,” “Hookset,” and “Mooch,” is crucial for effective fishing. Pay close attention to details like increased chances for larger fish, specific bite strengths, and combo effects. Mastering your skill set is key to tackling challenging catches.
Explore and Enjoy the World
Fishing in FFXIV is an excellent way to appreciate the game’s stunning environments. Take your time to explore different zones, observe the weather changes, and enjoy the scenery while you fish. Many fishing spots are located in hidden or less-traveled areas, offering a unique perspective on the world of Eorzea. Embrace the journey of discovery that fishing provides.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
The FFXIV fishing community is incredibly supportive. If you’re struggling with a particular fish, technique, or location, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Join a fishing community, ask questions in-game, or seek out online guides. Experienced fishers are generally happy to share their knowledge and guide newcomers.
Conclusion
Fishing in Final Fantasy XIV is a rich and rewarding experience that extends far beyond simply catching fish. It’s about exploration, community, strategy, and patience. By mastering the techniques, understanding the mechanics, and engaging with the supportive fishing community, you can unlock a whole new dimension of enjoyment in Eorzea. So, grab your rod, bait your hook, and cast your line into the vast and wonderful world of FFXIV fishing. Join the vibrant fishing community today, visit the Eorzean Aquarium for inspiration, and perhaps even check out resources from expert fishers like Fruity Snacks to further enhance your angling adventures!
