Fishing - The Basics

Introduction

Fishing is a popular method of obtaining food due to the variety of Fishing spots found throughout RuneScape. You will need to buy the correct fishing equipment, specific to the type of Fishing spot you wish to use. All of the equipment that you may need can be bought from Fishing shops .

To locate Fishing spots using the main map you will need to click the "Key" button to bring up the map keys. There are three pages in the key, clicking on the "Prev page" or "Next page" buttons will allow you to navigate them. You will need to click on the 'Fishing Spot' icon to locate all icons on the map of that type; they will flash yellow briefly once you have clicked the 'Fishing spot' icon on the key.

When you have found a Fishing spot, right-click over a Fishing spot and a menu with a list of Fishing options will appear.

Click on the option you want and, providing you have the correct equipment in your inventory, you will attempt to catch a fish.

An aspiring fisherman needs to be patient: you should always keep in mind that with a higher Fishing ability comes the potential of catching better food.

Types of Fishing

This section explains about the different types of Fishing you can take part in within RuneScape. Similar tables can be opened in the game by clicking the Fishing skill icon in the stats menu.

Crayfish Cages

Free Location: The River Lum just east of the church in Lumbridge, the pond west of Farmer Fred's house.

Members' Location: West of Sinclair Mansion.

Required items: Crayfish cage

You begin at level one with a crayfish cage.

You can only catch crayfish with a crayfish cage.

Small Net Fishing

Free Location: Found in many Fishing spots along the coasts, such as Karamja dock, the Bandit Camp and Draynor Village.

Members' Location: Found in many Fishing spots along the coasts, such as Catherby, Fishing Platform (after completion of the Sea Slug quest) and Lumbridge Swamp Dungeon.

Required items: Small net

You begin at level one with a small fishing net. At this level you are only able to catch shrimp.

Sea creatures that can be caught with a small fishing net: shrimp, anchovies, karambwanji, frog spawn and monkfish (for members-only).

Bait Fishing

Free Location: Found in many Fishing locations, such as Karamja dock, Draynor Village, River Lum, Barbarian Village and Al Kharid.

Members' Location: Found in many fishing locations, such as Catherby, Seers' Village Lake, Ardougne river, Shilo Village, Mort Myre Swamp, Lumbridge Swamp Dungeon, Fishing Platform (after completion of the Sea Slug quest) and the Tree Gnome Stronghold.

Required items: Fishing Rod and Fishing Bait (You will use up 1 bait every time you catch a fish).

Bait can be purchased from Fishing shops for a few coins. You can also obtain bait from killing monsters such as zombies and slayer Banshees.

Big Net Fishing - (Members Only)

Members' Location: Found at Catherby, Rellekka and the Fishing Guild.

Required items: Big net

To fish with the big net you will need level 16 Fishing.

Items you can catch with a big net: caskets, seaweed, leather gloves, leather boots, oysters, mackerel, cod and bass.

Caskets - (Members Only)

Players using a big net to fish will occasionally find a casket. These are items that usually contain a nice surprise for the lucky fisherman who finds one. Obtaining a casket also gives 10 Fishing experience.

To open a casket and see what it contains, simply click on it in your inventory. Caskets can contain many different items including money, gems, talismans, court summons or even items like half keys!

Fly Fishing

Free Location: Found in many river Fishing locations, such as the River Lum and Barbarian Village.

Members' Location: Found in many river Fishing locations, such as Ardougne River, Seers' Village Lake and the Tree Gnome Stronghold.

Required items: Fly-fishing rod and feathers (You will use up 1 feather every time you catch a fish).

Feathers can be bought for a few coins in Fishing shops. They can also be obtained by killing chickens, or by snaring birds.

You may begin to fish with this tool at level 20 Fishing. At this level you will begin by catching trout.

Fish that are able to be caught with a fly-fishing rod and feathers: trout, salmon and rainbow fish (which can only be caught with the feather of the tropical wagtail).

Harpoon Fishing

Free Location: Found in Karamja.

Members' Location: Found in many sea Fishing locations, such as the Fishing Guild, Catherby, Rellekka, Elf Camp, Fishing Platform (after completion of the Sea Slug quest) and Brimhaven.

Required items: Harpoon.

To begin Fishing with a harpoon you will need a Fishing level of 35. At this level you will begin by catching tuna.

This is what you can catch with a harpoon: tuna, swordfish and shark (these are found in the harpoon/net spots).

Lobster Fishing

Free Location: Found in Karamja.

Members' Location: Found in many sea Fishing locations, such as the Fishing Guild, Catherby, Rellekka, Fishing Platform (after completion of the Sea Slug quest) and Brimhaven.

Required items: Lobster pot.

To catch lobster you need a Fishing level of 40 or above.

You can only catch lobsters with a lobster pot.

Karambwan Vessel Fishing - (Members Only)

Members Location: South of Brimhaven

Required items: Karamabwan vessel and raw karambwanji

You must have begun the Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest to learn how to fish for karambwan.

You can only catch karambwan with the karambwan vessel.

Click here to view the Fishing FAQs

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