Fishing in Crimson Desert is a useful activity that allows you to gather food, complete quests, and earn some money while exploring the world. Fishing is a little difficult due to the use of the rod and the right moment to pull the line. In this guide, we will tell you how to get your first fishing rod, where to fish, and what to do after catching a fish.
Fishing in Crimson Desert
Before you can start fishing, you need a rod, and you can get one for free near Hernand. It is leaning against the boxes beside the river, just south of the city. You can also buy it for around 10 copper. Once you have it:
- Open your inventory
- Select the fishing rod
- Equip it in your quick slot
- Open your wheel menu and switch to the rod when needed
Tips & Tricks
Go into shallow water, swim or walk near fish, then hold the pickup button. This often lets you collect nearby fish or bugs directly from the water. This method works in small rivers and shallow lakes.
Fishing Spot
Deep water is the best place to fish to avoid rocks and other obstacles. It is also important to avoid shallow water due to rocks, which can break the line. It is easier to fish in deep water.
- Equip the rod
- Hold the aim/block button to prepare the cast
- Throw the line into medium-distance water
However, it should not be too close because the fish might not pay attention to it. It should also not be too far because it becomes difficult to reel it in. After casting, leave the float still in the water and listen carefully for three splash sounds. Once you hear the splashes, the fish is ready to bite. If it does not bite immediately, it should be moved a little using the stick, and it will hook onto the line.
As soon as it starts pulling, it should be pulled in the opposite direction of the fish. It should not be reeled in until it stops splashing. The fish should be reeled in quickly after it stops splashing.
What to Do With Fish After Catching Them
You can keep fish whole or clean them. If you decide to clean one:
- Highlight the fish in inventory
- Hold the use button
- Choose Clean
This gives you Fish fillets and Abyss Core. Fish fillets are useful later. Alternatively, you can keep the fish in your inventory without cleaning for when you know the best use of it.
Fishing Rods
Crimson Desert does not have many options when it comes it the rods. There are three rods available in the game and you can catch all fishes with them. They are:
- Basic Fishing Rod
- Fine Fishing Rod
- Pororin Fishing Rod
If you want a better fishing rod, go to the Provisioner’s Shop in Hernand. You will find the shop opposite the Blacksmith. A new rod costs 15 copper, which makes it a simple upgrade early on.
Fine Fishing Rod
To get the Fine Fishing Rod, visit the Back Alley Shop and speak with Grimrak. He sells the Fine Fishing Rod blueprint for 10 Silver. Once you have the blueprint, take it to the Blacksmith and bring the required materials: 10 Fine Timber, 10 Iron Ore, 3 Thick Hide, and 10 Feathers. After that, the Blacksmith can craft the rod for you.
Pororin Fishing Rod
In order to collect the Pororin Fishing Rod, you must progress the research system in Porin and send camp teams to dispatch missions. During one of the missions you will get the Pororin Fishing Rod.
Legendary Fish Locations
There are five legendary fish in Crimson Desert. These legendary fishes sell for 10 silver each. You need to use the Pororin Fishing Rod as they are harder to catch.
Clockwork Fish
Clockwork Fish can be found in a small stream southeast of Tashkalp. Look for a narrow brook in the area and fish there.
Coelacanth
Coelacanth is found in the river that runs between Delysia and Dewhaven. The best place is the middle area where the river is close to the Cliff of Despair.
Golden Carp
Golden Carp is only found near Pailun. Open your map and check the small water area beside the letter in Pailun.
Golden Coelacanth
Golden Coelacanth is also near Pailun. Go toward the water near Deadfire Mountain and fish there.
Golden Tench
Golden Tench can be found on the southwestern edge of the map. Look for the water body opposite the Mountain of Frozen Souls.
Fishes Location in Crimson Desert
If you are trying to find a specific fish in Crimson Desert start by opening the Knowledge menu, then go to Creatures, and choose Aquatic Creatures. This section lists all the fish species you have already discovered. Once you have found a fish at least once and gained its knowledge entry, it will stay listed there. From that menu, you can select the fish and choose Open Map.
The game will then mark the best location where that fish can usually be found, making it much easier to know where to fish next. Even if you are at the correct spot, every catch is not guaranteed to be the fish you want, so you may need a few attempts before you get the exact one you are looking for.
Fishing Bug in Cromson Desert
Many players are finding that fishing in Crimson Desert is not always working smoothly, so if you are struggling, it may not just be your timing. At first, it can feel like a skill issue because the fishing process is not explained very clearly, but several players have noticed that the mechanic can also be buggy. In some attempts, everything works normally, while in others the fish simply refuses to reel in even after it becomes tired.
A strange bug reported by several players especially on Xbox and PC with controllers, is that reeling may fail unless the controller is connected with a cable. A few players also noticed that fish can bug near objects like boats or obstacles, which can break the fishing sequence.
