Red Dead Redemption 2 Fishing Guide

In this Red Dead Redemption 2 Fishing Guide, we will show you how Fishing plays a role in the game. In Red Dead Redemption 2, there are many fishing options for you to experience and sell the goods. We will also show you how to fish and what types of lures and baits you can buy before you begin fishing.

It’s not all about guns blazing in Red Dead Redemption 2’s western-themed open-world setting. There are many other activities like fishing or hunting in the game that will keep you engaged. Fishing is important if you are looking for valuable resources to sell or to use for yourself and Dutch’s gang.

Below we will show you how to fish and what basic controls of the game will help in fishing. Then we will talk about the lures and baits you will need for fishing and what each of them will cost.

How to Fish

To being with, you need to first equip your fishing rod from the Item Wheel then select the type of bait you want to attach to your hook. There are lures and there are baits, each plays a different role in catching different types of fishes.

Fishing Controls

L1 – Hold to display bait wheel
Triangle – press to quick equip bait
L2 – Hold to grip rod
R2 – Hold then release to cast out
R2 – Press to hook fish/tap to flick bait
L – Move the rod
R – Rotate clockwise to reel in
Circle – Reset cast/cut line

When a fish is attracted to the bait, it will slightly nibble on it before taking a firm bit. A strong bite is indicated by the pull of the rod downwards and the bobber pulled underwater, this is where you need to hook as the bite will not last that long.

Each species of fish bites the bait differently. Some fishes bite cautiously while others are quick to bite with repeated firm bites. On the other hand, predator species will bite suddenly without any warning, so you have to be alert at all times to wait for the bait.

Once a fish is hooked, it will struggle to get away, control the rod left or right in the opposite direction of the pull of the fish. This will tire the fish allowing you to then reel it in.

Once caught, you can eat the fish, sell it, or even release it back in the water to gain honor if it is still alive. Small fishes are stored in your satchel while bigger fishes are stowed on your horse.

Fishing Baits

Baits are perishable goods, mainly bread and worms attached to the hook and a bobber. Baits are cheap and readily available but are often lost whilst fishing when fishes escape with the bait or if you miss a firm bite. This will force you to reel back in and attach more bait.

When fishing with a bobber, keep the line still to attract the fish. When you get a firm bite the bobber gets pulled under the water to indicate when you should strike with the fishing rod.

There are different types of Fishing Baits you can buy and use:

Live Crickets – $0.50
Live Worms – $0.50
Crayfish – $0.25
Herbivore Bait – $2.25
Predator Bait – $3.00

Fishing Lure

Instead of baits which are perishable, Fishing Lures come in very handy because they are sturdy and can be used more than once. They are more expensive than Fishing Baits. There are different types of lures for different types of fishing locations, like rivers and swamps.

Fishing with a Lure is different than bait since you have to keep the line moving to Lure the fish to the hook. Once you cast the line, slowly keep reeling in to attract the fish. Lure fishing requires you to keep the line moving but is prone to attracting bigger fish species which is what makes it better.
There are different types of Fishing Lures you can buy and use:

Special Lake Lure – $20.00
Special River Lure – $20.00
Special Swamp Lure – $20.00
Lake Lure – $2.50
River Lure – $2.50
Swamp Lure – $2.50

Tips and Tricks for Fishing

During fishing you can flick the Fishing Rod to attract the fishes; however, doing this a lot may also spook the fishes away.

The fishing activity also depends on the weather and time of the day. Fishes tend to be more active when it is raining and during overcast conditions, as compared to sunny conditions.

To catch different fishes, you need to fish at different locations. Take a look at the map to locate the variety of species you can fish for. Every species of fish has a legendary fish which is the largest in size, aggressive and most difficult to catch. Legendary fishes will be marked on your map when you are near it.

‘Pump’ the Fishing Rod to make faster progress hauling in a hooked fish. Pull down L to drag the fish towards you then quickly reel in line. When a hooked fish is struggling to grab hold of the reel by pushing and holding R in any direction to prevent the fish from pulling outline. However, doing so for too long or too often may snap the line.

Make sure that you check out more Red Dead Redemption 2 guides detailed below.

This concludes our Red Dead Redemption 2 Fishing Guide. Feel free to comment below.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Fishing Guide – How to Fish, Lures & Bait