How can I go fishing?

Fishing is entirely optional though it is required only if you’re a completionist since some challenges require catching specific fishes. First, you have to get the Fishing Rod perk. To make it easier to reel in hooked fish, get also the Outdoor Enthusiast perk. Smaller fish are automatically added to your inventory upon catching them.

Actual fishing is simple, you’ll need to do the following:

Find a fishing spot. You need to be as close to the shore as possible. Equip the fishing rod from your weapon wheel then cast the line by pressing R2.

Slowly reel the line by pressing L2 to attract the fishes. Keep an eye on the mild splashes on the water heading towards your line.

Once you feel the tug of a fish that bit your line, carefully reel the line with L2 while gently opposing the fish’s swimming direction. The idea is to reel the line after opposing the fish’s swimming, while it’s tired.

Take note of the line’s tension. Its color will slowly turn red, meaning it’s almost about to snap. When you see that, ease up on the reeling and pulling; repeat the process until you pull the fish completely out of the water.

Larger fishes like the Demonfish and Sharks need to be killed first using arrows or conventional weapons since they swim near the surface. After killing them, you’ll still have to dive and gather their skin/meat from their carcasses. Fishes and their parts can be traded for resources.

Fishing 101