What’s the best way to complete Survivalist Challenge 5?

Survivalist Challenge 5 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to catch five small fish without using a fishing rod. This challenge can be tricky, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. Small fish, such as Bluegill and Perch, are commonly found in shallow waters, and you can catch them using your hands or by throwing dynamite into the water. However, using dynamite is not recommended as it scares away fish and can damage the environment. Instead, focus on manually catching fish in specific locations.\n\nTo start, head to areas with shallow water, such as the Dakota River near Valentine or the Kamassa River near Rhodes. These locations are ideal because they have calm waters and plenty of small fish. Once you arrive, equip no weapons and wade into the water. Look for fish swimming near the surface or in shallow areas. When you spot a fish, approach it slowly to avoid scaring it away.\n\nWhen you are close enough, press the prompt to grab the fish. Timing is crucial here, as fish can dart away quickly. If you miss, wait a few seconds for the fish to return or move to another spot. Patience is key, as this method can take some practice. If you are struggling, try crouching in the water to reduce your visibility to the fish. This makes it easier to get close without startling them.\n\nAnother effective method is to use bait to attract fish. While you cannot use a fishing rod, you can throw bait into the water to lure fish closer. Use bread or corn as bait, which can be purchased from general stores or found in camps. Toss the bait near the shore or in shallow water, then wait for fish to gather. Once they are close, wade in and grab them manually. This method is particularly useful if you are having trouble finding fish in open water.\n\nIf you are still struggling, consider using the Eagle Eye ability to highlight fish in the water. This makes it easier to spot small fish and track their movements. Activate Eagle Eye by pressing both thumbsticks (on consoles) or the appropriate key on PC. Look for the glowing outlines of fish and focus on those in shallow areas. This ability is especially helpful in murky or fast-moving water where fish are harder to see.\n\nFor players who prefer a more aggressive approach, you can use a bow with small game arrows to catch fish. While this is not the intended method for the challenge, it can be effective if you are having difficulty with manual catching. Aim carefully and shoot the fish in shallow water, then retrieve them. However, this method requires precision and may not be as reliable as manual catching.\n\nFinally, remember to stay patient and persistent. Survivalist Challenge 5 can be frustrating, but with practice, you will improve your technique. Focus on shallow, calm waters, use bait to attract fish, and take advantage of Eagle Eye to track their movements. Once you catch five small fish, the challenge will be complete, and you can move on to the next one.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before attempting the challenge in case you need to retry. Avoid areas with strong currents or deep water, as these make manual catching more difficult. If you are playing as Arthur, consider completing this challenge early in the game when the world is less hostile and you have more time to explore. For John, the same locations and methods apply, but you may need to be more cautious of enemies in certain areas.