How do I use the fishing rod to catch fish?

Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a relaxing and rewarding activity that allows you to catch various types of fish, which can be used for cooking, crafting, or selling. To start fishing, you’ll need a fishing rod, which can be obtained during the story mission ''A Fisher of Men'' in Chapter 2. This mission introduces you to the basics of fishing, including how to equip and use the rod.\n\nTo equip the fishing rod, open your weapon wheel and select it from the bottom slot. Once equipped, approach a body of water where fish are visible. Look for ripples or splashes on the surface, as these indicate active fish. Stand near the water’s edge and press the button to cast your line (R2/RT on consoles). Aim your cast toward the fish using the left stick, and release the button to let the line fly.\n\nOnce your bait or lure is in the water, wait for a fish to bite. You’ll notice the line tension increase and the controller will vibrate slightly. When the fish bites, quickly press R2/RT to hook it. After hooking the fish, the real challenge begins. Use the left stick to reel in the fish while keeping the line tension in check. If the tension becomes too high, the line may snap, so alternate between reeling and letting the fish swim to reduce tension.\n\nDifferent fish require different bait or lures. For example, smaller fish like Bluegill are attracted to bread or corn bait, while larger fish like Muskie require special lures such as the Lake Lure or River Lure. You can purchase bait and lures from general stores or bait shops, such as the one in Lagras, near the Bayou Nwa region. Always check the type of fish in the area and equip the appropriate bait or lure to maximize your chances of success.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with larger, more aggressive fish. These fish will fight harder and require more patience to reel in. To make this easier, try using the Eagle Eye ability (R3/RS) to track the fish’s movements underwater. This allows you to anticipate its direction and adjust your reeling accordingly. Additionally, upgrading your fishing rod with better lures or using special baits like the Special Spinner can make catching larger fish less daunting.\n\nFishing spots are scattered throughout the game world, but some of the best locations include O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East for Salmon, the Dakota River near Valentine for Trout, and the Kamassa River in Lemoyne for Catfish. Each region has unique fish species, so explore different areas to complete your compendium and earn achievements.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for successful fishing: Always carry a variety of bait and lures to adapt to different fish types. Use Eagle Eye to locate fish hotspots and track their movements. Be patient and avoid reeling too quickly, as this can scare fish away or snap your line. Lastly, cook or sell your catch to earn money or replenish your health and stamina cores.\n\nFishing is not only a great way to relax in Red Dead Redemption 2 but also a valuable skill for survival and profit. With practice and the right tools, you’ll become a master angler in no time.