What’s the best way to hunt fish for crafting and cooking?

Hunting fish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an essential activity for crafting, cooking, and completing challenges. Fish provide valuable resources like meat for recipes and materials for crafting upgrades at the Trapper. To hunt fish effectively, you’ll need the right tools, knowledge of game mechanics, and an understanding of the best locations.\n\nFirst, you’ll need a fishing rod, which becomes available after completing the mission ''A Fisher of Fish'' in Chapter 2. This mission is given by Abigail at Horseshoe Overlook. Once you have the rod, you can fish in any body of water, but success depends on using the correct bait. There are three types of bait: worms (for smaller fish), crickets (for medium-sized fish), and special lures (for larger fish). Special lures, like the Lake Lure or River Lure, are essential for catching legendary fish and can be purchased from bait shops.\n\nTo start fishing, equip your rod from the weapon wheel and approach a body of water. Cast your line by holding the aim button and releasing it when the marker is in the desired spot. Once the fish bites, press the button prompt to hook it. Reeling in requires patience; hold the reel button and rotate the left stick to keep tension on the line. If the fish struggles, stop reeling to avoid breaking the line. This mechanic is crucial for catching larger or more aggressive fish.\n\nSome of the best fishing locations include O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East for Lake Sturgeon, the Dakota River near Valentine for Smallmouth Bass, and the Kamassa River in Lemoyne for Channel Catfish. Legendary fish, like the Legendary Bluegill, can be found in specific spots marked on your map after acquiring the Legendary Fish Map from Jeremy Gill in Lagras.\n\nCommon challenges include fish not biting or breaking the line. To solve these, ensure you’re using the correct bait for the fish species. For example, use crickets for Smallmouth Bass and special lures for legendary fish. If the line breaks, avoid reeling too aggressively when the fish is struggling. Additionally, fishing during optimal times, like early morning or late evening, can increase your chances of success.\n\nFor crafting and cooking, fish like Salmon and Trout are particularly valuable. Salmon can be used to craft potent health tonics, while Trout provides a high-quality meal when cooked. Always store fish in your satchel or on your horse to prevent spoilage. If you’re hunting for legendary fish, remember to mail them to Jeremy Gill to complete the Stranger mission and earn rewards.\n\nPractical tips for efficient fishing include upgrading your satchel to carry more fish, using Eagle Eye to spot fish in the water, and equipping the right lures for specific locations. For example, the Swamp Lure is ideal for fishing in the Bayou Nwa region. Lastly, always check your map for fishing hotspots and plan your trips accordingly to maximize your yield.\n\nBy mastering these mechanics and strategies, you’ll be able to hunt fish effectively for crafting, cooking, and completing challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2.