What is the best way to cook fish for maximum health benefits in RDR2?

Cooking fish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an excellent way to restore health, stamina, and dead eye cores while also providing valuable buffs. To maximize the health benefits of cooked fish, you need to follow specific steps and understand the game mechanics involved. First, you must catch fish using a fishing rod, which can be unlocked during the mission ''A Fisher of Fish'' in Chapter 2. Once you have the rod, you can fish in various locations like rivers, lakes, and ponds.\n\nAfter catching fish, you need to cook them at a campfire. To do this, set up a camp or use an existing one. Approach the campfire and select the ''Cook'' option. You will see a list of ingredients, including the fish you have caught. Cooking fish requires no additional ingredients, but you can enhance its effects by using herbs like oregano, thyme, or mint. These herbs add specific buffs: oregano boosts stamina, thyme enhances dead eye, and mint increases health.\n\nTo cook fish for maximum health benefits, prioritize using mint. Minty fish dishes provide a significant health boost, making them ideal for recovering after intense battles or when exploring dangerous areas. To find mint, look near water sources like rivers or swamps. Common locations include the banks of the Dakota River and the swamps near Saint Denis. Once you have mint, combine it with fish like salmon, trout, or bass for the best results.\n\nOne of the best fish for health benefits is the Salmon, which can be found in fast-moving rivers like the Dakota River near Cumberland Falls. Another excellent option is the Trout, commonly found in lakes such as O''Creagh''s Run. These fish are not only easy to catch but also provide substantial health restoration when cooked with mint.\n\nA common challenge players face is running out of mint or other herbs. To avoid this, always gather herbs whenever you see them during your travels. Store them in your satchel so you always have a supply ready. Additionally, if you are low on fish, consider using the special spinner lure or the river lure to increase your chances of catching high-quality fish quickly.\n\nFinally, always cook fish at a high-quality campfire. Upgrading your camp through the ledger at the gang''s main camp will improve the quality of your cooking fire, which can enhance the benefits of your cooked fish. This is especially useful for players who rely on fish as a primary source of health restoration.\n\nIn summary, to cook fish for maximum health benefits in RDR2, catch high-quality fish like salmon or trout, gather mint from water sources, and cook them at a campfire. Use upgraded campfires for better results and always keep a stock of herbs and fish in your satchel. This strategy ensures you are always prepared for the challenges of the wild west.