What’s the best way to fish in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a relaxing and rewarding activity that allows players to catch a variety of fish for food, crafting, or selling. To start fishing, you’ll need a fishing rod, which can be obtained during the mission ''A Fisher of Men'' in Chapter 2. This mission is unlocked after completing ''Pouring Forth Oil'' and involves helping Jack Marston catch fish. Once you have the rod, you’re ready to explore the game’s many fishing spots.\n\nTo fish, equip the rod from your weapon wheel and approach a body of water. Look for ripples or splashes, as these indicate active fish. Stand near the water’s edge and press the button to cast your line. Use the left stick to aim your cast, and hold the button to adjust the distance. Once the line is in the water, wait for a fish to bite. You’ll feel a vibration or see the rod tip dip, indicating a bite. Quickly press the button to hook the fish.\n\nOnce hooked, the real challenge begins. Use the left stick to reel in the fish while keeping tension on the line. If the fish struggles, release the stick briefly to avoid breaking the line. Alternate between reeling and letting the fish tire itself out. Pay attention to the fish’s movements and adjust your reeling speed accordingly. Larger fish, like Muskies or Sturgeons, require more patience and skill to catch.\n\nDifferent fish species are found in specific locations and require specific bait. For example, Lake Sturgeon can be found in the Dakota River near Flatneck Station, while Smallmouth Bass are common in the Kamassa River. Use the correct bait to increase your chances of catching the desired fish. Regular bait works for most common fish, while special lures, like the River Lure or Lake Lure, are needed for larger or rarer species. These lures can be purchased from bait shops or crafted.\n\nOne common challenge is losing fish due to line breaks or improper reeling. To avoid this, always keep an eye on the tension meter. If it turns red, stop reeling and let the fish swim until the tension decreases. Additionally, make sure to upgrade your fishing rod and lures as you progress. Upgraded equipment makes catching larger fish easier and reduces the risk of line breaks.\n\nFishing is not only a great way to earn money but also a useful skill for survival. Fish can be cooked at campfires to restore health and stamina. Legendary fish, which are larger and more valuable, can be caught using special lures and are part of the ''A Fisher of Fish'' side mission. These fish are marked on your map and require extra effort to catch.\n\nFor new players, start with smaller fish in calm waters, like the ponds near Valentine or the Dakota River. As you gain experience, venture to larger bodies of water, such as Lake Owanjila or Flat Iron Lake, to catch bigger fish. Experienced players can challenge themselves by targeting legendary fish or completing the fishing-related challenges in the game.\n\nIn summary, fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a skill that improves with practice. Use the right bait, manage line tension, and be patient when reeling in fish. Whether you’re fishing for profit, food, or fun, mastering this mechanic adds depth to your gameplay experience.