How do I save before a legendary fish encounter?

Saving before a legendary fish encounter in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a smart strategy to ensure you don’t lose progress if something goes wrong. Legendary fish are unique and challenging to catch, and failing to reel one in can be frustrating. By saving your game beforehand, you can retry the encounter without losing valuable time or resources. Here’s how to save and prepare for a legendary fish encounter, step by step.\n\nFirst, locate the legendary fish you want to catch. Each legendary fish is found in a specific body of water, marked on your map with a fish icon. For example, the Legendary Bluegill is found in Lake Don Julio, while the Legendary Smallmouth Bass is in Owanjila Lake. Use your in-game map to identify the exact location and plan your approach. Once you’re near the fishing spot, ensure you have the right equipment: a special lure and a fishing rod.\n\nTo save your game, open the pause menu and navigate to the Story tab. Select Save Game and choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing save. It’s a good idea to create a new save file specifically for the legendary fish encounter, so you don’t overwrite important progress. Saving manually is crucial because the game’s autosave feature may not trigger at the right moment, especially if you’re in the middle of an activity like fishing.\n\nBefore attempting to catch the fish, make sure you’re well-prepared. Legendary fish require special lures, which can be purchased from bait shops or the Lagras bait shop near the Bayou. Equip the appropriate lure for the type of water you’re fishing in: the Special Lake Lure for lakes, the Special River Lure for rivers, and the Special Swamp Lure for swamps. Without the correct lure, you won’t be able to hook the legendary fish.\n\nOnce you’ve saved and equipped the right gear, approach the fishing spot carefully. Legendary fish are sensitive to noise and movement, so avoid running or making loud noises nearby. Stand at the edge of the water, cast your line, and wait for the fish to bite. When you feel a strong tug, reel it in by rotating the right stick (on consoles) or holding the appropriate key (on PC). Be patient, as legendary fish put up a tough fight and can take several minutes to catch.\n\nIf you fail to catch the fish or something goes wrong, simply reload your saved game. This will reset the encounter, allowing you to try again without penalty. Common challenges include losing the fish due to line breaks, running out of stamina, or being interrupted by predators like alligators or wolves. By saving beforehand, you can avoid these setbacks and focus on mastering the fishing mechanics.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for success: always save before starting the encounter, use the correct lure, and maintain your stamina by holding the reel button and tapping the opposite direction when the fish struggles. If you’re interrupted by wildlife, deal with the threat quickly or move to a safer spot. With patience and preparation, you’ll be able to catch every legendary fish in the game.