What’s the best strategy for finding all legendary fish?

Finding all legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a challenging but rewarding task that requires preparation, patience, and knowledge of the game mechanics. Legendary fish are unique, one-of-a-kind catches found in specific locations across the map. To begin, you must first unlock the Legendary Fish mission by visiting Jeremy Gill, a fisherman located at Gill Landing, northeast of Flat Iron Lake. He will provide you with a map and the Special Lake Lure, which is essential for catching these rare fish.\n\nBefore heading out, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need a fishing rod, which can be obtained early in Chapter 2, and the Special Lures (Lake, River, and Swamp) purchased from the bait shop in Lagras. These lures are required to attract legendary fish, as regular bait won’t work. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and stamina tonics, as reeling in these fish can be physically demanding for Arthur or John.\n\nEach legendary fish is located in a specific body of water, and their locations are marked on the map provided by Jeremy Gill. For example, the Legendary Bluegill can be found in Lake Don Julio, while the Legendary Smallmouth Bass resides in Owanjila Lake. When you arrive at the location, look for ripples or splashes in the water, as these indicate the presence of a legendary fish. Cast your line near these disturbances and use the appropriate Special Lure.\n\nReeling in a legendary fish requires skill and timing. Once the fish bites, hold down the right trigger to hook it. Then, use the left stick to pull the rod in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement while reeling in with the right stick. Be patient, as these fish will fight hard and can take several minutes to catch. If the fish swims too far away, stop reeling and let it tire itself out before trying again.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with predators or hostile NPCs while fishing. For example, the Legendary Muskie in Lake Isabella is located near a grizzly bear spawn. To avoid interruptions, clear the area of threats before casting your line. Additionally, some fish, like the Legendary Perch in Lake O’Creagh’s Run, are in remote areas, so bring a horse with good stamina to reach these locations efficiently.\n\nAfter catching a legendary fish, you can either keep it or send it to Jeremy Gill via the post office. Sending all 13 legendary fish to Gill will unlock a special reward. However, if you want to keep the fish for crafting or selling, you can store it on your horse. Be cautious, as fish can spoil over time, so sell or cook them promptly.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that legendary fish can only be caught once per playthrough. If you lose a fish or fail to catch it, it will respawn after a few in-game days. Experienced players can optimize their fishing trips by planning routes to multiple legendary fish locations in one session, saving time and resources.\n\nIn summary, the best strategy for finding all legendary fish involves preparation, using the right lures, and mastering the fishing mechanics. Pay attention to the map, clear potential threats, and be patient during the reeling process. With persistence and practice, you’ll complete this challenging collection and earn unique rewards.