How do I hunt fish for crafting and challenges in RDR2?

Hunting fish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for crafting, challenges, and survival. To start, you’ll need a fishing rod, which becomes available during Chapter 2 after completing the mission ''A Fisher of Men'' with Jack Marston. Once you have the rod, you can fish in any body of water, but certain locations yield better results for specific fish types.\n\nTo fish, equip the rod from your weapon wheel and approach a body of water. Cast your line by holding the aim button and releasing it when the power meter is at your desired distance. Use the left stick to guide the lure or bait, and wait for a fish to bite. When a fish bites, press the hook button (R2/RT) and reel it in by rotating the right stick. Be careful not to reel too fast, as the line can break.\n\nDifferent fish require specific bait or lures. For example, Lake Sturgeon and Channel Catfish are attracted to cheese or bread bait, while larger fish like Muskie or Northern Pike require special lures. You can purchase bait and lures from general stores or bait shops. The Special Lake Lure and Special River Lure are particularly effective for catching legendary fish, which are required for the ''Legendary Fish'' challenge.\n\nSome of the best fishing locations include O’Creagh’s Run for Lake Sturgeon, Dakota River for Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Isabella for the legendary Sockeye Salmon. For new players, the Dakota River near Horseshoe Overlook is a great starting point due to its abundance of common fish and easy accessibility.\n\nA common challenge is catching larger or legendary fish, which can be tricky due to their strength. To make this easier, use the Special Lures and ensure your line doesn’t break by reeling in slowly and letting the fish tire itself out. Additionally, fishing during clear weather and at dawn or dusk increases your chances of success.\n\nFor crafting, fish like Bluegill and Perch are used to create potent predator baits, while larger fish like Salmon and Trout can be cooked for high-stamina meals. Always keep a few fish in your satchel for survival or trading purposes. Legendary fish, once caught, can be mailed to Jeremy Gill for rewards.\n\nPractical tips include upgrading your satchel to carry more fish, using Eagle Eye to spot fish in the water, and always carrying a variety of bait. If you’re struggling with a specific fish, consult the in-game compendium for hints on its preferred habitat and bait. Happy fishing!