What is the best way to level up my fishing skill in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Leveling up your fishing skill in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires patience, practice, and a good understanding of the game mechanics. Fishing is not only a relaxing activity but also a great way to earn money and craft valuable items. To start, you’ll need a fishing rod, which becomes available after completing the mission A Fisher of Men in Chapter 2. Once you have the rod, you can begin improving your skill by catching fish, experimenting with bait, and exploring the best fishing spots.\n\nTo level up your fishing skill, focus on catching as many fish as possible. Each fish you catch contributes to your skill progression, regardless of its size or rarity. Start with smaller fish like Bluegill or Perch, as they are easier to catch and require less effort. These fish are commonly found in shallow waters, such as the Dakota River near Horseshoe Overlook or the Kamassa River in Lemoyne. Use bread or corn as bait to attract these smaller fish, as they are inexpensive and effective.\n\nAs you gain confidence, move on to larger and more challenging fish like Bass or Salmon. These fish require better bait, such as crickets or worms, which can be purchased from general stores or found in the wild. For example, the Dakota River near Valentine is an excellent spot for catching Smallmouth Bass, while the Owanjila Lake near Strawberry is known for its Steelhead Trout. Experiment with different bait types to see what works best for each species.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to level up your fishing skill is to participate in the Stranger mission A Fisher of Fish. This mission, given by Jeremy Gill, tasks you with catching 13 legendary fish across the map. Completing this mission not only provides a significant boost to your fishing skill but also rewards you with unique items and cash. Legendary fish are more challenging to catch, so make sure to use special lures, which can be purchased from the bait shop in Lagras.\n\nTo improve your efficiency, learn the mechanics of casting and reeling. Hold the left trigger to aim your cast, then press the right trigger to throw the line. Use the left stick to control the direction and distance of your cast. When a fish bites, quickly press the right stick to hook it. Reel in the fish by rotating the right stick while keeping tension on the line by holding the left stick in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement. Avoid reeling too quickly, as this can cause the line to break.\n\nCommon challenges include losing fish due to broken lines or using the wrong bait. To prevent line breaks, pay attention to the tension indicator on the fishing rod. If the line turns red, stop reeling and let the fish tire itself out. For bait selection, consult your compendium to learn which bait works best for each fish species. Additionally, fishing during optimal times, such as early morning or late evening, can increase your chances of success.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your equipment. The Special Spinner lure, available at the bait shop in Lagras, is highly effective for catching a wide variety of fish. It’s also worth investing in a better fishing rod, though this is only available in the Epilogue. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll quickly level up your fishing skill and become a master angler in Red Dead Redemption 2.