What’s the best way to earn money from fishing in Red Dead Online?

Fishing is one of the most profitable activities in Red Dead Online, offering a steady and reliable way to earn money. To maximize your earnings, you need to understand the game mechanics, know the best fishing spots, and use the right equipment. Fishing requires a fishing rod, which can be purchased from the catalog or a general store for $20. You’ll also need bait or lures, which can be bought or crafted. Special lures, like the River Lure or Lake Lure, are highly effective for catching high-value fish.\n\nTo start fishing, equip your rod and bait, then find a suitable body of water. Cast your line by holding the aim button and pressing the fire button to release. Wait for a fish to bite, indicated by a tug on the line and controller vibration. When this happens, reel in the fish by rotating the right stick and pulling back on the left stick. Be patient, as larger fish require more effort to catch. Once caught, store the fish in your satchel or on your horse to sell later.\n\nThe best fishing spots are near towns or trading posts, as they allow you to quickly sell your catch. For example, the Dakota River near Valentine is a prime location for catching Steelhead Trout, which sell for $4.25 each. Another excellent spot is O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East region, where you can catch Lake Sturgeon, worth $7.50 each. Always aim for high-value fish like Salmon, Trout, and Sturgeon, as they provide the best return on your time investment.\n\nOne common challenge is finding the right bait or lure for specific fish. For example, Steelhead Trout and Salmon are attracted to River Lures, while Lake Sturgeon prefer Lake Lures. If you’re unsure, use worms or crickets as general bait, though they are less effective for high-value fish. Additionally, weather and time of day can affect fish activity. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to fish, as fish are more active during these periods.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, consider using a hunting wagon to store multiple fish. This allows you to carry more fish at once, reducing the number of trips needed to sell your catch. Alternatively, you can use your horse to carry up to five fish, but this limits your capacity. Selling fish to a butcher is the most straightforward way to earn money, but you can also use the Trader role to process fish into materials for Cripps’ Trading Company, providing an additional income stream.\n\nFor new players, focus on learning the basics of fishing mechanics and identifying high-value fish. Experienced players can optimize their earnings by targeting specific fish in lucrative locations and using specialized lures. Always keep an eye on your inventory and sell fish regularly to avoid losing them due to disconnects or other issues. With practice and the right strategy, fishing can become one of the most rewarding activities in Red Dead Online.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry extra bait or lures, as running out mid-fishing trip can be frustrating. Use Eagle Eye to spot fish in the water, making it easier to target high-value species. If you’re struggling to catch larger fish, upgrade your fishing rod and practice your reeling technique. Finally, consider teaming up with other players to cover more fishing spots and share the profits.