Fishing/Legacy fishing system

The legacy fishing system was retired in December, 2025, when the new artisan fishing system was introduced.

Legacy Fishing System

The original fishing system involved manipulating fishing equipment as the means of catching fish at designated fishing locations.

Bonus Checks

The first set of checks determine the rarity of fish. There are 5 tiers of rarity:

1. Common
2. Uncommon
3. Rare
4. Very rare
5. Legendary

Tiers 1 through 4 aren't to difficult to come by, but to get tier 5 fish, more research and an understanding of the system is required to be successful. It's possible to catch a legendary fish without meeting all bonuses and hitting a great random roll, but you'll have a much easier time if you can meet 3 of the 4 bonus criteria.

There is a seasonal bonus, it's better to fish in the spring and summer. Fall is neutral. Winter has a penalty. (Given seasons aren't the same across the world, these seasons are reflected on the United States.)

There are bonuses to fishing during certain hours of the day; it's not random. It also doesn't look at time zones, it's just a generic time of day that is the best time to fish.

There are bonuses for the area (is it a good/hot spot). This is another aspect to discover on your own. This also applies to catching lobsters.

The lure has a bonus as long as it's used in the right depth of water. If you catch a tier 5 fish, you used the lure at the right depths.

Then there is just a random element entirely for those that don't know what they are doing.

Reeling it In

Once the fish is on your line, there are a new set of checks.

The only stat that is used is Strength.

The fish's strength is determined by the phase you're in. Did you just catch it? Is it wearing down? A fish just hooked is strong. Bigger fish are harder to catch from having an inherited strength bonus.

There are some random elements to both the fisherman and the fish here as well. Think of these as "critical catches." But it also helps those who don't have strength or aren't waiting to tire the fish out.

Snapping a Line

Too much slack is a huge penalty and will result in a warning message. Learn what is good enough.

Reeling in too early has a bigger chance to snap a line.

Leaving the fish on the line longer tires the fish out, but it also weakens the line.

The Catch

The fish that was caught on the line was determined at first bite. There are 5 tiers of rarity for fish. There are 3 depths. Each depth has the 5 tiers.

Fishing now tracks total fish caught, as well as which tier it came from.

Cooking

Caught fish can be cut into fillets using CUT MY FISH WITH MY <WEAPON>. Heavier fish may produce more than one fillet. These fillets can then be cooked over a suitable fire or as an ingredient in the various cooking craft systems. See the below table for information on the locations of cooking fires.