Red Dead Redemption 2 is a robust game, one filled with many violent and non-violent activities. If you ever tire of train robberies and shootouts, one of the more leisurely pursuits you can unlock is fishing. In this guide we’ll show you how to unlock the fishing activity and how to hone your fishing skills.
How to unlock the fishing activity
Once you reach chapter 2 of the game’s main campaign, you’ll receive a mission called “A Fisher of Men.” This mission involves Arthur Morgan teaching a young Jack Marston to fish, showing players the ropes as well. When you finish the mission, you’ll unlock the fishing activity.
How to fish in Red Dead Redemption 2
Before you start fishing, make sure you’ve got a rod and some bait. There are many different bait types, all of which are divided into two categories: bobbers and lures. Different bobbers and lures can help with attracting certain fish types in case there’s a specific type you’re after.
With your fishing rod equipped, stand on the edge of the water and hold LT/L2 to grip the rod. Then hold RT/R2 to cast into the water. The longer you hold down RT/R2 the further your cast will go. If you have a bobber, you can just sit and wait until you get a bite. With a lure you instead have to “attract” fish by slowly reeling your line in.
When a fish bites your hook you can “strike” to initiate the catching process. The fish will try to escape and you can tire it out by moving the left thumbstick away from it. Your goal is to tire the fish out so you can then reel it in. If you try to reel the fish in without tiring it first, you risk snapping your line. You can reel in your line by rotating the right thumbstick.
Catching Legendary Fish
Once you feel confident enough in your fishing prowess, you can attempt the Legendary Fish side task. Head on over to Gill Landing on the shore of Flat Iron Lake and you’ll find the titular Gill. Speak to Gill and he’ll hand over a map outlining the locations of 13 legendary fish for you to catch.
Stay tuned for more Red Dead Redemption 2 coverage throughout the day. We’ve also got a guide on how to install the game and how long the process should take.