Crimson Desert Guide | How to Catch Fish

Here’s a guide on how to catch fish in Crimson Desert.

Game Guide by TauxicPandA on Mar 23, 2026

You need a Fishing Rod to begin. While they cost 10 Copper, you can save your money early on. Go to the river just south of Hernand. Look for some small boxes.

A Free Fishing Rod is leaning against them. Grab it. Open your Inventory and put it in your slot. When you want to use it, hold the selection wheel and swap your Bow for the rod. It is that simple.

Crimson Desert, Guide, How to Catch Fish

Best Fishing Locations

You do not always need a rod for Crimson Desert Fishing. You can just jump into the water and swim. Press the Pickup button to grab any fish or bugs nearby.

This is a great Fishing Tip for quick quests in shallow water. If you use a rod, pick a clear spot. The area north of Hernand by the bridge is a Best Fishing Spot because the water is deep. Stay away from rocks or sunken trees. If your line touches any Debris, it will break immediately.

Crimson Desert, Guide, How to Catch Fish

Casting and Reeling Tips

Hold the Block button to start the Fishing Mini-game. Do not throw the line too close or too far away. Release the button to cast and wait for three splashes in Crimson Desert.

When you hear them, move your Stick to Hook the fish. Do not reel yet or the line might snap. If the fish swims left, you pull your rod to the right. When the water stops splashing, the fish is tired. That is the best time to Reel it in quickly.

Crimson Desert, Guide, How to Catch Fish

Cooking and Cleaning

You can store your fish in Cages. Many Cooking Recipes work better if you keep the fish whole. Only turn them into Fish Fillets if you run out of room in your Inventory.

To do this, select the fish and use the Clean option. You might even find an Abyss Core when you do this. It is usually better to wait until you are sure what you need for your next meal.

Upgrading Your Gear

There are better rods to find as you play. The Fine Fishing Rod is sold at the Back Alley Shop near Hernand for 10 Silver. It is a bit pricey for what it does in Crimson Desert.

The Pororin Fishing Rod is a much better goal for Advanced Fishing. You get this by doing Research at Pororin. Once the research is done, send your camp on a Dispatch Mission to craft it. This rod makes a big difference for the harder fish.

Crimson Desert, Guide, How to Catch Fish

Finding Legendary Fish Locations

There are five Legendary Fish in the world. These include the Clockwork Fish, the Coelacanth, and the Golden Carp. You can also hunt for the Golden Coelacanth and the Golden Tench.

They are worth 10 Silver each and help you finish special Challenges. These fish are very strong. Make sure you have the Pororin Fishing Rod ready before you try to catch them in Crimson Desert.

Also, check our Crimson Desert Review and other guides below: