Fishing in Crimson Desert is more than just a hobby—it’s an essential way to gather high-quality ingredients for Health and Spirit-boosting meals. However, the game’s equipment system can be tricky. Here is exactly how to get started.

1. Where to Buy Your First Fishing Rod

Nas River Fishing Dock map location in Dragon's Dogma 2

To begin your journey, head Southeast of Hernand to the Nas River Fishing Dock.

  • Location: Look for the Hernand Fishing Shop, run by an NPC named Finley.
  • Essential Purchase: Buy the Fishing Rod for a small fee.
  • Pro Tip: While you’re there, grab the Small Bag from Finley—it’s a cheap way to increase your inventory space early on.
Finley stands at fishing shop dock in Hernand
Fishing shop buy menu over dockside table

2. How to Equip the Fishing Rod (The Tricky Part)

Fishing rod equipped in weapon wheel menu in-game

Many players get stuck here because the Fishing Rod shares a slot with your Bow.

  1. Open your Inventory and Equip the Fishing Rod.
  2. During gameplay, Hold Left on the D-Pad to open the Equipment Radial.
  3. Hover over your Bow icon.
  4. Press RT/R2 or LT/L2 to toggle/tab over until the Fishing Rod icon appears instead of the bow.
  5. Now, the button usually used for your bow (LT/L2) will function as your fishing action.

3. How to Catch Fish: Step-by-Step

Viking warrior watching fishermen on river dock

Once your rod is ready, find a body of water and follow these steps:

A. Casting the Line

  • Aim: Hold LT/L2 and point at the water.
  • Indicator: If the cursor is Blue, it’s a valid spot. If it’s Red, you cannot fish there.
  • Action: Release the button to cast.
Player reels fishing line from dock in river

B. The Lure

  • You can move your lure to attract fish by holding LT/L2 and moving the Analog Stick.
  • Watch for dark silhouettes of fish approaching. When a fish bites, a splash occurs—immediately press RT/R2 to hook it.

C. The Struggle (Reeling In)

This is a game of patience. Do not just mash buttons, or the line will snap.

  • Tire them out: If the fish pulls Left, tilt your Analog Stick Right (and vice versa).
  • The Window: When the thrashing stops and the water calms, rotate the Right Analog Stick to reel it in.
  • Stop! If the fish starts splashing again, stop reeling immediately and go back to counter-steering.
Armored character holds fish by rocky riverbank meadow

Warning: If the fish swims behind an NPC, a rock, or a boat, the line will snag and snap automatically. Keep the “line of sight” clear!

4. Catch and Release?

Once Kliff pulls the fish out, you have two choices:

  1. Keep: Adds the fish to your inventory for cooking recipes (like Fishball Soup or Steamed Fish).
  2. Release: Grants a small amount of “Nature” reputation or experience, but you lose the resource.