Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV

Fishing Log & Big Fish — Final Fantasy XIV Guide

Master fishing in Final Fantasy XIV by learning about the Fishing Log and how to catch Big Fish using Patience II, Chum, and mooching.

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Fishing Log & Big Fish — Final Fantasy XIV Guide

Fishing in Final Fantasy XIV is more than just a way to acquire Culinarian ingredients; it's a deep and rewarding profession with its own set of challenges and achievements. The Fishing Log and the pursuit of "Big Fish" are central to this, offering dedicated anglers a goal-driven experience with unique rewards and bragging rights.

The Fishing Log:

The Fishing Log is your comprehensive guide to all the fish you can catch in Eorzea and beyond. It lists every type of fish, the locations where they can be caught, the bait required, and the conditions under which they are most likely to bite (e.g., time of day, weather, specific fishing actions used). Completing entries in the Fishing Log is a requirement for certain achievements and for progressing as a Fisher.

  • Accessing the Log: The Fishing Log can be accessed from your main menu under "Gathering Log" or by speaking with specific NPCs.
  • Log Entries: Each fish has its own entry, detailing its rarity, the zone it inhabits, and any specific requirements for catching it.
  • Completion Rewards: Completing sections of the Fishing Log often rewards players with experience points, gil, and sometimes even unique items or achievements.

Big Fish:

Big Fish are exceptionally rare and challenging catches that require specific strategies and conditions to land. They are often much larger and more elusive than regular fish. Catching Big Fish is a sificant undertaking and a mark of a dedicated angler.

  • Requirements: Catching Big Fish usually involves using specific bait, employing certain fishing actions (like "Patience II" or "Chum"), and waiting for particular in-game weather and time conditions.
  • Gigging: Once a Big Fish is hooked, you may have the option to use a "Spearfishing Gig." This is a separate mini-game where you must navigate underwater to harpoon the fish. The size and type of gig you use can affect your success rate.
  • The "Ocean Fishing" Feature: This is a major update that allows players to embark on large-scale fishing voyages. During these voyages, you can catch a wide variety of fish, including many Big Fish, and participate in a unique scoring system.

Fishing Actions and Stats:

As a Fisher, you'll utilize various abilities to improve your chances of catching specific fish, especially Big Fish:

  • Gathering/Yield/Perception: While these stats are crucial for Miner and Botanist, for Fisher, the relevant stats are Fishing Force (influences hook strength) and Gathering (influences the chance of a tug).
  • Patience/Patience II: These abilities increase the duration of a tug, giving you more time to react and hook the fish.
  • Chum: Attracts more fish to your current fishing spot.
  • Nose Hook/Mooch: These actions allow you to "mooch" a smaller fish to attract a larger one. For example, catching a small fish and then using it as bait to catch a larger fish.

Rewards for Big Fish Hunters:

  • Achievements: Many achievements are tied to catching specific Big Fish or a certain number of them.
  • Titles: Catching particularly rare Big Fish can unlock unique titles for your character.
  • Gear and Glamour: Some Big Fish can be traded for unique gear or glamour items.
  • The "Legendary" Title: The ultimate goal for many anglers is to catch all the "Legendary" Big Fish, earning the prestigious "Legendary" title.

Fishing in Final Fantasy XIV is a journey of patience, observation, and skill. The pursuit of Big Fish offers a unique and satisfying challenge for those who enjoy the tranquility and strategic depth of the angling life.