Fishing: Skills

Learn the essential techniques for successful fishing in Final Fantasy XV. Master the QTEs, line tension, and controller feedback to reel in even the toughest catches.

Fishing in Final Fantasy XV can feel a bit tricky at first, especially if you're rocking the basic rods and reels. But honestly, it's all about getting the hang of the technique! You can totally snag those big, tough fish even without the top-tier gear, though it definitely makes things smoother.

Once you hook a fish, you'll hit a quick QTE where you need to nudge the left stick in a specific direction. This is where the real battle begins, so pay close attention. Forget looking at the fish's stamina bar at the top of the screen; instead, focus right on the fish itself.

As the fish darts around, you'll see an analog stick icon pop up, telling you which way to push. Here's the golden rule: always hold the left analog stick in the direction the fish is swimming, prompt or not. If you don't, you'll put too much strain on the line, and its durability will drop – you'll see the stick icon flash red. If the line snaps, you'll lose your lure, so that's a big no-no. Whenever you see that tension prompt, stop reeling and just steer the stick in the fish's direction.

Tension management is super key (that's the thing on the left in the image). And hey, with certain Ascension abilities, you can even snag more loot from your fishing trips (like shown on the right).

A really solid tip for knowing when to reel in is when you don't feel the controller vibrating. You'll also notice the fish isn't splashing as much then. When it *is* vibrating and splashing hard, that's the fish fighting back. During this struggle, your line tension increases, and the fish's stamina doesn't drain as quickly. But when the controller buzzes less and the fish calms down, that's your cue! It's tired and ready to be reeled in. Just be quick, though – you've only got a few seconds before it might start fighting again or change direction.

Fishing Levels

As you level up your fishing skill, you'll unlock some pretty sweet perks:

• Level 2: Fishing line is 25% stronger when fish struggle.
• Level 3: Get a 10% discount on all items at tackle shops.
• Level 4: You have a 25% increased chance of hooking fish.
• Level 5: You can now catch bigger fish, up to 31.5 inches.
• Level 6: Enjoy a 30% discount on all items at tackle shops.
• Level 7: Fishing line is 50% stronger when fish struggle.
• Level 8: Your chance of hooking fish increases by 50%.
• Level 9: Score a 50% discount on all items at tackle shops.
• Level 10: You can catch even bigger fish, up to 59 inches!