Fishing — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Guide

Master fishing in The Witcher 3. Learn how to get a rod, find bait, catch rare fish, and use them for crafting and alchemy. Tips.

Fishing in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Fishing in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a relaxing yet rewarding activity that allows Geralt to catch various types of fish, which can be used for crafting, alchemy, or sold for coin. While not a primary questline, it offers a peaceful diversion from monster hunting and can lead to discovering hidden treasures and unique fishing spots. Mastering fishing requires understanding different bait types and fishing locations.

To start fishing, Geralt needs a fishing rod. These can often be found in chests, purchased from merchants, or sometimes acquired as quest rewards. Once you have a rod, you can equip it from your inventory. The game will then prompt you to find a suitable body of water. Rivers, lakes, and the sea are all potential fishing grounds. Look for areas where fish are visible near the surface or where the water appears deeper.

The core mechanic involves casting your line and waiting for a bite. When a fish bites, a mini-game begins where you must keep the bobber within a specific zone by adjusting the tension on the line. Different fish will fight differently, requiring varying levels of precision. The type of fish you catch is often dependent on the location and the bait used. Common baits include earthworms, maggots, and specialized lures.

There are also specific fishing spots marked on the map, often indicated by a fish icon. Visiting these spots can yield rarer catches. Some quests even involve fishing for specific types of fish. For instance, the 'Baying of the Hounds' quest in Skellige requires you to catch a specific fish. Beyond that, fishing can be a great way to gather ingredients for powerful potions and decoys, such as Troll Blood or certain fish oils.

Tip: Use different bait types to attract specific fish. Some rare fish may only appear with certain bait or in specific locations.