Introduction
Old School RuneScape, with its vast world and myriad skills to master, often sees players casting a line and testing their luck on the waters. Fishing, a classic skill, provides not only a means to earn gold but is crucial for completing quests, preparing food, and even training other skills like cooking. However, successfully landing a bountiful catch isn’t just about finding a fishing spot and clicking repeatedly. It requires understanding the nuances of “fish food” – the bait that lures those slippery swimmers to your hook. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of Old School RuneScape fish food, exploring everything from the simplest worms to the most specialized baits, teaching you where to find them, how to use them, and ultimately, how to bait your way to fishing success. Whether you are a fresh-faced adventurer just starting your fishing journey or a seasoned angler looking to optimize your methods, this guide has something for you. It’s important to note that some types of fish food and fishing locations are only available to members, while others are accessible to free-to-play players. We will identify these differences throughout the guide.
Basic Fish Food for Early Game Anglers
For those just starting their fishing adventure, there are two primary types of fish food readily available: worms and fishing bait.
Worms: The Earthy Enticement
Worms are the simplest form of fish food and are easily obtained by digging in the ground with a spade. This makes them incredibly accessible, especially for beginner players. Areas around Lumbridge, particularly along the riverbanks, are excellent locations to find worms. Simply equip your spade, click on a patch of dirt, and with a little luck, you’ll have a wriggling addition to your inventory. Worms are primarily used to catch trout and salmon, making them a vital resource for leveling your fishing skill in the early stages. The best spots to use worms are typically near the rivers in Lumbridge and Barbarian Village. Remember that higher level fishing locations will give more experience, but might be inaccessible until you level up further.
Fishing Bait: A Versatile Option
Fishing bait is another easily accessible option, available for purchase from various fishing shops located throughout Gielinor. These shops can be found in towns like Port Sarim, Catherby, and Draynor Village, and will have the bait for sale. Fishing bait is primarily used to catch sardine, herring, and anchovies. These fish are not only good for early fishing experience but are also valuable for cooking and completing certain quests. The best places to catch these fish are typically near the docks of Port Sarim and the shores of Draynor Village, where the water is calm and plentiful with these smaller fish.
Stepping Up Your Bait Game: Intermediate Fish Food
As your fishing skill improves and you venture into more challenging waters, you’ll need more sophisticated fish food to attract a wider variety of fish. This section primarily covers options available to members.
Feathers: Luring Pike with Plumage
Feathers, easily obtained from fishing shops, play a crucial role in catching pike. To catch these fish, players can head to locations such as Lumbridge swamp or the River Lum, where Pike reside. While Feathers are not typically available in F2P, players can obtain them through drops from chickens, although this is a much slower method.
The Fly Fishing Rod: Targeting Trout and Salmon with Precision
The fly fishing rod, when coupled with specific bait like feathers, unlocks a new dimension in catching trout and salmon. To use this method, players must head to the Barbarian Village. This method allows for a higher catch rate and better experience compared to worm fishing, making it a popular choice for those looking to level up their fishing skill quickly and efficiently.
Karambwan Vessel: A Taste of the Exotic
The Karambwan vessel is a unique fishing method that involves cooking Karambwan and placing it in the vessel as bait. To begin, players must obtain a Karambwan vessel. When this vessel is placed, it allows players to catch Karambwan. Catching this fish allows players to level up both their fishing and cooking levels.
Advanced Fish Food: Targeting Specific Catches
For players who are serious about their fishing, there are advanced fish food options that are tailored for specific catches or tasks. These options are usually only available to members and often require higher skill levels.
Roe/Caviar: Powering Up Barbarian Fishing
Roe and caviar are essential for Barbarian fishing. Players can obtain these items by catching and filleting trout and salmon. Barbarian fishing, located near Baxtorian Falls, offers a unique training method that also provides strength and agility experience, making it highly desirable for players looking to train multiple skills simultaneously. Roe and caviar significantly increase the catch rate of the fish required for this method.
Baits for Specific Tasks
Sometimes, you need a particular type of fish for a quest or other task. This might require a specialized bait that isn’t used for general leveling. Researching the specific fish you need and the recommended bait will save you time and effort.
Obtaining Fish Food: Methods and Locations
The way you obtain your fish food can significantly impact your efficiency and profitability. There are two primary methods: buying from shops and gathering it yourself.
Buying from Shops: Convenience at a Cost
Purchasing fish food from shops is the quickest and most reliable method. Fishing shops in towns like Port Sarim, Catherby, and Draynor Village usually stock basic bait. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as you’ll be spending gold on your bait rather than earning it. When starting out, buying bait is a good option to get you fishing as quick as possible, but it’s worth learning the gathering methods for a more cost-effective approach in the long run.
Gathering: Free but Time-Consuming
Gathering your own fish food is a more economical option, although it can be time-consuming. Digging for worms is a free way to obtain bait, and there are several other fishing food items you can obtain by killing NPC’s or other fishing methods. The advantage of gathering is that you avoid spending gold, but the disadvantage is that it can take longer.
Optimizing Your Baiting Strategy: Efficiency is Key
To maximize your fishing efficiency, consider these strategies:
Matching Bait to Location
It’s crucial to use the right bait for the fish you’re trying to catch and the location you’re fishing in. Using the wrong bait will significantly reduce your catch rate. Refer to in-game guides and community resources to learn the optimal bait for each fish species and fishing location.
Inventory Management
Efficient inventory management is crucial for long fishing sessions. Keep your inventory organized, and make sure you have enough bait to last for a reasonable amount of time. Using noted items and banking when necessary will help you stay efficient.
AFK Fishing
For players looking to train their fishing skill with minimal effort, certain locations and bait combinations are ideal for AFK fishing. Research locations like Catherby and use appropriate bait to minimize the frequency of interaction needed.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Baiting
Fish food is more than just an item in your inventory; it’s a key element in unlocking the full potential of your fishing skill in Old School RuneScape. From the humble worm to the specialized roe, understanding the different types of bait, where to find them, and how to use them effectively is essential for success. As you progress on your fishing journey, don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and locations to discover what works best for you. Whether you’re fishing for gold, quest completion, or simply for the love of the catch, mastering the art of baiting will undoubtedly lead you to a more rewarding and enjoyable experience in the world of Old School RuneScape. Good luck and happy fishing!
