Fishing in FFXIV ARR 2.0

A guide to fishing in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Introduction

Getting started

Basics

Actions

Traits

Stats

Fishing Log

Mooching

Dunefishing and Skyfishing

Bait and lures

Fishing rods

Fishing Gear

Fishing locations

Class Quests

The Fish

Thanks to all who contributed

Introduction

This is what is meant to be a complete guide to fishing in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (FFXIV:ARR). I plan on keeping the guide updated at all times. I should also mention that this is a work in progress so it is by far a complete guide yet as there is still a lot of information that is relevant to fishers. If you have any additions, suggestions or corrections please use this thread: Forum thread for fishing guide.

Getting started

So you want to be a fisher. Well there is not too much too it as fishing is pretty straight forward. If you are just starting out you will need to get to level 10 with your main class and do your class quest. This will open up the armoury and let you change your class. All it takes is a fishing rod and you are on your way.

Head to the Fishing Guild in Limsa Lominsa. You can find the guild on the lower decks (X:7 Y:14). Talk to N'nmulika who is the Guild Receptionist. She will talk to you about fishing and the guild and get you started. She will ask you to have a talk with Sisipu who is in charge of the guild as the real guild master is always running around. She will give you a weathered fishing rod and some Lugworms and you are ready to go. Once you equip this you will be able to fish in any water.

The basics

So how do you reel in those fish. First of all you need to check out the skills you have acquired once you equip your fishing rod. From the start the following actions will be available to you:

Bait - Select the bait to apply to your line

Cast - Cast your line and begin fishing

Hook - Attempt to hook the fish nibbling on the bait

Quit - Abandon fishing attempt and reel in

These pretty much explains themselves but what you need to do is find some water. This can be more or less any water you find but it needs to be somewhere you would expect fish to be in real life. Earlier you would be able to find fish in fountains in Ul’dah but this is no longer possible (which makes sense after all). Once you find some water you will need to equip some bait. Use “Bait” and a window will open with all the bait and lures currently in your inventory. Now you need to be aware of your surroundings. Where are you actually fishing. Most bait will tell you what they are meant for: River, lake, coast, ocean, sand or cloud. So if you are in Limsa Lominsa doing your first fishing you are fishing in the ocean and will need bait for salt water. Luckily you were given Lugworms by Sisipu when you also received your weathered fishing rod. Select these and Lugworms will now be on the hook.

Now you need to use “Cast”. This will cast the line into the water and you are now fishing. This will not last too long though and a number of things will happen. Hopefully you will hear a creaking sound and your rod will move up and down. If this happens something has taken your bait and you need to use “Hook”. You will need to hook the fish within a couple of seconds or the fish will take the bait and you will not be able to reel it in. Either way you will loose your bait once something bites (whether or not you reel it in).

Another outcome of fishing could be that nothing bites. You will not lose your bait in this scenario. The reason that nothing bites could be because you are using the wrong bait and changing it may help you (more on bait later).

The “Quit” action is used if you have cast your line but regret it. It could be that you forgot to set bait and want to change it. Also you can use it between casts to put away your rod and stop fishing all together. It should be mentioned that moving around will have the exact same effect as “Quit” and may be a little more handy. Just remember that moving around will also stop you from fishing even though you may not wish to. Furthermore I would like to mention that being attacked will also stop you from fishing.

Another thing you should be aware of is that after a certain time fishing in the same spot you will get the message: “The fish sense something amiss. Perhaps it is time to try another location”. Then it is time to move on to another location. You should be able to come back straight away once you have fished in another location as this is just a way to prevent botting.

Actions

Beyond the four basic actions Bait, Cast, Hook and Quit you will only get two more: Stealth and Mooch

Stealth

Conceal yourself and tread quietly, reducing movement speed, but allowing you to avoid enemies level 20 and below.
Stealth becomes available at level 8 but for every ten levels above that you will get the trait Enhanced Stealth which will make it conceal you to enemies ten levels above. Ei at level 18 you will get “Enhanced Stealth” that lets you avoid enemies up to level 30 etc.

Mooch

Use the fish already hooked to your line to attract even larger prey.
Mooch becomes available at level 25.
Once you catch a fish the mooching icon will light up if that fish qualifies for mooching. Simply use the action and you will cast the line again. More on mooching later.

Traits

Gulleye

Allows you to discern the location of fishing holes up to level 15.
Available at level 15

Enhanced Stealth

Increases the range of enemies avoidable when using Stealth to level 30.
Available at level 18

 

Enhanced Stealth II

Increases the range of enemies avoidable when using Stealth to level 40.
Available at level 28

 

Gulleye II

Allows you to discern the location of fishing holes up to level 35.
Available at level 35

 

Dunefishing

Allows you to cast your fishing line into the desert sands.
Available at level 35

 

Enhanced Stealth III

Increases the range of enemies avoidable when using Stealth to level 50.
Available at level 38

 

Double Mooching

Allows you to mooch with a mooched fish.
Available at level 40

 

Skyfishing

Allows you to cast your line into the clouds
Available at level 45

 

Gulleye III

Allows you to discern the location of fishing holes up to level 50.
Available at level 50

 

Stats

The two stats to worry about when fishing is Gathering and Perception

Gathering
Affects the rate at which items are gathered.

Perception
Affects the rate at which high quality items are gathered.

Fishing Log

The fishing log is a log where you can easily see all the places you have been fishing. The main window will show you all the regions in Final Fantasy XIV and the subregions of these. Once you open up one of these you will see all the locations you can fish in a certain area. If you click one of the locations you will get a list of all the fish available in this location. In the start all the location will be undiscovered but once you catch something in a certain location all the fish you know will be filled in. This means that if you have caught all the fish in other locations you will know what to expect after catching one fish in an undiscovered location.

Once a fish has been caught it will be recorded in your fish guide. This is a list of all the fish in the game but of course you will need to catch them before they go in your log. This is one of the appeals of fishing: You get to find information on all the fish. As you can see below I had not found nearly close to all the fish when this screenshot was taken as this is only page one of eight. Now, however, we have recorded information about all the fish and if you want to have a look to see what you are missing go to the Final Fantasy XIV Fish Guide on this site. You will find information on all the fish and recommendations on best setup, etc.

When you catch a large fish it will be recorded under “Records”.There are six categories for fish: Coastlines, Deep Sea, Rivers, Lakes, Dunefishing and Skyfishing. As can be seen I have not yet tried Skyfishing but I hope it won’t be long :D The records are purely for bragging rights so far but let’s hope that it will be used for something in the future.

Mooching

Mooching is a way to catch bigger fish using the fish you already caught. The big fish eat the little fish and mooching takes advantage of this by letting you use the small fish you catch to reel in the larger ones. Only certain fish can be used and they need to be high quality. In practise this means that if you catch a qualifying fish the action “Mooch” will light up and if you use it you will not get the fish you just caught but throw it out again in an attempt to catch an even larger fish. These larger fish can only be caught if you mooch.

Here is an example that can be used right from the start. Start in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks and cast your line with a Lugworm. If you catch a high quality Merlthor Goby the mooch action will light up. Use it and you cast once again (like if you had used Cast) but you will now use the Merlthor Goby as bait instead of the Lugworm. The Merlthor Goby will NOT go into your inventory as usual. If you are lucky you will now be able to reel in a Blue Octopus.

Once you hit level 40 you will get the trait Double Mooching. This simply means that certain fish you have caught with mooching can be mooch. That is, the larger fish will catch an even larger fish. Once again the mooched fish will have to be high quality so this means you will have to catch to high quality fish in a row.

Dunefishing and Skyfishing

Dunefishing and Skyfishing is a way to fish in certain locations. I don’t have much information on it yet but basically it works just like regular fishing, it is just a matter of location.

If you teleport to Forgotten Springs in Southern Thanalan you will be able to go to the Sagolii Desert. At the edge of the desert is a rift and here you will be able to catch your line. I recommend using a Sand Leech or Sand Gecko as bait. These can be bought from a vendor in Forgotten Springs for app. 10 gil (can’t remember excact price).

This shows that dunefishing is no more different from lake or riverfishing than oceanfishing is. All in all it is just a matter of location and bait.

Bait and lures

Bait and lures are one of the most essential things when it comes to fishing and once you get the hang of it, it will help you target fish.

What is needed to know from the start is that the bait is recommended for certain types of fishing. It is key to read the description of the bait as this will give you information on where it should be used.

For example are Lugworm described as “A hairy marine worm that lives under beach sand. Live bait for ocean fishing.” This let’s you know that you will need to use it when fishing in the ocean.

Another example is Brass Spoon Lure which is described: “A polished brass lure shaped like a spoon so it will oscillate when dragged through the water, attracting fish. Especially effective in Lakes.” This will not catch anything in the ocean but if you find a freshwater lake it will be able to reel in the fish.

There is technically no difference between using bait and lures. Lures have a huge advantage though. If you catch a fish with a lure you can reuse it. If you use bait the fish will eat the bait but the lure can be removed from the mouth of the fish. This can make a difference as you can save a lot of money by using lures. It should be said that lures can be lost now and then so buy more than one.

Also remember that as you level up and go to higher level areas the low level bait and lures will become less and less effective. This means that you should also consider the level of the location when choosing bait.

Below is a list of all the bait and lures in the game

Lugworm
Level 1
A hairy marine worm that lives under beach sand. Live bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Moth Pupa
Level 1
A moth in the third stage of its development into an adult. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Crayfish Ball
Level 5
A ball of crayfish and rye flour paste. Processed bait for river fishing.
Freshwater
Crafted by CUL (lvl 1)

Pill Bug
Level 5
A small insect covered in a grey protective carapace. Is known to curl up in a ball when agitated. Live bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Bloodworm
Level 10
A common earthworm that earns its name from the blood-red tint of its body. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Goby Ball
Level 10
A ball of goby and rye flour paste. Processed bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater
Crafted by CUL (lvl 2)

Midge Basket
Level 15
A tightly knitted wicker basket filled with a swarm of biting midges. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Rat Tail
Level 15
The thin tail of a rat, often carried by young Lalafell boys as a good luck charm. An all-purpose bait.
All

Butterworm
Level 20
If allowed to pupate, this bright yellow larva will transform into a hideous moth which can devour an entire tunic in a single turn of the sun. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Crab Ball
Level 20
A ball of crab meat and rye flour paste. Processed bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater
Crafted by CUL (lvl 12)

Crow Fly
Level 20
A caddisfly-shaped lure crafted from a crow feather. Recommended for freshwater fly fishing novices.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 12)

Floating Minnow
Level 22
A light plug lure made to resemble a minnow. Especially effective when used to land fish swimming close to the water's surface.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 14)

Brass Spoon Lure
Level 23
A polished brass lure shaped like a spoon so it will oscillate while drug through the water, attracting fish. Especially effective in lakes.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 15)

Bass Ball
Level 25
A ball of dark bass and sunset flour paste. Processed bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater
Crafted by CUL (lvl 17)

Shrimp Cage Feeder
Level 25
A small metal cage packed with a pungent mixture of chopped shrimp. Fish are drawn to the area as pieces of shrimp break off from the cage. Processed bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Chocobo Fly
Level 27
A freshwater fishing lure made from a chocobo feather. The faint aroma of stable hay brings back memories of a simpler time.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 22)

Spoon Worm
Level 30
Also colorfully known as a “fisherman's member,” the stench of this sea-dwelling creature when sliced up is perfect for attracting hungry fish. Live bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Syrphid Basket
Level 30
A tightly knitted wicker basket filled with a swarm of angry syrphids. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Iron Jig
Level 32
The weight of this iron lure allows for casting great distances.
Crafted by GSM (lvl 24)

Silver Spoon Lure
Level 32
A polished silver lure shaped like a spoon so it will oscillate while drug through the water, attracting fish. Especially effective in lakes.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 24)

Sinking Minnow
Level 34
A heavy plug lure made to resemble a minnow. Effective in attracting fish from both surface and floor.
Crafted by GSM (lvl 26)

Herring Ball
Level 35
A ball of Indigo herring and sunset flour paste. Processed bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater
Crafted by CUL (lvl 27)

Honey Worm
Level 35
The honeyfly will lay its eggs in bee hives where, upon hatching, the larva will feed on honey until pupation. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Sand Leech
Level 35
A spineless creature which hides patiently under the desert─ofttimes for several moons─until a larger beast passes nearby. The leech will then attach itself to the new host's leg and proceed to drink deep of the beast's blood until its belly is full, after which it releases itself back to the desert to wait for its next victim. Live bait for dunefishing.
Sand

Wildfowl Fly
Level 36
A fishing lure made from a wildfowl feather. Its uncanny resemblance to a mayfly makes it irresistible to vilekin-feeding fish such as trout.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 28)

Heavy Iron Jig
Level 37
The sheer weight of this iron lure allows for casting great distances.
Crafted by GSM (lvl 29)

Spinner
Level 39
A metal lure designed to resemble both a mayfly and a minnow, allowing for use in a variety of different situations.
Crafted by GSM (lvl 31)

Krill Cage Feeder
Level 40
A small metal cage packed with northern krill. Fish are drawn to the area as krill float off from the cage. Processed bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Sand Gecko
Level 40
When night falls, thousands of these tiny scalekin can be seen scampering about the Sagolii Desert in search of the beetles on which they dine. Live bait for dunefishing.
Sand

Stem Borer
Level 40
This longhorn beetle larva can most commonly be found burrowed deep into the trunks of fallen logs. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Mythril Spoon Lure
Level 41
A polished mythril lure shaped like a spoon so it will oscillate while drug through the water, attracting all manner of lake and marsh life.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 33)

Snurble Fly
Level 43
A freshwater fishing lure made from a snurble tuft.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 35)

Topwater Frog
Level 44
A light freshwater lure crafted to resemble a frog. Best suited for larger prey such as pikes.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 36)

Glowworm
Level 45
It is not known why one end of these vilekin shines bright like a candle. It is, however, known that the light emitted by these creatures makes them a perfect target for hungry fish. An all-purpose bait.
All

Hoverworm
Level 45
Unlike other vilekin larvae, the hoverworm is not confined to life on the ground. Filling its belly with air allows it to freely ride the thermals over the Sea of Clouds. Live bait for skyfishing.
Cloud

Rolling Stone
Level 45
When threatened, this tiny desert crustacean will curl itself into a ball which, to the untrained eye, will appear no more than a simple pebble. Live bait for dunefishing.
Sand

Rainbow Spoon Lure
Level 46
A shiny blacklip oyster shell lure shaped like a spoon so it will oscillate while drug through the water, attracting all manner of marine life. Especially effective in lakes.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 38)

Spinnerbait
Level 47
Several small spinners joined together to resemble a school of fish. Especially effective in rivers.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 39)

Streamer
Level 48
A freshwater fly designed to sink below the water's surface, and by doing so, attract the larger carnivorous fish living near the floor.
Freshwater
Crafted by GSM (lvl 40)

Yumizuno
Level 48
A curved manmade lure used traditionally in the Far East, the name means literally “bow horn.” Increases chances of landing a big catch, even when casting from shore.
Crafted by GSM (lvl 40)

Balloon Bug
Level 50
With wings too underdeveloped for flying, this beetle has adopted another method of locomotion about the Sea of Clouds─a second bladder it fills with a noxious lighter-than-air gas. This foul stench is known to attract larger, hungrier creatures. Live bait for skyfishing.
Cloud

Caddisfly Larva
Level 50
The fact they are extremely difficult to harvest from their underwater homes makes fishing with caddisfly larvae an option for only the most well-to-do anglers. Live bait for freshwater fishing.
Freshwater

Nothern Krill
Level 50
Microscopic shrimp which inhabit the colder sea currents hailing from the northern seas. Live bait for ocean fishing.
Saltwater

Soil Creeper
Level 50
Atypical of common caterpillars, this sand-dwelling species is covered in a rock-like outer skin which serves to prevent the loss of moisture to the hot desert sun. Live bait for dunefishing.
Sand

Fishing rods.

There are currently 14 rods in the game. Below you can find a list of all of them.

Weathered Fishing Rod - Level 1

Maple Fishing Rod - Level 8

Amateur's Fishing Rod - Level 12

Elm Fishing Rod - Level 15

Initiate's Fishing Rod - Level 20

Yew Fishing Rod - Level 25

Stag Horn Fishing Rod - Level 29

Walnut Fishing Rod - Level 32

Horn Fishing Rod - Level 37

Mahogany Fishing Rod - Level 40

Rosewood Fishing Rod - Level 43

Gilded Rosewood Fishing Rod - Level 48

Halcyon Rod - Level 50

Rod Of The Luminary - Level 50

Fishing Gear

To come in the near future. Please have patience :D

Fishing locations

For locations take a look at the maps on this site. They will show you where you can find the fish. We are still working on getting as much information gathered as possible and it is (like this guide) a work in constant progress.

Class Quests

Class quests are a great way to get gear relevant to your current level and they add some xp that can sometimes be hard to come by. I recommend doing the class quests as you level up as that will give you the most benefit. Your rod will always be reasonably current and while you can get HQ rods by buying them or making them yourself this is a good alternative. Also... you might learn something ;D

Level 1 - My First Fishing Rod
Deliver 5 Lominsan anchovies to Sisipu. These can be caught within Limsa Lominsa with the lugworms you were initially given for joining the guild, but more can be purchased from the Fieldcraft merchant in Hawker's Alley.
Reward: Hempen Dalmatica of Gathering

Level 5 - Bigger Fish to Fry
Deliver 3 harbor herrings to Sisipu. These can once again be caught within Limsa Lominsa with Pill Bugs. These can be purchased from the Fieldcraft merchant in Hawker's Alley.
Reward: Maple Fishing Rod

Level 10 - The Princess and the Fish
Deliver a HQ princess trout to Sisipu. These can be caught with crayfish balls which were rewarded for the level 5 class quests, or can be purchased from the Fieldcraft merchant in Hawker's Alley. I caught these in the stream outside of the exit to Lower La Noscea where the toads are located. (might want to head all the way to the back of the cave since a FATE spawns here and the toads have a large AoE attack)
Reward: Amateurs Fishing Rod

Level 15 - Every Fish Has a Silver Lining
Deliver 5 Navigator's Daggers to Chuchuroon near the Fisherman's Guild. These can be caught with Rat Tails, which can be purchased from the Merchant & Mender NPC in Aleport. The target location is Brewer's Beacon in Western La Noscea. You have to position yourself behind the tower to be in the correct area. (thanks Zetanio!)
Reward: Elm Fishing Rod

Level 20
Deliver 5 warmwater trout to Chuchuroon. These can be caught with the Crow Fly lure at Oakwood in Upper La Noscea. Crow Flies can be either crafted (see bait and lure post) or purchased from the Junkmonger in Oakwood.

Level 25
Deliver a shadow catfish to Sisipu. This can be caught at Fallgourd Floats in North Shroud by catching a HQ Striped Goby and Mooching it. Striped Goby can be caught with crayfish balls.

This section will be expanded once I get more quests done and have more information.

The Fish

Lastly a list of all the fish in the game. This section will be elaborated in the near future with as much info as possible and a link to the page of the fish with even more information.

Acorn Snail
Aegis Shrimp
Agelyss Carp
Ala Mhigan Fighting Fish
Alligator Garfish
Angelfish
Angry Pike
Antlion Slug
Archer Fish
Armored Pleco
Ash Tuna
Assassin Betta
Balloonfish
Bianaq Bream
Black Eel
Black Ghost
Black Sole
Blind Manta
Blindfish
Blowfish
Blue Coral
Blue Octopus
Bluebell Salmon
Boltfish
Bone Cleaner
Bone Crayfish
Bonytongue
Bowfin
Box Turtle
Boxing Pleco
Brass Loach
Bronze Lake Trout
Cadaver Carp
Caravan Eel
Cave Cherax
Chub
Climbing Perch
Cloud Cutter
Cloud Jellyfish
Clown Loach
Coelacanth
Coeurlfish
Common Sculpin
Copperfish
Coral Butterfly
Crayfish
Crimson Crayfish
Crimson Trout
Dark Bass
Dark Sleeper
Desert Catfish
Dinichthys
Discus
Dune Manta
Dusk Goby
Dustfish
Dwarf Catfish
Emperor Fish
Eunuch Crayfish
Faerie Bass
Fall Jumper
Finger Shrimp
Five-ilm Pleco
Four-eyed Fish
Fullmoon Sardine
Garpike
Giant Bass
Giant Catfish
Giant Donko
Giant Squid
Gigant Octopus
Glass Perch
Goblin Perch
Golden Loach
Goldfish
Goosefish
Grip Killifish
Gudgeon
Halibut
Hammerhead Shark
Haraldr Haddock
Harbor Herring
Heliobatis
Helmet Crab
Ignus Snail
Ilsabardian Bass
Indigo Herring
Jade Eel
Judgment Staff
Jungle Catfish
Kissing Trout
Knifefish
Kobold Puffer
La Noscean Perch
Lamprey
Lavender Remora
Leafy Seadragon
Little Thalaos
Lominsan Anchovy
Loyal Pleco
Mahi-Mahi
Maiden Carp
Malm Kelp
Mazlaya Marlin
Megalodon
Merlthor Goby
Miter Shell
Mitten Crab
Moat Carp
Monke Onke
Monkfish
Moraby Flounder
Morinabaligi
Mudcrab
Mudskipper
Mummer Wrasse
Mushroom Crab
Nautilus
Navigator's Dagger
Navigator's Ear
Nether Newt
Northern Pike
Oakroot
Ocean Cloud
Ogre Barracuda
Paglth'an Discus
Pebble Crab
Pike Eel
Pipira
Pirarucu
Plaguefish
Plaice
Pond Mussel
Poxpike
Princess Trout
Rainbow Trout
Raincaller
Razor Clam
Red Coral
Rhamphorhynchus
Rift Sailor
River Crab
Rock Lobster
Root Skipper
Ropefish
Rothlyt Oyster
Saber Sardine
Sagolii Monkfish
Sand Bream
Sandfish
Saucerfish
Scallop Shell
Sea Bo
Sea Cucumber
Sea Devil
Sea Pickle
Seema
Shadow Catfish
Silver Shark
Silverfish
Skyfish
Sludgeskipper
Smallshell
Southern Pike
Spotted Pleco
Spotted Puffer
Storm Rider
Striped Goby
Sundisc
Sunfish
Takitaro
Thunderbolt Sculpin
Tiger Cod
Titanic Sawfish
Trader Eel
Tri-colored Carp
Tricorn
Vampire Lampern
Velodyna Carp
Vongola Clam
Wahoo
Wandering Sculpin
Warmwater Trout
White Coral
Whitelip Oyster
Wootz Knifefish
Young Indigo Herring
Yugram Salmon

Thanks to all who contributed

I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to information on this site. This is just as much a compilation as it is a work standing on it's own. Thanks go out to Orophin, Truvy, Vicious, Rescuer, Fallensbane and all other members of the site who have contributed with information in some form or another.