Fishing Basics
Like many players, I was initially skeptical about fishing when it was first introduced in the Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons expansion. However, quickly discovered it is far more dynamic and rewarding compared to other gathering types and has many achievements. Because the mechanics are more involved than standard resource collection, there are a few important nuances to think about, so let’s get to it and get you fishing like a pro!
Infographic at the end of the guide!
Cast ‘em Out & Reel ‘em In
As soon as you arrive in Seitung Province, the first heart gets you fishing with a basic rod (+25 Fishing Power), starting lures, and bait
You equip your fishing rod using Activate Mastery Skill, with fishing selected as the chosen mastery. The default key bind for this is [J]
Then equip the lure and bait from the fishing rod’s skill Modify Tackle [5] or your Hero Panel [H], and navigate through your equipment tab to Fishing
You can catch fish as long as you have a lure or bait equipped. Each adds to the fishing power that you will need to catch more difficult fish. The higher your fishing power, the larger your fishing slider is
Lures
There are five lure types, each granting a different fishing power. Lures can be purchased from any Fishing Supplies vendor. The first lure you can access is the wooden lure, which has +50 fishing power. Antique fishing lures grant +75 fishing power
Unlocking Arborstone as a hub allows you to buy the +100 Amber lure. Once you unlock the Dragons End map, the fishing supply vendor sells Jade Lures that grant +100 fishing power
The gem store offers a quality of life improvement with the infinite fishing lure that gives +100 fishing power and never runs out
Bait
Each End of Dragons map functions as it’s own distinct region for fishing, as it was the first expansion to introduce the mechanics and the Tyria region has bait that attracts it’s native fish. All new maps released in expansions after End of Dragons, are grouped together as a region
All bait has +100 Fishing Power, with the exception of Mackerel, which offers +150 fishing power. Each region has a Fishing Supply vendor who will sell those baits individually and in bulk containers of 25. Buying 10 in bulk will give you a max stack of 250 to minimize trips to the vendor. There are a total of 14 different types of bait available across the game’s various regions
Fishing Nodes
Most regions have 2 types of nodes, typically unique to the region. Some fish can only be caught from a specific node type. Each fishing node will yield 3 catches. Sometimes you will catch junk, which will also use up a catch
To find out which bait to use and which fishing nodes to fish, review Fishing Achievements in your Hero Panel [H]. Each region has its own achievement for fishing and range for Fishing Power required to catch fish
I have found it easiest to focus on a node or bait type and farm for the achievement
Fishing Power
To maximize your fishing power, combine your fishing tools (rod, lure, and bait) with food buffs and fully unlocked Fishing and Skiff Masteries. Fishing power increases the size of your slider, reaching it’s largest if you meet or exceed the fishing power required. Each region has a fishing power requirement, with the easiest being Seitung (50-200) and the most challenging being Draconis Mons (700-750)
Master of the Fishes: Fishing Masteries & How to
Finishing your Fishing Mastery tracks does way more than just unlock new skills but you also get a +20 boost to your Fishing Power for each one, giving you a total of +100 once you've maxed them all out
Fishing Hole Master reduces the time to catch fish, filling the yellow progress bar faster
Angler Sense grants a skill when a fishing rod is equipped, or you are piloting a skiff, that allows you to detect nearby fishing holes
Fishing on a Full Tank gives you a +100 fishing bonus if you have a nourishment buff active
Master Caster increases the distance you can cast your line by 50%
Local Legend exclusive selections from fishmongers and fishing supply vendors, including the ability to purchase Amber and Jade lures, 5 Daily Chunk of Ancient Ambergris [&AgFbeAEA], skins, and minis
Fishing Party (Skiff Mastery) gives you a bonus based on the collective number of fish a party in a boat catches, up to 99 fish.
Only the owner of the skiff needs the mastery for all to benefit. You will gain stacks while fishing solo if you fish from your skiff
Once you reach 99 stacks, you may leave the skiff, jump in your own, and carry the buff with you as long as you stay in the party
So long and thanks for all the fish?
So, why fish? First, there are 229 Achievement Points, more added each expansion so far, and 6 punny fishing titles. Second, converting fish to materials after you catch them yields the same rarity fillets, which are used in cooking recipes. Some fish yield Karma instead of fillets; the fish description will indicate this. Some fish are needed to complete other collections, including the Siege Turtle
Legendary fish, while they do not yield a legendary fillet, they yield 1-2 ascended fillets, a chance at other materials, and a Chunk of Ancient Ambergris [&AgFbeAEA], used in Gen 3 Legendary Crafting
Use this guide, and you’ll be a “Cod Swimming Amongst Mere Minnows” in no time!
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