About Fishing in FFXI
Fishing in FFXI refers to such crafts that involve catching fish in rivers, ponds, seas, oceans, and lakes in the world of Vana’diel. Fishing is one of the interesting quests in FFXI that most players like due to its highly rewarding nature. You can fish with any level of job and almost anywhere. Occasionally, FFXI features a Fish Ranking contest, so a lot of players put their interest into this activity. It is also one of those few crafts for which you get paid to raise your skill.
The Fishermans' Guild headquarters is located in the Federation of Windurst. However, you can find guild representatives anywhere else. In that location, you will be able to obtain Synthesis Image Support that can assist your crafting. You can also buy and sell guild-related items. It is worth noting that players with more ranking of Novice can easily earn Guild Points by fishing that they can use to purchase items and more. Guild Points can also be purchased from Gil, which you can buy from an in-game shop, or you can get FF11 Gil from any third-party website.
Things to Consider for Fishing
First of all, you need to equip a fishing rod and bait in your ranged and ammo slots. After that, find the water areas and place your character at the edge of the water and then type fish, or you can also choose fish from the menu.
Just like every other craft in FFXI, fishing also has skill cap levels. In fishing, you can turn the caught fish into skill. First, you need to go to the fishing guild in Port Windurst and talk to Thubu Parohren (the Fishing Guild Master). You will get all the necessary information about fishing from there. Once you reach level 8, you can take your first fishing test.
You should keep in mind that catching a fish puts a strain on your character, which is referred to as fishing fatigue. It does not affect any other aspect of your character other than your overall fishing performance. The fatigue level mainly depends on the size of the fish, and they result in different amounts of fatigue (Large fish or any heavy item results in faster fatigue while smaller fish cause minimal fatigue).
For fishing, baits and lures are the most basic materials used for fishing, along with the rods. One piece of bait is expended each time you get a bite on the line. Lures can be used indefinitely. However, lures will disappear from your inventory if you get a line snap or a rod break. Different types of rods (wooden and plastic) also determine how well they can withstand potentially lost catches, line snaps, or rod breaks, along with fishing skills. Moreover, the type of bait you’re using also determines what kind of things it will catch.
Once you reach skill level 40, which is Novice rank, the Guild Points become available to you. To start your journey with the Guild Points, you need to speak to Fennella in Port Windurst at the fishing guild. Every fish carries a certain number of points, but you have a limited number of points each day.
For fishing in FFXI, you are given a limited amount of time to make your attempt and catch a fish. The time allotted to land your catch is also determined by the type of rod you’re using and, in some cases, also your bait type. In the process, if you get a warning message, it means that you have 7 seconds left for your attempt. Otherwise, the fish will be lost, and you will be unable to catch it again.
The two primary fish (Gugrusaurus or Lik) are needed for the quest Indomitable Spirit. These fish are very strong and are designed not to allow you enough time to weaken and catch them under normal circumstances.
You’re allowed to cancel your fishing attempt at any time, which will result in losing bait but not lures. Your rod will also be safe by doing so.
Fishing quests are a lot of fun and also fairly profitable. While completing these quests, you'll gain fishing guild points, items, rods, exp, and money.
There’s also a chance that you will end up catching an item besides fish or a monster. These items range from Gil (1 Gil or 100) to rusty and valuable synthesis items. Beware, though, these items can be heavy and could break your rod. If you hook one of these using bait and successfully catch the item, the bait is retained.
Quick Tips for Fishing in FFXI
You should go for bait instead of lures, as bait hooks fish better than lures.
Rogue Rig is capable of hooking much different fish, but it rarely catches fish, so it is recommended to use it accordingly as it is an excellent catching item.
Aim for fishing outside the city.
If you are not aiming to catch a large fish, item, or monster, a “!!!” message appears on your screen; quickly cancel the fishing; otherwise, it will break your rod.
Catching a fish will be easier if you reduce its stamina close to 0.
Sneak, so you will be safe from being attacked by a monster you fish up.
Lu Shang’s rod is considered one of the best in FFXI, which is ideal for small fish and unbreakable. After that, Halcyon Rod is a runner-up.
Perform research prior to fishing and always try to use bait or lure in an area that isolates the fish you want to catch.
Final Thoughts
If you want money in FFXI, you have to farm. Fishing is one of the exciting crafts that is well-known for being capable of making you money and Guild Points. Recently, the changes made to fishing in FFXI promise a cleaner and more effortless experience while fishing in Vana'diel waters.
