The Comprehensive Guide to Fishing in Once Human: Crafting, Catching, and Conservation

In the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscapes of Once Human, survival hinges on mastering the environment and its resources. Players, thrust into this unforgiving online open-world, must constantly manage hunger and thirst to maintain their health and stamina. While hunting and foraging provide sustenance, fishing emerges as a reliable and often serene method to secure nourishment. The tranquil act of casting a line into the water offers a brief respite from the chaos, but it requires preparation, skill, and knowledge to be truly effective. This guide delves into the complete fishing system, from acquiring your first rod to participating in special events, ensuring you can reap the bountiful rewards the waters have to offer.

Crafting Your First Fishing Rod

Before you can even think about bait or technique, you need the fundamental tool: the fishing rod. This is not an item you simply find; it must be crafted with your own hands. Head to your Supplies Workbench and press 'F' to interact with it. Navigate through the craftable items until you find the fishing rod. The construction requires specific materials that you must gather from the world:

Once you have the necessary logs and smelted copper ingots, press 'F' again to add the rod to your crafting queue. A timer will show the progress on the lower left of your screen. Patience is key; when it's done, remember to collect your new rod directly from the workbench. Now, you're ready for the next crucial step.

Securing the Right Bait

A rod is useless without something to lure the fish. Bait is crafted at the same Supplies Workbench. The game offers a variety of bait types, each with its own purpose and recipe. Some basic recipes are available from the start, while more advanced formulas can be purchased from Margerie, a vendor found at various dock locations. Choosing the right bait can mean the difference between a common catch and a prized predator.

• Dough Fish Bait: Made from 1x Corn. Ideal for attracting regular, common fish.

• Mince Bait: Requires 1x Raw Meat. Designed to lure in aggressive predator fish.

• Bait With Mixed Spices: Crafted with 1x Masala. Another option for common fish.

• Bait: A simple concoction using 3x Rubber. Effective for predator species.

• Crankbait: A special bait not crafted but produced by defeating a Frog The Leaper Deviant. This premium bait can attract all kinds of fish.

With rod and bait in your inventory, the real challenge begins at the water's edge.

The Art of the Catch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a good spot is the first part of the adventure. While designated docks are excellent, don't hesitate to try your luck in any promising body of water. When you're ready, follow this process:

1. Equip your fishing rod and stand near the water.

2. Press 'R' to select which bait from your inventory you wish to use.

3. Left-click to aim and cast your line into a promising spot.

4. Wait patiently for a fish to bite. Stay alert!

Once a fish takes the bait, a timed mini-game activates. You have only five seconds to begin, or the fish escapes. A reeling icon appears; hold left-click to reel in. This action fills a circular meter. Keeping this meter in the blue zone is critical, as it steadily drains the fish's stamina, shown as a bar below its name. Your goal is to deplete the fish's stamina bar completely before your own stamina (displayed at the bottom of your screen) runs out.

The mini-game is punctuated by quick-time events. Prompts will flash, instructing you to hold 'A' to pull left or 'D' to pull right. Successfully executing these commands significantly reduces the fish's stamina, making them key to landing tougher catches. A good strategy is to maintain the reeling circle at about half-full; this provides a steady pace without risking the line snapping from over-tension. There's no need to rush—wait for the directional prompts to appear for efficient stamina depletion.

Upon victory, you are presented with a choice: press 'F' to keep your catch or 'G' to release it back into the wild.

Preserving Your Prized Catches

Fresh fish, like all perishables, will decay over time in your inventory. To prevent this waste, you have several storage options:

• Refrigeration: Placing fish in a refrigerator significantly slows decay, keeping them fresh for longer periods.

• Drying: For permanent preservation, use a Meat Drier to dry the fish, creating a non-perishable food item.

• Display as Furniture: For those who wish to keep their fish alive and vibrant, special furniture items exist.

A Specimen Rack allows you to mount a single fish on your wall, where it will remain alive and fresh indefinitely. For a more aquatic display, a Fish Tank can house multiple catches. The tank has a total capacity of four slots, but fish size matters:

Fish stored in a tank stay alive and fresh, and you can remove them at any time for consumption or other uses. This system adds a layer of collection and home customization to the fishing mechanic.

Participating in the Surge of Fish Event

Beyond casual fishing, keep an eye on your world map for special opportunities. Occasionally, a distinctive red fish icon will appear. Hovering over it reveals 'Party Event: Surge Of Fish'. This is a limited-time event that you can teleport to instantly upon selecting it. The event covers a specific fishing area marked by a radius on the map; you must stay within this zone to participate.

Fishing during the Surge of Fish event is highly rewarding. The waters become teeming with rare fish species not commonly found elsewhere. These exclusive catches are valuable; they can be traded with Margerie in exchange for various other types of fish or potentially other unique rewards, making these events a prime activity for dedicated anglers looking to expand their collection and resources in the ever-evolving world of Once Human.