Black Desert Online: Becoming a Master Fisher

Probing into the world of Black Desert Online (BDO), the vast and captivating sandbox MMORPG developed by Pearl Abyss, offers a variety of life skills that complement the traditional combat and questing. One such life skill, fishing, is not only a peaceful retreat from the game's usual frenetic pace but also a lucrative venture for those willing to master its depths. This guide serves as your comprehensive companion on your journey to becoming a master angler in the enigmatic and expansive world of BDO.

Fishing Basics

To get started with fishing in BDO, you'll first need a fishing rod. These can be acquired from any Material Vendor in larger cities or towns. Rods range from basic, which suffice for beginners, to highly specialized tools designed for the fisher aiming to catch particularly elusive species.

Once you've secured your rod, approach any body of water and hit the 'Space' bar to cast your line. The process is semi-automated; you'll only need to intervene when a notification prompts you to hook the fish. Afterward, a mini-game initiates where your goal is to press the space bar following on-screen prompts to reel in your catch. Mastery of this mini-game dramatically influences the quality and volume of your hauls.

Fishing can be done actively or passively. Active fishing, where you actively engage with the mini-game, yields the best results. Passive fishing, where your character fishes automatically, allows you to step away from your keyboard, though at the expense of slower and less fruitful catches.

Rare Fish Locations

Certain piscine species are highly sought-after due to their value at marketplaces or as ingredients in high-level cooking recipes. Some of these rare fish are location-specific and require you to be at the right place at the right time.

Coelacanth: This prized catch is only found during rainstorms in any body of saltwater. Utilizing the dynamic weather system of BDO can significantly increase your chances of hooking this elusive fish.
Golden Siniperca: Lake Kaia, situated west of Calpheon, is the exclusive haunt for this valuable species. Fishing here, especially during the evening or when the weather conditions are favorable, can be exceptionally rewarding.

For the persistent angler, these locations are lucrative but demand patience and a bit of luck.

Fishing Gear

Optimizing your equipment is crucial for any life skill in BDO, and fishing is no exception. Beyond the basic fishing rod, several refined versions exist:

The Epheria Rod: Upgradable and repairable, this rod grants increased durability, making it ideal for extended fishing trips or afk (away from keyboard) fishing.
The Balenos Rod: This is particularly beneficial for those looking to automate their fishing. It reduces the auto-fishing time, making your passive fishing sessions more efficient.
Fishing Clothes: The Silver Embroidered Fisher’s Clothes not only improve your fishing proficiency but also enhance your movement speed, allowing you to steer between fishing spots swiftly.
Fishing Food: Consumables like the Fisherman’s Feast or the Balenos Meal provide temporary boons to your fishing speed and other life skills, giving you that necessary edge.

Investing in improved gear will markedly increase your efficiency and productivity, turning a hobby into a lucrative profession.

Hotspots and Weather Effects

Understanding hotspots and weather effects can significantly maximize your fishing efforts. Hotspots are specific locations indicated by a flock of seagulls overhead where the fish bite is quicker, and the catch is considerably better. These spots are dynamic, frequently changing locations, and are a boon for serious anglers.

Weather profoundly affects your fishing outcome. As previously noted, certain fish only appear during specific conditions, such as rain. Additionally, weather changes the likelihood of catching better quality fish across all locations, making a keen eye on the skies a valuable trait for any fisher.

Imperial Fishing

Imperial Fishing presents an alternative to selling your catch at the market by delivering fish to Imperial Fish Traders for a higher, fixed price. These traders only accept certain types of fish, and your sale is limited by a quota, but it's a guaranteed income rather than relying on the fluctuating market.

Implementing this into your fishing plan can be immensely profitable, especially for those catches that are in high demand by the Imperials. It's recommended to familiarize yourself with the desired types and locations of Imperial Fish Traders to streamline your fishing efforts.