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Fishing is one of the most popular skills in Old School RuneScape, offering a relaxed training method, profitable OSRS Money Making, and critical synergy with Cooking, Combat, Slayer, and other skills. This ultimate OSRS Guide covers everything: from beginner fish to anglerfish, AFK and active training methods, gear recommendations, quest and diary synergies, minigames, profit estimates, and even Ironman-specific tips.

What Is Fishing in Old School RuneScape?

Fishing is a gathering skill that allows players to catch fish using various tools at designated fishing spots. Fish provide raw food that can be cooked to restore Hitpoints, making them vital for combat and bossing. Higher-level fish also sell for high OSRS Gold, allowing players to earn money while training. Successful fishing gives experience based on the type of fish, your level, and tool used.

Why Is It Beneficial to Level Fishing?

High Fishing levels provide multiple advantages. Firstly, higher-level fish restore more Hitpoints, reducing reliance on purchased food and allowing longer combat or Slayer trips. Secondly, some high-level fish sell for significant OSRS Gold per hour, making fishing both an XP and profit source. Additionally, leveling Fishing unlocks access to rare fish needed for quests, achievement diaries, and high-level PvM content. The ability to catch high-healing fish also enhances sustainability for Ironman accounts or challenging content.

AFK vs Active Fishing Methods

Understanding the difference between AFK (semi-automated) and active methods can optimize both XP and gold gains. AFK methods include Barbarian fishing, the Fishing Trawler minigame, and certain guild spots, which require minimal attention. Active methods, such as shark or anglerfish fishing, require more attention, teleportation, and inventory management but often provide higher XP and OSRS Gold per hour. Planning your session around AFK vs active methods depends on your goals and available focus time.

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How Fishing Connects to Other Skills

Fishing is closely linked with Cooking, as most fish must be cooked to restore full Hitpoints effectively. It synergizes with Combat skills because high-level fish sustain long Slayer tasks, bossing, or PvP encounters. Barbarian fishing also trains Strength. Hunter can sometimes be trained simultaneously at certain fishing locations. Additionally, high-level fish are crucial for Prayer-intensive activities, as food reduces downtime in prayer-based combat. Trading and merchanting are also tied to Fishing, as fish are consistently in demand for OSRS Gold.

Recommended Fishing Gear and Items

• Small Net – Shrimp & Anchovies
• Big Net – Larger catches
• Lobster Pot – Lobsters
• Harpoon – Tuna, Swordfish, Sharks
• Barbarian Rod + Feathers – Barbarian fishing (Trout & Salmon)
• Angler’s Outfit – Provides +1% XP per piece, +2% for full set
• Ring of Dueling – Quick bank teleports
• Weight-reducing items – Reduces run drain during extended fishing
• Teleportation items – Reduces downtime after banking
• Food & potions – For extended sessions or PvM support

Leveling Fishing – Methods & Locations

Early Levels (1–20): Catch shrimp and anchovies with a small net in Lumbridge Swamp or Draynor Village. XP is slow but highly AFK-friendly. Levels 20–40: Lobster fishing with a lobster pot at Karamja or the Fishing Guild is efficient. Levels 40–62: Tuna and Swordfish fishing with a harpoon in Catherby or the Fishing Guild; Swordfish are high XP and profitable. Levels 48–99: Monkfish fishing (Hosidius area) is steady XP and moderate profit. Levels 76+: Shark fishing is high XP and OSRS Gold; Levels 82+: Anglerfish fishing in Piscarilius (requires 100% favor) is top-tier for PvM food.

Barbarian Fishing (Level 35+): This method requires a barbarian rod and feathers. It trains Fishing and Strength simultaneously. Efficient for AFK XP, but requires inventory management and stamina/potion support.

Fish Progression Table – XP, Gold & Locations

Quests & Diaries That Give Fishing Experience

Ironman-Specific Tips

Ironman players must plan Fishing for both XP and sustainability. High-level fish are essential for combat and Slayer tasks without buying food. Prioritize monkfish, sharks, and anglerfish for self-sufficiency. Use AFK methods like Barbarian fishing to minimize attention while training other skills. Take advantage of fishing quests and diaries for lamps and early XP boosts to reduce grind time.

How Can You Use Fishing for Money Making?

Fishing is a consistent source of OSRS Money Making. Fish are always in demand for healing in PvM, Slayer tasks, and PvP. High-tier fish like sharks and anglerfish sell at premium prices due to their high healing values. Early profit methods include selling cooked lobsters or swordfish once your Cooking level is high enough to prevent burning. Monkfish and sharks are reliable mid-to-high-level moneymakers. Anglerfish are slower to catch but yield the highest profit.

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Fishing Minigames & Special Methods

Fishing Trawler is an excellent low-level AFK XP method. It rewards Trawler nets and items like cooked fish. Minigames can also yield unique OSRS Items that assist in money-making or long-term training. Barbarian fishing provides Strength XP simultaneously, making it ideal for multi-skill training. Plan your trips to minimize downtime by using weight-reducing gear, stamina potions, and teleportation items.

Conclusion

Fishing is a versatile, relaxing, and profitable skill in Old School RuneScape. From beginner shrimp to anglerfish, it offers consistent XP, OSRS Money Making, and critical synergies with Cooking, Combat, Slayer, and other skills. Using optimal gear, AFK or active methods, location planning, and quest/diary boosts, players can maximize both experience and profit. Ironman players and main accounts alike benefit from Fishing for sustainability and efficiency, making it a must-train skill in Gielinor.