Crimson Desert: How to fish

What’s Happening

Okay so Everything you need to buy a fishing rod and catch loads of fish in Crimson Desert.

Crimson Desert: How to fish Everything you need to buy a fishing rod and catch loads of fish in Crimson Desert. Guide 20th Mar 2026 / 5:01 pm Guide by Dave Aubrey Like any good large-grow open-world game, Crimson Desert includes a fishing minigame. (and honestly, same)

Fishing is a core part of any good RPG — even if the developers are keen to remind us that Crimson Desert is not an RPG.

The Details

Here you’ll need to buy a fishing rod, equip it properly (easier dropped than done), and cast off in the right place to catch fish. Yeah, those are pretty basic instructions, but it can actually be quite complicated.

In this guide, we’re breaking down how to fish in Crimson Desert, but we’re focusing on controller controls because they’re easier to explain, and you’ll see why below. Where to buy a Fishing Rod – Crimson Desert Early quests will lead you down to Nas River Fishing Dock, Southeast of Hernand.

Why This Matters

At the dock, you’ll find the Hernand Fishing Shop, run by Finley. Finley is only interested in fish and fishing gear, but he does have a Small Bag you should buy. For a small fee, you’ll be able to buy a Fishing Rod from him, which you can then equip to start fishing.

This is the kind of news that gets gamers talking across social media.

Key Takeaways

• How to equip the Fishing Rod – Crimson Desert If you’re reading this, it’s because it sounds easy but just isn’t.
• Equip the Fishing Rod from your inventory, and then hold Left on the D-Pad to bring up your equipment menu.
• Here, hover over your bow, and use RT or LT to tab over to the Fishing Rod.

The Bottom Line

If you can fish in that water, your cursor will highlight blue, but if it’s red, you’ll be unable to catch anything. When it’s blue, release LT to cast your line, and it’ll rest in the water.

Are you here for this or nah?