OSRS Fishing Money Making Guide: Best Methods to Reel in Gold in 2025

OSRS Fishing Money Making Guide: Best Methods to Reel in Gold in 2025


Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) isn’t just a relaxing skill—it’s also a fantastic way to make gold. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a pay-to-play (P2P) member, this guide will walk you through the best fishing money-making methods in 2025. From low-level fish like lobsters to high-level catches like dark crabs, we’ll cover profitable strategies, requirements, and tips to maximize your earnings. Let’s dive into the world of OSRS fishing and turn your rod into a gold-making machine!

Fishing stands out as one of the “Big Three” skills in OSRS (alongside Woodcutting and Mining) for its simplicity and profitability. It’s a semi-AFK skill, meaning you can earn gold while multitasking, and it scales well with your level. Low-level players can start making decent money early on, while high-level fishers can rake in millions per hour. Plus, with the right gear and methods, fishing offers consistent income without the high risk of combat-based money makers.

Benefits of Fishing for Gold

  • Low Entry Barrier: Basic methods require minimal investment and skill levels.
  • Scalable Profits: Higher levels unlock more valuable fish.
  • AFK-Friendly: Perfect for players who want to earn gold passively.
  • Market Demand: Fish are always in demand for cooking and PvM supplies.

F2P Fishing Money Making Methods

OSRS Fishing Money Making Guide NovaMMO

For free-to-play players, fishing offers solid gold-making opportunities despite the limited options. These methods are accessible early in the game and can help you build a bank to fund membership or gear upgrades.

Lobsters (Level 40 Fishing)

Lobsters are the go-to money maker for F2P fishers. They strike a balance between decent XP and consistent profits.

  • Requirements: Level 40 Fishing, Lobster Pot
  • Location: Musa Point (Karamja)
  • Profit: ~50k-70k GP/hour
  • Tips: Use Stiles (south of the volcano) to note your lobsters, saving bank trips. Bring 60 coins for the boat to and from Karamja.

At around 200-250 GP each on the Grand Exchange, lobsters provide a steady income. Fish a full inventory, note them with Stiles, and sell at the GE for maximum profit.

Swordfish and Tuna (Level 50 Fishing)

For slightly higher profits, combine swordfish and tuna fishing once you hit level 50.

  • Requirements: Level 50 Fishing, Harpoon
  • Location: Musa Point (Karamja)
  • Profit: ~60k-80k GP/hour
  • Tips: Swordfish are worth more (~300-350 GP each) but catch slower than tuna (~100-150 GP each). Bank or note via Stiles.

This method is slower than lobsters but offers a higher GP per catch, making it a viable step-up for F2P players.

P2P Fishing Money Making Methods

Members have access to a wider variety of fish and locations, unlocking some of the most profitable methods in OSRS. These range from mid-level options to endgame gold mines.

Monkfish (Level 62 Fishing)

Monkfish are a popular choice for mid-level P2P players, offering decent XP and solid profits after completing the Swan Song quest.

Monkfish sell for around 400-450 GP each, and their proximity to a bank in Piscatoris makes this a low-effort, high-reward method.

Sharks (Level 76 Fishing)

Sharks are a classic high-level fishing money maker, prized for their value in PvM and cooking.

  • Requirements: Level 76 Fishing, Harpoon
  • Location: Fishing Guild or Catherby
  • Profit: ~300k-400k GP/hour
  • Tips: Use a Dragon Harpoon (Level 61 Fishing) for a +3 Fishing boost via its special attack.

At 800-900 GP each, sharks are a slow but steady earner. The Fishing Guild’s proximity to a bank makes it ideal for long sessions.

Minnows (Level 82 Fishing)

Minnows are a unique P2P method that trades raw fish for sharks, offering high profits with the right setup.

  • Requirements: Level 82 Fishing, Small Fishing Net, Angler’s Outfit, completion of Fishing Contest
  • Location: Fishing Guild (Minnow Platform)
  • Profit: ~400k-500k GP/hour
  • Tips: Exchange 40 minnows for 1 raw shark with Kylie Minnow. Minnows stack, so you never need to bank.

This method requires attention as fishing spots move every 15 seconds, but the stacking nature of minnows makes it highly efficient.

Dark Crabs (Level 85 Fishing)

Dark crabs are one of the best fishing money makers in OSRS, though they come with Wilderness risks.

  • Requirements: Level 85 Fishing, Lobster Pot, Dark Fishing Bait, Wilderness Elite Diary (recommended)
  • Location: Resource Area (Wilderness, Level 52)
  • Profit: ~500k-600k GP/hour (up to 1M+ with Elite Diary)
  • Tips: Bring a PK escape (e.g., Teleport Tab) and bank frequently. The Elite Diary doubles profits with a 50% chance of double catches.

Dark crabs fetch 1,200-1,300 GP each, making them incredibly lucrative despite the danger.

Boosting Your Fishing Profits

To maximize your gold per hour, use these tools and strategies to enhance your fishing efficiency and earnings.

Essential Gear and Boosts

  • Angler’s Outfit: Earned from Fishing Trawler, adds 2.5% XP (faster leveling = faster profits).
  • Dragon Harpoon: Boosts Fishing by +3 with its special attack (Level 61 Fishing).
  • Rada’s Blessing: From Kourend & Kebos Diary, gives a 2-8% chance of double fish (no extra XP).
  • Fish Barrel: From Tempoross, stores 28 fish, reducing bank trips.

Tempoross: XP and Profit Combo

Tempoross is a skilling boss that combines Fishing XP with potential profits.

  • Requirements: Level 35 Fishing, Harpoon
  • Location: Ruins of Unkah
  • Profit: ~100k-200k GP/hour (plus rewards like Fish Barrel)
  • Tips: Bank harpoonfish or cook them for Cooking XP before selling.

Rewards scale with Fishing level, making it a great early P2P option that transitions into profit at higher levels.

Comparing Fishing Money Making Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods covered to help you choose the best one for your level and playstyle:

Method Fishing Level Profit (GP/hour) F2P/P2P Risk
Lobsters 40 50k-70k F2P Low
Swordfish/Tuna 50 60k-80k F2P Low
Monkfish 62 150k-200k P2P Low
Sharks 76 300k-400k P2P Low
Minnows 82 400k-500k P2P Low
Dark Crabs 85 500k-600k (1M+ with Elite Diary) P2P High (Wilderness)
Tempoross 35 100k-200k P2P Low

How to Choose Your Method

Pick based on your Fishing level, membership status, and risk tolerance. F2P players should start with lobsters, while P2P players can jump to monkfish or Tempoross early on. High-level players with Wilderness access should aim for dark crabs for maximum GP.

Tips for Long-Term Fishing Success

Fishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay efficient and motivated while stacking gold.

Level Up Efficiently

Use quests like Sea Slug (7,125 XP) or Swan Song (50,000 XP) to skip early levels. Then, train with Barbarian Fishing (Level 48) for fast XP to unlock profitable fish faster.

Sell Smart

Always check Grand Exchange prices before selling. Raw fish often sell for more than cooked versions, especially for high-level catches like sharks and dark crabs.

Stay Safe in the Wilderness

For dark crabs, minimize risk by fishing during off-peak hours, using a low-value setup, and keeping an escape plan ready. A Teleport Tab or Amulet of Glory can save your haul.

With these methods and tips, you’re ready to turn your Fishing skill into a gold-making powerhouse in OSRS. Whether you’re netting lobsters on Karamja or braving the Wilderness for dark crabs, there’s a profitable path for every player. Cast your line and start reeling in the riches today!