How to Make Money Fishing in OSRS: Best Methods for 2025

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is more than just a relaxing skill—it’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) newbie or a pay-to-play (P2P) veteran, fishing offers some of the best money-making opportunities in the game. With the right methods, you can reel in millions of GP while leveling up your Fishing skill. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most profitable fishing techniques for 2025, covering F2P and P2P options, requirements, and tips to maximize your earnings. Let’s cast our nets and get started!

Fishing stands out as one of the “Big Three” money-making skills in OSRS, alongside Mining and Woodcutting. It’s accessible, requires minimal startup costs, and scales with your level to unlock higher-profit fish. Plus, many methods are semi-AFK, letting you earn gold while multitasking. From selling raw fish at the Grand Exchange to extracting rare resources like Zulrah scales, fishing offers diverse ways to build your bank. Whether you’re after quick cash or long-term profits, this skill has something for everyone.

The Appeal of Fishing for New and Veteran Players

For beginners, fishing is easy to pick up with basic tools like a net or rod. For seasoned players, high-level methods like catching Infernal Eels or Dark Crabs bring in serious GP. The skill’s versatility and low entry barrier make it a go-to for anyone looking to fund their OSRS adventures.

How Fishing Scales with Levels

Your profits grow as your Fishing level increases. At low levels, you’re catching shrimp or trout for pocket change. By level 82, you’re hauling in minnows or sacred eels worth millions. This progression keeps fishing rewarding at every stage of your journey.

Best F2P Fishing Money-Making Methods

Free-to-play players can still make decent money fishing, though profits are modest compared to P2P. Here are the top F2P methods to get you started.

Fishing Lobsters (Level 40+)

Lobsters are the gold standard for F2P fishing profits. You’ll need a lobster pot and level 40 Fishing to catch them.

• Location: Musa Point (Karamja) or Corsair Cove (after Dragon Slayer)
• Profit: ~20,000–30,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Trade fish for banknotes with Stiles on Karamja to save inventory space.

Sell raw lobsters at the Grand Exchange for maximum profit, as cooked ones fetch less in F2P.

Fishing Swordfish and Tuna (Level 50+)

Harpooning swordfish and tuna offers a step up in profit and experience.

• Location: Musa Point or Corsair Cove
• Profit: ~25,000–35,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Drop tuna to focus on swordfish, which sell for more (~300–400 GP each).

This method balances XP and GP, making it ideal for skillers aiming for level 99.

Top P2P Fishing Money-Making Methods

Pay-to-play opens up a treasure trove of lucrative fishing options. These methods require higher levels and sometimes specific gear or quests, but the rewards are worth it.

Fishing Monkfish (Level 62+)

Monkfish are a solid mid-tier money-maker after completing the Swan Song quest.

• Location: Piscatoris Fishing Colony
• Requirements: Level 62 Fishing, small fishing net
• Profit: ~100,000–150,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Use the bank at the colony to store catches efficiently.

Monkfish sell for around 400–500 GP each, offering steady income with decent XP (30,000–40,000/hour).

Fishing Dark Crabs (Level 85+)

Dark Crabs are a high-risk, high-reward option deep in the Wilderness.

• Location: Wilderness Resource Area
• Requirements: Level 85 Fishing, lobster pot, Dark Fishing Bait, Wilderness Elite Diary (recommended)
• Profit: ~300,000–400,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Bring minimal risk gear, a lockpick for escapes, and bank often to avoid PKers.

The Elite Diary boosts catches, pushing profits higher. Raw dark crabs fetch ~1,200 GP each.

Fishing Minnows (Level 82+)

Minnows are unique—they stack in your inventory and can be traded for raw sharks.

• Location: Kylie Minnow’s Platform (Fishing Guild)
• Requirements: Level 82 Fishing, full Angler’s Outfit
• Profit: ~400,000–500,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Fishing spots move every 15 seconds, so stay alert. Trade 40 minnows for 1 shark (~1,000 GP).

This method shines for its scalability—higher Fishing levels mean faster catches.

Fishing Sacred Eels (Level 87+)

Sacred Eels drop Zulrah scales, a hot commodity for herblore enthusiasts.

• Location: Zul-Andra (after Regicide quest)
• Requirements: Level 87 Fishing, Fishing rod, bait, knife, 72+ Cooking
• Profit: ~500,000–700,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Higher Cooking levels yield more scales (5–7 per eel).

With scales selling at ~200 GP each, this method can net millions over time.

Fishing Infernal Eels (Level 80+)

Infernal Eels offer a mix of Tokkul, Onyx Bolt Tips, and Lava Scale Shards.

• Location: Mor Ul Rek (requires Fire Cape)
• Requirements: Level 80 Fishing, oily fishing rod, bait, hammer
• Profit: ~200,000–300,000 GP/hour
• Tips: Stack 300k Tokkul to trade for an Uncut Onyx (~2M GP).

This method’s RNG-dependent but offers unique rewards alongside steady cash.

Boosting Your Fishing Profits: Gear and Tips

To maximize your earnings, invest in the right tools and strategies. Here’s how to optimize your fishing game.

Essential Fishing Gear

Upgrading your equipment can speed up catches and boost XP/GP rates.

• Angler’s Outfit: Earned from Fishing Trawler; adds 2.5% XP bonus.
• Dragon Harpoon: Special attack boosts Fishing by +3 levels (100% energy).
• Fish Barrel: From Tempoross; doubles inventory space for longer trips.
• Rada’s Blessing: Kourend Diary reward; 2–8% chance of double fish (no extra XP).

Pro Tips for Maximum Efficiency

• Sell at the Grand Exchange: Always check GE prices for raw fish—general stores rip you off.
• Use Boosts: Admiral Pies (+5 Fishing) let you access higher-tier fish early.
• Combine Skills: Cook fish for Cooking XP or drop them for faster Fishing XP.
• AFK When Possible: Methods like Monkfish or Lobsters are low-effort for multitasking.

Fishing Money-Making Comparison Table

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best methods to help you choose:

Method	Fishing Level	Profit/Hour (GP)	Key Requirements	F2P/P2P
Lobsters	40	20,000–30,000	Lobster Pot	F2P
Swordfish/Tuna	50	25,000–35,000	Harpoon	F2P
Monkfish	62	100,000–150,000	Swan Song, Small Net	P2P
Dark Crabs	85	300,000–400,000	Lobster Pot, Dark Bait	P2P
Minnows	82	400,000–500,000	Angler’s Outfit	P2P
Sacred Eels	87	500,000–700,000	Regicide, Knife	P2P
Infernal Eels	80	200,000–300,000	Fire Cape, Hammer	P2P

Note: Profits vary with GE prices and player efficiency. Check current rates before diving in!

Final Thoughts: Start Fishing for Gold Today

Fishing in OSRS is a reliable, scalable way to make money, whether you’re stuck in F2P or thriving in P2P. Start with lobsters or swordfish if you’re new, then work your way up to sacred eels or minnows for massive profits. With the right gear—like the Angler’s Outfit or Dragon Harpoon—and smart strategies, you’ll be swimming in GP in no time. So grab your rod, hit the water, and turn those fish into a fortune. What’s your favorite fishing method? Let us know!

Happy fishing, and may your nets always be full!