OSRS Harpoon Fishing F2P Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Pros

OSRS Harpoon Fishing F2P Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Pros

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), harpoon fishing is a fantastic way for free-to-play (F2P) players to level up their Fishing skill, gather valuable resources, and even make some gold. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about harpoon fishing in F2P worlds, from the basics to advanced tips. Whether you’re a beginner aiming for level 35 or a seasoned player chasing 99 Fishing, we’ve got you covered with strategies, locations, and more.

Harpoon fishing is a method that allows players to catch larger fish like tuna and swordfish, which offer higher experience points (XP) and better profits compared to early-game fish like shrimp or trout. In F2P, harpoon fishing becomes available at level 35 Fishing, making it a mid-to-high-level training method for non-members.

What Is Harpoon Fishing?

Harpoon fishing involves using a harpoon to catch fish at specific fishing spots labeled “Cage/Harpoon.” Unlike net or bait fishing, harpoons don’t require consumables, so you only need to bring the harpoon itself. In F2P, the standard harpoon is your go-to tool, as premium options like the barb-tail or dragon harpoon are members-only.

Why Choose Harpoon Fishing in F2P?

Harpoon fishing stands out for several reasons:

  • Higher XP Rates: Tuna and swordfish provide 80 and 100 XP per catch, respectively, outpacing lower-level methods like fly fishing.
  • Profit Potential: Swordfish sell for around 90-100 GP each on the Grand Exchange, making it a decent money-maker.
  • Simplicity: No bait or feathers needed, just a harpoon and a fishing spot.
  • Long-Term Goals: It’s a viable method to push toward 99 Fishing without needing a membership.

Requirements and Gear for Harpoon Fishing

Runescape Harpoon Fishing Locations All about fishing Locations

Before you head to the docks, let’s cover the essentials to get started with harpoon fishing in F2P.

Fishing Level Requirements

Here’s what you need to unlock harpoon fishing:

Fish Fishing Level XP per Catch
Tuna 35 80
Swordfish 50 100

Note that you can’t catch swordfish until level 50, but you’ll still catch plenty of tuna in the meantime, which keeps XP rates solid.

Equipment Needed

The gear is straightforward:

  • Harpoon: Purchase one from Gerrant’s Fishy Business in Port Sarim or Harry’s Fishing Shop in Catherby for 45 coins. You can also find a harpoon spawn in the Fishing Guild (level 68 Fishing required).
  • Inventory Space: Harpoons take up one inventory slot, leaving 27 slots for fish. No other tools are needed.
  • Optional Items: A few coins for travel (e.g., Karamja ship fare) and a tinderbox/axe if you plan to cook fish on-site.

Getting to Fishing Spots

F2P players have limited but effective locations for harpoon fishing. You’ll need to travel to coastal areas, so having some coins for ship fares is handy.

Best Harpoon Fishing Spots in F2P

Location is everything when it comes to efficient harpoon fishing. In F2P, your options are mainly centered around Karamja and Corsair Cove, each with its pros and cons.

Musa Point (Karamja)

Musa Point is the most popular harpoon fishing spot for F2P players. Located on Karamja, it’s accessible and offers Cage/Harpoon spots for tuna and swordfish.

  • How to Get There: From Port Sarim, pay 30 coins to sail to Karamja. Walk east to Musa Point’s docks.
  • Pros: Multiple fishing spots, close to a general store for selling fish, and a nearby banana plantation for free food.
  • Cons: No nearby bank, so you’ll need to drop fish or sell them to the general store for lower profits.

Tip: Drop tuna (worth ~60 GP) to keep swordfish (~90 GP) for better profits when banking or selling.

Corsair Cove Resource Area

Unlocked after completing the Dragon Slayer quest, Corsair Cove is a great alternative for players with higher Fishing levels.

  • How to Get There: Sail from Port Sarim to Corsair Cove (free after quest completion).
  • Pros: Less crowded than Musa Point, and you can fish both tuna and swordfish.
  • Cons: Like Musa Point, there’s no bank nearby, so dropping or cooking fish is common.

Tip: If you’ve completed Dragon Slayer, prioritize Corsair Cove for a quieter experience.

Comparing the Two Spots

Feature Musa Point Corsair Cove
Access 30 GP ship fare Free (post-quest)
Crowdedness Moderate to High Low
Quest Requirement None Dragon Slayer
Bank Access None None

Musa Point is ideal for beginners, while Corsair Cove suits those who’ve tackled Dragon Slayer.

Training Strategies for Harpoon Fishing

Harpoon fishing in F2P is all about balancing XP, profit, and effort. Depending on your goals, here are the best strategies to maximize your time.

XP-Focused Training (Levels 35-99)

If you’re chasing 99 Fishing, prioritize XP over profit. Here’s how:

  • Drop Fish: Dropping fish instead of banking saves time, boosting XP rates to around 14,000-17,000 per hour at Musa Point.
  • Focus on Swordfish: At level 50, swordfish become available, increasing XP per catch. Drop tuna to free up space.
  • Stay at Musa Point: It’s the most reliable spot for consistent catches due to multiple fishing spots.

XP Rates: Expect 14,000 XP/hour at level 35 (tuna only) and up to 17,000 XP/hour at level 50+ (tuna and swordfish).

Profit-Focused Training

Want to make some gold while fishing? Try this:

  • Bank Swordfish: Travel back to Port Sarim and bank at Draynor Village or Falador, then sell swordfish at the Grand Exchange.
  • Sell at General Store: Musa Point’s store buys fish instantly, but at lower prices (e.g., ~30 GP for swordfish vs. 90 GP at GE).
  • Cook and Sell: Cook fish on a fire (bring an axe and tinderbox) for Cooking XP, then sell or use as food.

Profit Estimate: At level 50+, you can catch ~155 swordfish/hour, netting ~14,000 GP/hour if sold at the GE.

Cooking and Fishing Combo

For dual-skill training, cook your catches on-site:

  • Requirements: Level 45 Cooking for tuna, 80 for swordfish (to avoid burning).
  • Method: Cut trees at Musa Point for logs, light a fire, and cook fish. Drop burnt fish or sell cooked ones.
  • Benefits: Gain ~120 Cooking XP per swordfish and save inventory space.

Tip: This method slows Fishing XP slightly but boosts overall skilling progress.

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Harpoon Fishing

Maximize your efficiency with these F2P-friendly tips.

Optimizing Inventory Management

Since harpoons take one slot, you have 27 slots for fish. To avoid wasting time:

  • Shift-Drop: Hold shift and click to drop fish instantly (enable in game settings).
  • Drop Tuna Early: At level 50+, drop tuna to prioritize swordfish for better XP and profit.

Dealing with Crowded Spots

Musa Point can get busy, especially on high-population worlds. Try these:

  • Switch Worlds: Hop to a less populated world for uninterrupted fishing.
  • Go to Corsair Cove: If you’ve done Dragon Slayer, it’s often quieter.

Boosting Motivation

Fishing can feel grindy, so keep it fun:

  • Set Milestones: Aim for level 50 (swordfish) or 68 (Fishing Guild access, though limited use in F2P).
  • Multitask: Watch a show or chat in-game to make AFK sessions enjoyable.
  • Track Progress: Use a skill tracker like RuneLite to see your XP gains.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Steer clear of these pitfalls:

  • Banking Too Often: Walking to a bank eats into XP rates. Drop fish unless you’re profit-focused.
  • Ignoring Levels: Don’t expect high swordfish catches at level 50; tuna will dominate until higher levels.
  • Forgetting Travel Costs: Bring extra coins for Karamja’s 30 GP fare to avoid getting stuck.

Harpoon fishing in OSRS F2P is a rewarding way to train Fishing, offering solid XP and decent profits for minimal effort. By sticking to Musa Point or Corsair Cove, dropping fish for XP, or banking swordfish for gold, you can tailor your approach to your goals. With patience and these strategies, you’ll be reeling in tuna, swordfish, and maybe even 99 Fishing in no time. Grab your harpoon and hit the docks!