Your cart is empty
Pay-to-Play Fishing Guide OSRS

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that offers both experience and profit opportunities for pay-to-play (P2P) players. This comprehensive guide explores the best methods, equipment, and strategies to train Fishing from level 1 to 99, helping you maximize experience rates and potentially earn gold along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for the Fishing Skillcape, this guide has you covered with practical tips and efficient pathways.
Fishing is more than just a gathering skill; it’s a gateway to quests, diaries, and money-making opportunities. For P2P players, Fishing unlocks exclusive methods like Barbarian Fishing and minnow catching, which offer superior experience rates and rewards compared to free-to-play options. Here’s why you should invest time in Fishing:
- Quest Requirements: High Fishing levels are needed for quests like Swan Song (level 62) and Heroes’ Quest (level 53).
- Experience Boosts: The Angler’s Outfit and Rada’s Blessing enhance efficiency.
- Profit Potential: Catch high-value fish like sharks or sacred eels for significant gold.
- Multi-Skill Training: Methods like Barbarian Fishing also train Agility and Strength.
Essential Fishing Equipment and Boosts
Before diving into training methods, understanding the tools and boosts available in P2P Fishing is crucial. Equipment is divided into consumables (used up per catch) and reusable tools.
Key Equipment
Method | Tool | Consumable | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Net Fishing | Small fishing net | None | Used for low-level fish like shrimp. |
Fly Fishing | Fly fishing rod | Feathers | Ideal for trout and salmon. |
Harpooning | Harpoon or Dragon harpoon | None | Dragon harpoon boosts Fishing by +3 levels with special attack. |
Barbarian Fishing | Barbarian rod | Feathers, bait, or fish offcuts | Requires Otto’s Grotto miniquest. |
Cage Fishing | Lobster pot | None | For lobsters at Musa Point or Catherby. |
Experience Boosts
Several items and perks can enhance your Fishing experience:
- Angler’s Outfit: Obtained via Fishing Trawler minigame, provides a 2.5% XP boost when wearing the full set.
- Rada’s Blessing: From Kourend & Kebos Diary, offers a 2-8% chance to catch two fish at once (no extra XP).
- Dragon Harpoon: Special attack temporarily boosts Fishing by 3 levels, stackable with Lightbearer for repeated use.
- Admiral Pie: Boosts Fishing by +5 levels, useful for early access to higher-level methods.
Fast-Track with Quests (Levels 1-24)
For P2P players, quests are the fastest way to kickstart Fishing, bypassing the slow early levels. Completing specific quests can propel you to level 24 quickly.
Recommended Quests
- Sea Slug: Requires 30 Firemaking, grants 7,125 XP (levels 1-24).
- The Fremennik Trials: No Fishing requirement, awards 2,812 XP.
- Fishing Contest: Level 10 Fishing, gives 2,437 XP.
- Tai Bwo Wannai Trio: Level 5 Fishing, provides 5,000 XP.
These quests are low-effort and save hours compared to manually catching shrimp or sardines. After completing Sea Slug, you’ll be ready for more efficient training methods.
Core Training Methods (Levels 24-99)
Once you’ve hit level 24, P2P Fishing opens up a variety of methods. The best approach depends on your goals: fast XP, profit, or AFK training. Below are the most effective methods for each level range.
Levels 24-58: Fly Fishing Trout and Salmon
Fly fishing at Barbarian Village, Shilo Village, or south of Baxtorian Falls is the go-to method for these levels. You’ll need a fly fishing rod and feathers (cheap and stackable).
- XP Rates: 20,000-30,000 XP/hour.
- Location Tips: Barbarian Village is closest to a bank; Shilo Village requires quest completion but is less crowded.
- Strategy: Drop fish to maximize XP, as banking is time-intensive and fish have low value.
Levels 48-70: Barbarian Fishing
Barbarian Fishing, unlocked after a miniquest at Otto’s Grotto, is the fastest method from level 58 onward, but you can start at level 48. It requires 15 Agility and 15 Strength, with higher requirements for better fish (30 Agility/Strength for leaping salmon, 45 for leaping sturgeon).
- XP Rates: 35,000-60,000 XP/hour (increases with level).
- Additional Benefits: Grants Agility and Strength XP (up to 1.2M each by level 99).
- Requirements: Barbarian rod and feathers or bait (feathers are cheaper).
- Pro Tip: Use 3-tick Barbarian Fishing for up to 110,000 XP/hour at level 99, though it’s click-intensive and requires practice.
Levels 70-82: Monkfish or Karambwan
At level 70, you can diversify your training. Monkfish and Karambwan offer decent XP and profit, ideal for players wanting a break from Barbarian Fishing.
- Monkfish: Fish at Piscatoris Fishing Colony (requires Swan Song). Yields 30,000-40,000 XP/hour and moderate profit.
- Karambwan: Requires Tai Bwo Wannai Trio and a Karambwan vessel. Offers 35,000-50,000 XP/hour and good profit. Use a fish barrel from Tempoross to extend AFK time.
Levels 82-99: Minnows or Sacred Eels
For high-level players, minnows and sacred eels are excellent for balancing XP and profit.
- Minnows: Requires level 82 Fishing, full Angler’s Outfit, and Fishing Contest. Catch at Kylie Minnow’s platform in the Fishing Guild. Yields 15,000-23,000 XP/hour but allows trading minnows for noted raw sharks (profitable).
- Sacred Eels: At Zulrah’s shrine (post-Regicide), yields 20,000-25,000 XP/hour and up to 78-110M profit by level 99 due to Zulrah’s scales.
AFK Option: Fishing Trawler or Tempoross
For a more relaxed approach, try these minigames:
- Fishing Trawler: Level 15 Fishing, offers a chance at Angler’s Outfit and unique fish like manta rays. XP varies but is lower than Barbarian Fishing.
- Tempoross: Level 35 Fishing, provides 30,000-40,000 XP/hour and rewards like the fish barrel and spirit flakes (50% chance for extra fish, no XP).
Tips for Efficient Fishing Training
To optimize your Fishing journey, consider these strategies:
Maximize XP Rates
- Drop Fish: Banking reduces XP/hour. Use the action bar (Evolution of Combat mode) to drop fish without interrupting fishing.
- 3-Tick Fishing: Advanced players can master 3-tick Barbarian Fishing for up to 110,000 XP/hour, though it’s intensive.
- Use Boosts: Admiral pies and Dragon harpoon specials allow early access to higher-level fish.
Profit-Oriented Fishing
If gold is your goal, focus on these methods:
- Minnows: Trade for raw sharks, which sell well on the Grand Exchange.
- Sacred Eels: Dissect for Zulrah’s scales, highly valuable.
- Monkfish/Karambwan: Bank these for steady profit while training.
Join the Fishing Guild
At level 68 (or 63 with boosts like Fish Pie), join the Fishing Guild for access to minnows, banks, and fishing spots. It’s a hub for high-level training and trading fish.
Training Fishing in OSRS as a P2P player is a rewarding grind with diverse methods to suit your playstyle. From the multi-skill benefits of Barbarian Fishing to the lucrative minnow and sacred eel methods, you can tailor your journey for XP, profit, or relaxation. Start with quests, gear up with the Angler’s Outfit, and dive into the waters of Gielinor to earn your Fishing Skillcape!