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OSRS Oily Fishing Rod Ultimate Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the oily fishing rod is a specialized tool that opens up unique fishing opportunities for players aiming to catch rare fish like infernal and lava eels. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the oily fishing rod, from crafting it to maximizing its use for experience and profit. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to level up your Fishing skill, this post will help you master this niche item and boost your gameplay.
The oily fishing rod is a modified version of the standard fishing rod in OSRS, created by applying blamish oil to a regular rod. Unlike cosmetic variants like the pearl fishing rod, the oily fishing rod is essential for catching specific fish, making it a must-have for certain Fishing activities. It’s particularly notable for its role in catching infernal eels in Mor Ul Rek and lava eels in Taverley Dungeon or the Lava Maze.
Key Features of the Oily Fishing Rod
- Unique Functionality: Required for catching infernal and lava eels, which cannot be caught with a standard rod.
- Members-Only: Exclusive to OSRS members, aligning with its use in advanced Fishing methods.
- Non-Toolbelt Item: Cannot be added to the toolbelt but can be stored in a tackle box for convenience.
Why Use the Oily Fishing Rod
The oily fishing rod is a gateway to high-profit Fishing methods, especially for players with higher Fishing levels. Infernal eels, caught with this rod, offer substantial gold per hour, while lava eels are tied to specific quests like the Heroes’ Quest. Its niche use makes it a valuable asset for players focusing on efficiency and profitability.
How to Craft the Oily Fishing Rod
Crafting the oily fishing rod is straightforward but requires specific items and steps. You don’t need to start the Heroes’ Quest to make it, though the rod is used during the quest. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating this tool.
Materials Needed
- Fishing Rod: Purchase from fishing shops (e.g., Port Sarim) for 5 coins or find a spawn in Entrana.
- Blamish Oil: Crafted during the Heroes’ Quest or obtained from other players via the Grand Exchange.
Step-by-Step Crafting Process
- Acquire Blamish Oil: To make blamish oil, complete part of the Heroes’ Quest by obtaining blamish snail slime and mixing it with a vial of water and harralander. Alternatively, buy it from the Grand Exchange.
- Apply Blamish Oil: Use the blamish oil on a standard fishing rod to transform it into an oily fishing rod.
- Optional Reversion: If needed, use a cleaning cloth to revert the oily fishing rod back to a standard rod, preserving the blamish oil.
Tips for Efficiency
- Check Grand Exchange prices for blamish oil to save time if you’re not doing the Heroes’ Quest.
- Store the oily fishing rod in a tackle box to free up inventory space during Fishing sessions.
Using the Oily Fishing Rod for Fishing
The oily fishing rod shines in specific Fishing scenarios, particularly for catching infernal eels and lava eels. Each fish has unique requirements and benefits, making the rod a versatile tool for different goals.
Catching Infernal Eels
Infernal eels are caught in Mor Ul Rek, the inner city of the TzHaar, requiring level 80 Fishing. This method is highly profitable due to the valuable drops from cracking open eels.
- Requirements: Oily fishing rod, fishing bait, ice gloves, a hammer, and a fire cape (to enter Mor Ul Rek).
- Location: South-easternmost area of Mor Ul Rek for optimal fishing spots.
- Profit: Approximately 200,000 gp per hour, with drops like onyx bolt tips and lava scale shards.
- XP Rates: Around 25,000 Fishing XP per hour, making it a slower but lucrative method.
Catching Lava Eels
Lava eels are caught at level 53 Fishing in Taverley Dungeon or the Lava Maze (deep Wilderness). They’re primarily used for the Heroes’ Quest but can also be cooked for food.
- Requirements: Oily fishing rod, fishing bait, and access to Taverley Dungeon or Lava Maze.
- Location Tips: Taverley Dungeon is safer, while Lava Maze offers faster access but carries Wilderness risks.
- XP Rates: Modest, as lava eels are quest-focused rather than a primary training method.
Best Practices for Fishing
- Inventory Management: Bring a hammer and ice gloves for infernal eels to process catches on the spot.
- Safety in Wilderness: If fishing lava eels in the Lava Maze, minimize risk by carrying only essential items.
- AFK Potential: Infernal eel fishing is relatively AFK, allowing you to multitask while earning profit.
Profit and XP Potential with the Oily Fishing Rod
The oily fishing rod is a goldmine for players prioritizing profit over XP. Below is a breakdown of its potential, focusing on infernal eels, as lava eels are less common for sustained fishing.
Infernal Eels Profit Breakdown
Item | Drop Rate | Approx. Value |
---|---|---|
Onyx Bolt Tips | Rare | 8,000–9,000 gp each |
Lava Scale Shards | Common | 1,000–2,000 gp per 5 shards |
Tokkul | Common | 10–20 per eel |
Total Profit: Up to 80 million gp from level 80 to 99 Fishing, with around 200,000 gp per hour at optimal efficiency.
XP Comparison with Other Methods
While infernal eels offer decent XP, other methods like Barbarian Fishing or minnows provide faster rates. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Infernal Eels: 25,000 XP/hr, high profit.
- Barbarian Fishing: 40,000–100,000 XP/hr (with tick manipulation), low profit.
- Minnows: 40,000–50,000 XP/hr, moderate profit.
When to Choose the Oily Fishing Rod
Opt for the oily fishing rod if you’re after profit or need lava eels for quests. For pure XP, consider faster methods unless you value the AFK nature of infernal eel fishing.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing the Oily Fishing Rod
To get the most out of your oily fishing rod, follow these expert tips to streamline your fishing sessions and boost efficiency.
Optimizing Travel Routes
- Mor Ul Rek: Use the fairy ring (code: BLP) to reach the TzHaar city quickly.
- Taverley Dungeon: Equip a dusty key or use the Agility shortcut (level 70 Agility) for faster access.
- Lava Maze: Teleport to the Lava Maze via a burning amulet, but beware of PKers.
Enhancing Profitability
- Process Eels Immediately: Crack infernal eels with a hammer to collect drops without banking, saving time.
- Monitor Market Prices: Check Grand Exchange prices for onyx bolt tips and lava scale shards to sell at peak value.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Forgetting Ice Gloves: Essential for infernal eel fishing; without them, you can’t catch eels.
- Overloading Inventory: Keep space for drops when fishing infernal eels to avoid dropping valuable items.
- Ignoring Wilderness Risks: In the Lava Maze, stay alert and carry minimal gear to reduce PK losses.
The oily fishing rod is a niche but powerful tool in OSRS, offering access to profitable and quest-related fishing methods. By crafting the rod, targeting infernal or lava eels, and optimizing your approach, you can turn this item into a cornerstone of your Fishing journey. Whether you’re chasing gold or quest completion, the oily fishing rod is a worthy addition to your inventory. Start fishing today and reel in the rewards!