Best Way to Get Big Bass in OSRS – Ultimate Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), catching a big bass is a rare and rewarding achievement for anglers chasing unique trophies to display in their player-owned house or to complete their collection log. With a drop rate of just 1/1,000 per raw bass caught, securing this elusive fish requires strategy, patience, and the right setup. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best methods, locations, and tips to maximize your chances of landing a big bass while keeping your fishing grind efficient and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to OSRS fishing, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from requirements and gear to optimal spots and boosting your efficiency. Let’s dive into the details of how to catch that enormous bass!
A big bass is an abnormally large fish caught while big net fishing at specific Net/Harpoon spots in OSRS. Unlike regular raw bass, which grants 100 Fishing experience, the big bass is a rare catch that can’t be cooked but can be stuffed and mounted in your player-owned house’s Skill Hall for a trophy. Here’s what makes it special:
- Rarity: 1/1,000 chance per raw bass caught.
- Requirements: Level 46 Fishing to use a big fishing net.
- Reward: A memorable game message, “You catch an enormous bass!” and a trophy-worthy item.
Because of its rarity, catching a big bass is more about persistence than skill, but optimizing your approach can make the grind less daunting.
What Makes Big Bass Worth Chasing?
The big bass isn’t just a fish—it’s a status symbol. Mounting it in your house shows off your dedication, and for completionists, it’s a must-have for the collection log. Plus, the process of fishing for it can yield other useful items like caskets and seaweed, adding small bonuses to your efforts.
Requirements and Gear for Big Bass Fishing
Before you cast your net, ensure you’re prepared with the right levels and equipment. Here’s what you need to get started.
Fishing Level and Skills
You’ll need at least 46 Fishing to use a big fishing net, which is required to catch raw bass and, by extension, the big bass. This level cannot be boosted, so you’ll need to train naturally. If you’re not there yet, consider fly fishing for trout and salmon in Barbarian Village or Lumbridge for quick experience up to 46.
Essential Equipment
The key item is the big fishing net, but a few other tools can make your grind smoother. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Purpose | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Big Fishing Net | Required to catch raw bass and big bass | Fishing shops (e.g., Port Sarim, Catherby) |
| Fish Barrel (optional) | Stores fish to free up inventory | Reward from Tempoross |
| Rada’s Blessing (optional) | Chance to catch two big bass at once | Kourend & Kebos Diary reward |
Pro Tip: The fish barrel is a game-changer for long sessions, as it reduces banking trips by storing fish, leaving room for big bass to go directly to your inventory.
Optional Boosts
While not mandatory, these items can enhance your efficiency:
- Spirit Flakes: Obtained from Tempoross, these give a 50% chance to double fish catches, including big bass.
- Angler’s Outfit: Provides a small Fishing experience boost, speeding up your grind.
- Dragon Harpoon (or Crystal Harpoon): While not needed for big net fishing, having one in your inventory allows you to switch to harpooning for variety at the same spots.
Best Fishing Spots for Big Bass
Location matters when hunting for big bass, as not all Net/Harpoon spots are equally efficient. Your goal is to maximize raw bass catches, which directly increases your odds of landing the big one. Below are the top spots to consider.
Catherby Beach
Catherby is a fan-favorite for big net fishing due to its proximity to a bank and accessibility. Here’s why it shines:
- Location: East of the Catherby bank, near the fishing spots by the shore.
- Pros: Close to a bank for quick deposits, near a range for cooking fish if desired.
- Cons: Can be crowded on popular worlds.
To optimize Catherby, hop worlds if it’s busy, and use the bank to offload junk items like seaweed and boots frequently.
Fishing Guild
For players with 68 Fishing (or 65 with boosts), the Fishing Guild is the best spot hands-down.
- Location: North of Ardougne, inside the guild.
- Pros: Closer fishing spots reduce walking time, bank is nearby, and the guild gives an invisible +7 Fishing boost, slightly improving raw bass catch rates.
- Cons: Higher Fishing requirement than Catherby.
The guild’s efficiency makes it ideal for long grinds, especially if you’re chasing multiple big fish for your collection.
Other Viable Spots
If Catherby or the Fishing Guild aren’t your style, consider these alternatives:
- Piscatoris Fishing Colony: Quiet and scenic, but farther from a bank unless you’ve completed Swan Song.
- Burgh de Rott: Accessible after In Aid of the Myreque, but less practical due to distance from amenities.
Stick to Catherby or the Fishing Guild unless you have specific reasons (e.g., quest requirements) to fish elsewhere.
Optimizing Your Big Bass Grind
With a 1/1,000 drop rate, catching a big bass is a marathon, not a sprint. These strategies will help you stay efficient and sane during the grind.
Maximize Raw Bass Catches
Since the big bass is tied to raw bass catches, focus on increasing your bass per hour. Here’s how:
- Higher Fishing Level: The raw bass catch rate improves slightly as your Fishing level increases (e.g., from 8.2% at level 46 to 12.5% at level 76).
- Fishing Guild Boost: The +7 invisible boost helps you catch bass faster.
- World Hopping: Avoid crowded spots to ensure you’re always fishing without delays.
Manage Inventory Efficiently
Big net fishing yields junk items like caskets, seaweed, and low-level fish, which clog your inventory. Use these tactics:
- Fish Barrel: Stores fish, leaving space for big bass and junk.
- Bank Often: Deposit caskets and seaweed for profit (caskets can contain decent loot).
- Drop Junk: If banking is too far, drop worthless items like leather boots to keep fishing.
Boost Your Odds with Perks
Certain items can double your big bass haul, saving time if you’re after multiple fish:
- Rada’s Blessing: From the Kourend & Kebos Diary, it occasionally doubles fish catches, including big bass. Note that only one counts toward the collection log.
- Spirit Flakes: These stack with Rada’s Blessing for a higher chance of double catches.
While these perks don’t increase the 1/1,000 drop rate, they can give you two big bass in one catch, which is great for mounting multiple trophies.
Stay Motivated During the Grind
The big bass grind can take dozens of hours, so keep your spirits high:
- Track Progress: Note how many raw bass you’ve caught (expect 1,000+ for one big bass on average).
- Multitask: Watch a show or chat with friends to make the grind feel less monotonous.
- Celebrate Milestones: Reward yourself for every 100 bass caught to stay motivated.
Post-Catch Options for Your Big Bass
Once you’ve caught that enormous bass, you’ve got some choices to make. Here’s what you can do with your prize.
Stuffing and Mounting
The most popular option is to turn your big bass into a trophy:
- Taxidermist in Canifis: For 1,000 coins, she’ll stuff the bass. Requires completion of Priest in Peril to access Canifis.
- Mounting in POH: Use the stuffed bass and 2 oak planks in your Skill Hall (level 36 Construction required). Grants 151 Fishing and 31 Construction experience.
A mounted bass is a stunning addition to your house, impressing visitors and reminding you of your achievement.
Collection Log and Bragging Rights
If you’re a completionist, catching a big bass checks off an entry in your collection log under “Other > Random.” Share your success on social platforms or with clanmates to bask in the glory!
Other Uses
Unlike raw bass, the big bass can’t be cooked or used for lyre enchanting. If you don’t want to mount it, you can sell it (though it’s worth little) or keep it as a memento in your bank.
Final Thoughts: Catching a big bass in OSRS is a test of patience, but with the right setup—level 46 Fishing, a big fishing net, and a spot like Catherby or the Fishing Guild—you can tilt the odds in your favor. Use perks like Rada’s Blessing and spirit flakes to maximize efficiency, and manage your inventory smartly to keep the grind smooth. Whether you’re mounting it in your house or ticking it off your collection log, the thrill of seeing “You catch an enormous bass!” is worth the effort. Happy fishing, and may RNG be on your side!