Drift Net Fishing in OSRS: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering This Skilling Method
Drift net fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique and efficient skilling method that combines Fishing and Hunter training into one engaging activity. Located underwater on Fossil Island, this method offers players a chance to level up two skills simultaneously while gathering valuable resources. Whether you’re aiming for 99 Fishing, 99 Hunter, or just looking for a fresh way to train, drift net fishing is worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about drift net fishing in OSRS, from requirements and gear to experience rates and tips for success.
Drift net fishing is a skilling technique introduced with the Fossil Island update, allowing players to catch fish shoals using drift nets in the underwater area. Unlike traditional fishing methods that focus solely on Fishing XP, this method rewards both Fishing and Hunter experience, making it a standout choice for multi-skill training. It’s moderately click-intensive but offers high XP rates, especially at higher levels, and can be a profitable venture once you hit the right Fishing thresholds.
How Drift Net Fishing Works
To start, players set up drift nets at anchor points underwater on Fossil Island. Fish shoals swim around the area, and you can either wait for them to drift into your nets passively or actively chase them into the nets for faster catches. Each net can hold up to 10 fish shoals before it’s full, at which point you harvest it, destroying the net in the process. The harvested loot includes various fish, numulites, and rare drops like fossils or clue bottles.
Why Choose Drift Net Fishing?
This method stands out for its dual-skill XP gains, offering a refreshing alternative to repetitive single-skill training like Barbarian Fishing or Black Salamanders. It’s also less crowded than other popular training spots, giving you a peaceful skilling experience. Plus, with the right setup, it can turn a profit at higher levels, making it appealing for both mains and ironmen.
Requirements for Drift Net Fishing
Before diving into drift net fishing, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites and gather essential items. Here’s what you need to get started:
Skill Requirements
Quest and Access Requirements
- Bone Voyage: Completed to access Fossil Island
- Recipe for Disaster (Freeing Pirate Pete): Partially completed for diving gear (fishbowl helmet and diving apparatus)
- Skippy and the Mogres: Completed for flippers (optional but highly recommended)
Essential Gear and Items
- Drift Nets: Crafted with 2 jute fibres on a loom (bring 80-110 per hour)
- Fishbowl Helmet and Diving Apparatus: For underwater breathing
- Merfolk Trident (or alternatives): Boosts success rate when chasing fish (Trident of the Seas/Swamp or Dragon Harpoon work too)
- Numulites: 200 for daily access or 20,000 for permanent access to the underwater area
- Flippers: Allows sprinting underwater (optional but increases XP rates)
- Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight for easier running (optional)
Pro Tip: Store up to 2,000 drift nets with Annette in the underwater area to save inventory space!
How to Start Drift Net Fishing in OSRS
Ready to jump in? Follow these steps to begin your drift net fishing journey on Fossil Island:
Getting to Fossil Island
Travel to Fossil Island via the canal barge north of the Digsite or use a Digsite Pendant teleport. Once there, head to the Museum Camp or Mushroom Forest, take a rowboat out to sea, and dive into the underwater area by selecting the “Dive” option. Swim north to find Ceto, who grants access to the fishing zone for numulites.
Setting Up Your Nets
Inside the underwater area, locate the two drift net anchor points. Click them to set up your drift nets, which will passively catch fish shoals over time. For faster results, actively chase fish shoals into the nets using your trident or harpoon. Keep an eye on your nets—once they hit 10 catches, they’ll display “Your drift net is full” in the chatbox, signaling it’s time to harvest.
Harvesting and Banking
When a net is full, harvest it to collect your loot. You’ll have three options: take the fish into your inventory, bank them for 5 numulites per net, or discard them. Banking is the most efficient choice if you’re profit-focused, while discarding saves time for pure XP grinding. Annette, located nearby, can store your drift nets and handle banking, streamlining the process.
Experience Rates and Profit Potential
Drift net fishing shines for its XP rates, especially as your levels increase. However, profit depends heavily on your Fishing level due to the value of the fish caught. Here’s a breakdown:
XP Rates by Level
| Level Range | Fishing XP/Hour | Hunter XP/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 47-70 | 50,000-60,000 | 60,000-80,000 |
| 70-90 | 70,000-85,000 | 90,000-110,000 |
| 90-99 | 85,000-100,000 | 100,000-115,000 |
Note: These rates assume high focus, use of flippers, and a trident. Passive fishing yields lower XP.
Profit or Loss?
- Low Levels (47-70): Expect a loss due to low-value fish (anchovies, sardines) and the cost of drift nets (around 2,000-3,000 GP each).
- Mid Levels (70-90): Break even or slight profit as you catch tuna, lobsters, and swordfish.
- High Levels (90+): Significant profit from sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays, offsetting net costs and potentially netting millions in GP.
For ironmen, farming jute fibres for nets eliminates the GP cost, making this method viable earlier.
Tips and Tricks for Drift Net Fishing Success
Maximize your efficiency and enjoyment with these expert tips:
Optimize Your Setup
- Use Flippers: Sprinting underwater boosts XP rates by letting you chase fish faster.
- Equip a Trident: The merfolk trident (or substitutes) increases your success rate when herding fish.
- Stay Lightweight: Wear Graceful or keep your weight under 10 kg to run effectively.
Boost Efficiency
- Runelite Plugin: Use the Drift Net Fishing plugin to highlight fish shoals, making chasing easier.
- Bank with Annette: Pay 5 numulites per harvest to bank fish instantly, saving trips.
- Farm Jute: Grow jute fibres at hop patches (seeds from Draynor Village) for a steady net supply.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Don’t Overstock Inventory: Keep space for nets and avoid clogging it with fish if banking manually.
- Monitor Oxygen: Without diving gear, your oxygen depletes fast—always equip the helmet and apparatus.
- Plan Numulites: Stock up via Sulliusceps or Volcanic Mine to cover access and banking fees.
Fun Fact: Drift net fishing doesn’t offer a pet chance (like the Heron or Baby Chinchompa), so it’s purely for XP and profit!
Conclusion: Is Drift Net Fishing Worth It?
Drift net fishing in OSRS is a hidden gem for players seeking efficient dual-skill training. With solid XP rates—up to 100k Fishing and 115k Hunter per hour at high levels—and the potential for profit post-90 Fishing, it’s a compelling alternative to traditional methods. While it requires some setup (quests, gear, and nets), the payoff is a dynamic, rewarding experience that’s less crowded than other hotspots. Whether you’re an ironman farming your own nets or a main chasing GP, drift net fishing offers a unique blend of challenge and reward.
So, grab your trident, dive into Fossil Island’s underwater depths, and start netting those fish shoals. Have you tried drift net fishing yet? Let us know your thoughts or share your XP rates in the comments below!