Fishing to 99 in OSRS A Comprehensive Guide

Fishing to 99 in OSRS A Comprehensive Guide

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that can lead to decent profits and unlock exciting content like the Fishing Trawler minigame. Getting to level 99 Fishing requires dedication, but with the right methods, you can make the journey efficient and enjoyable. This guide covers everything you need to know to fish your way to 99, including training methods, equipment, and tips to maximize experience rates. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this SEO-optimized guide will help you master the Fishing skill in OSRS.

Fishing is one of the most popular skills in OSRS due to its accessibility, low cost, and potential for profit. Reaching level 99 not only grants you the coveted Fishing Cape but also unlocks high-level content and improves your efficiency in other skills like Cooking. Here’s why you should aim for 99 Fishing:

  • Achievement: The Fishing Cape offers a 1/3 chance to catch an extra fish, boosting efficiency.
  • Profit: High-level fish like sharks and anglerfish can be sold for a good price.
  • Minigames: Access to Fishing Trawler and other activities requires higher Fishing levels.
  • Relaxation: Fishing is semi-AFK, making it perfect for multitasking or casual play.

Benefits for Ironmen

Ironmen benefit greatly from Fishing, as it provides raw fish for Cooking, which is essential for combat and skilling. High-level fish like anglerfish are also valuable for healing in tough boss fights.

Unlocking Diary Rewards

Training Fishing helps complete achievement diaries, such as the Ardougne Diary, which requires catching a mackerel at level 16 Fishing, or the Karamja Diary, which involves catching karambwan. These diaries offer perks like teleports and increased experience rates.

Best Fishing Training Methods for Levels 1–99

The path to 99 Fishing involves different methods depending on your level, budget, and playstyle. Below, we outline the most efficient training methods to get you from level 1 to 99.

Levels 1–20: Shrimp and Anchovies

Start your Fishing journey at Draynor Village or Lumbridge, using a small fishing net to catch shrimp and anchovies. These spots are close to banks, making it easy to store your catches.

  • Equipment: Small fishing net (buy from Port Sarim’s fishing shop).
  • Experience: ~10k XP/hour.
  • Location: Draynor Village (near bank).

Levels 20–40: Trout and Salmon

Switch to fly fishing at Barbarian Village or Lumbridge to catch trout and salmon. This method is faster and offers decent experience rates.

  • Equipment: Fly fishing rod, feathers (buy from fishing shops).
  • Experience: ~20–30k XP/hour.
  • Tip: Drop fish if you don’t need them to save banking time.

Levels 40–58: Lobster

At level 40, you can catch lobsters using a lobster pot. Catherby and the Fishing Guild are great spots due to their proximity to banks.

  • Equipment: Lobster pot.
  • Experience: ~30–40k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Lobsters sell for ~150–200 GP each.

Levels 58–99: Barbarian Fishing

Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto is one of the fastest methods to 99, offering both Fishing and Strength experience. You’ll need to complete the Barbarian Training miniquest to start.

  • Equipment: Barbarian rod, feathers.
  • Experience: ~40–55k XP/hour (increases with level).
  • Bonus: Strength XP makes this ideal for combat training.

Levels 76–99: Minnows (Profit-Oriented)

For players looking to make money, catching minnows in the Fishing Guild is a great option. Minnows can be traded for raw sharks, which sell well.

  • Equipment: Small fishing net, Fishing Guild access.
  • Experience: ~40k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Up to 500k GP/hour depending on shark prices.

Levels 82–99: Anglerfish

Anglerfish fishing at Port Piscarilius is the most profitable method, ideal for endgame players. It requires 100% Piscarilius favor.

  • Equipment: Fishing rod, sandworms.
  • Experience: ~30–40k XP/hour.
  • Profit: Up to 700k GP/hour.

Equipment and Boosts for Faster Fishing

Using the right equipment and boosts can significantly speed up your Fishing training. Here’s a breakdown of the best gear and items to use.

Essential Fishing Gear

Invest in the following items to improve your catch rates and efficiency:

Item Level Required Effect
Fishing Rod 5 Allows bait fishing for various fish.
Lobster Pot 40 Used to catch lobsters.
Barbarian Rod 48 Enables Barbarian Fishing.
Angler’s Outfit 34 Grants 2.5% bonus Fishing XP (obtained from Fishing Trawler).

Experience Boosts

Maximize your XP rates with these boosts:

Tips for Efficient Fishing Training

To make your grind to 99 as smooth as possible, follow these tips to save time and increase XP rates.

Optimize Your Inventory

Keep your inventory light by dropping low-value fish or banking only high-value catches. For Barbarian Fishing, consider cutting fish into fish offcuts to continue training without banking.

Use Tick Manipulation

Advanced players can use 3-tick or 2-tick Fishing methods at Barbarian Fishing spots to boost XP rates to ~60–70k/hour. This involves precise timing with herb and tar or a knife to interrupt the fishing animation.

Participate in Fishing Trawler

The Fishing Trawler minigame (level 15 Fishing) is a fun way to break up the grind while earning the Angler’s Outfit for a 2.5% XP boost. It’s also a requirement for some achievement diaries.

Combine with Cooking

Cook your catches to train Cooking simultaneously. This is especially useful for Ironmen who need high-level food for PvM or quests.

Fishing Cape and Post-99 Goals

Once you hit level 99, purchase the Fishing Cape from the Fishing Guild for 99,000 GP. The cape’s perk allows a 1/3 chance to catch an extra fish, making fishing even more profitable.

Post-99 Activities

After reaching 99, consider these activities to keep Fishing fun:

  • Tempoross: A boss that rewards Fishing XP and unique items like the Spirit Angler Outfit.
  • Mastery Achievements: Complete Fishing-related tasks in achievement diaries or the Combat Achievements.
  • Profit Runs: Focus on anglerfish or minnows for consistent gold.

Bragging Rights

Show off your Fishing Cape in the Fishing Guild or at popular spots like Catherby. It’s a testament to your dedication and a great conversation starter with other players.

Getting to 99 Fishing in OSRS is a journey that combines patience, strategy, and a bit of relaxation. By following the methods and tips in this guide, you’ll be reeling in the Fishing Cape in no time. Happy fishing!