How to Get to the Fishing Platform in OSRS
The Fishing Platform in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a unique location tied to the Sea Slug quest and offers players a chance to fish, complete tasks, and engage in some intriguing lore. Located east of Witchaven, it’s a spot that can feel tricky to reach if you’re unfamiliar with the requirements or travel options. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get to the Fishing Platform, whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer looking to revisit this eerie locale. Let’s dive into the details!
The Fishing Platform is a key area in OSRS, primarily accessed during and after the Sea Slug quest. It’s situated in the ocean, due east of Witchaven, a small town east of Ardougne. The platform is home to four fishing spots where you can use bait or small net fishing, and it’s also the setting for some memorable quest moments involving possessed fishermen and mysterious sea slugs.
Why Visit the Fishing Platform?
There are several reasons to make the trip:
- Quest Progression: It’s central to the Sea Slug quest and partially involved in The Slug Menace.
- Fishing Opportunities: Catch shrimp, sardines, or herring with a small net or bait.
- Ardougne Diary Task: Catching a fish here completes a task for the Ardougne Medium Diary.
- Clue Scrolls: The platform hosts medium and elite clue scroll challenges.
Who Can Access It?
Accessing the platform requires at least starting the Sea Slug quest, which has a single requirement of 30 Firemaking. This makes it accessible to most players, including those with lower levels. After completing certain quests, different NPCs will ferry you to the platform, which we’ll cover below.
Starting the Sea Slug Quest
The primary way to reach the Fishing Platform is by beginning the Sea Slug quest. This quest not only unlocks access but also introduces you to the platform’s creepy atmosphere and story.
Quest Requirements
Here’s what you need to start:
- 30 Firemaking: Easily achievable by burning logs.
- Recommended Items: A small fishing net (for the Ardougne Diary task), swamp paste, and teleports to Ardougne for convenience.
Beginning the Quest
Follow these steps to kick things off:
- Head to Witchaven, east of Ardougne. The fastest way is using an Ardougne teleport or the Ardougne cloak.
- Find Caroline on the coast north of Witchaven. She’ll tell you about her missing husband, Kent, and son, Kennith, who are on the Fishing Platform.
- Agree to help, and she’ll direct you to Holgart, a nearby NPC who can take you to the platform.
Getting Swamp Paste
Holgart’s boat needs repairs before he can ferry you. He’ll ask for swamp paste. Here’s how to get it:
- Buy from the Grand Exchange: The easiest option, costing around 100-200 GP.
- Purchase in-game: Visit the Port Khazard General Store (south of Ardougne) or a Trader Crewmember in Brimhaven for about 42-75 coins.
- Make it yourself: Combine swamp tar (from Lumbridge Swamp) with flour to create raw swamp paste, then cook it on a fire (not a range).
Once you give Holgart the swamp paste, he’ll fix his boat, and you’re ready to sail to the platform!
Traveling to the Fishing Platform
After starting the Sea Slug quest, traveling to the Fishing Platform is straightforward, but the NPC you talk to depends on your quest progress. Let’s break it down.
During the Sea Slug Quest
While working through the Sea Slug quest:
- Speak to Holgart near Caroline in Witchaven.
- Select the “Travel” option to sail to the platform. A cutscene shows Holgart rowing you across.
- You’ll need to return to the mainland during the quest, and Holgart will ferry you back and forth as needed.
After Completing Sea Slug
Once you’ve finished the Sea Slug quest, Holgart remains your go-to NPC unless you progress further in the quest series:
- Find Holgart in the same spot north of Witchaven.
- Right-click and select “Travel” to head to the platform.
- This option is free and unlimited, making it easy to revisit for fishing or clue scrolls.
During and After The Slug Menace
If you’ve started or completed The Slug Menace quest, things change slightly:
- Jeb, a possessed NPC, takes over ferry duties instead of Holgart.
- Jeb is located in the same area near Witchaven’s coast.
- Like Holgart, simply talk to Jeb and choose the “Travel” option to reach the platform.
Note: After completing Salt in the Wound (the final quest in the series), Holgart resumes his ferry service permanently.
Tips for Efficient Travel
Getting to the Fishing Platform can be streamlined with a few tricks to save time and make your trips more productive.
Fast Travel to Witchaven
Witchaven is your starting point, so use these methods to get there quickly:
| Method | Requirements | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ardougne Teleport | 51 Magic, 2 law runes, 2 water runes | Teleports you to Ardougne’s marketplace; run east to Witchaven. |
| Ardougne Cloak | Completion of Ardougne Diary tasks | Teleports to the monastery south of Ardougne; run east. |
| Skills Necklace | Crafting cape or access to a bank | Teleport to the Crafting Guild, then head northeast. |
| Fairy Ring (Code: BKR) | Started Fairy Tale II | Teleports to the Lumbridge Swamp; run north to Witchaven. |
Preparing for the Platform
To make the most of your visit:
- Bring a small fishing net: Catch a fish for the Ardougne Medium Diary task while you’re there.
- Pack light: The platform has no bank, but you can sell raw fish to Ezekial Lovecraft in Witchaven and buy bait back.
- Watch for sea slugs: During the quest, avoid picking up sea slugs on the platform, as they deal 3 damage.
Returning to the Mainland
Getting back is just as easy:
- Talk to Holgart or Jeb (depending on your quest status) on the platform.
- Select “Travel” to return to Witchaven’s coast.
- If you need to bank, the closest banks are in East Ardougne or the Legends’ Guild.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Some players run into hiccups when trying to reach the Fishing Platform. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Can’t Find Holgart or Jeb
If you’re struggling to locate the NPCs:
- Check your quest log: Ensure you’ve started Sea Slug or The Slug Menace to unlock their services.
- Look north of Witchaven: Both NPCs are near the coast, slightly north of Caroline.
- Use the world map: The OSRS world map or RuneLite can pinpoint their exact locations.
Haven’t Started Sea Slug
You must start the Sea Slug quest to access the platform. There’s no workaround, even for clue scrolls. Fortunately, the quest is short (15-20 minutes) and has minimal requirements.
Post-Quest Confusion
If you’re unsure who to talk to after completing quests:
- Sea Slug only: Holgart.
- Started The Slug Menace: Jeb.
- Completed Salt in the Wound: Holgart again.
Check your quest journal to confirm your progress in the Sea Slug series.
Limited Inventory Space
The platform has no bank, so plan ahead:
- Drop fish you catch if training Fishing, or sell them to Ezekial in Witchaven.
- Bring only essentials like a net, bait, and teleports to save space.
Reaching the Fishing Platform in OSRS is a breeze once you know the steps. Start the Sea Slug quest, grab some swamp paste for Holgart, and you’re on your way to this quirky offshore spot. Whether you’re fishing for diary tasks, chasing clue scrolls, or unraveling the sea slug mystery, this guide has you covered. Get out there and explore the platform’s salty secrets!