Manta Ray Fishing in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

If you’re an Old School RuneScape (OSRS) player looking to level up your Fishing skill or snag some of the game’s best healing food, manta ray fishing is a must-know activity. Manta rays are prized for their ability to restore 22 Hitpoints when cooked, making them a top-tier food choice for combat and skilling alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about manta ray fishing in OSRS, from requirements and methods to tips for maximizing your efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this blog post will help you master the art of catching raw manta rays and turning them into a valuable resource.

Manta rays stand out in OSRS as one of the highest-healing single-bite foods, alongside dark crabs, tuna potatoes, and anglerfish. For players tackling tough bosses, PvP, or long skilling sessions, having a stack of manta rays in your inventory can be a game-changer. Plus, fishing them offers decent experience rates and can even turn a small profit if you play your cards right. But why should you prioritize manta ray fishing over other methods? Let’s break it down.

The Appeal of Manta Rays

At 22 Hitpoints per bite, cooked manta rays are a lifesaver in high-stakes situations. They’re lighter than tuna potatoes (0.5 kg vs. 0.6 kg) and more accessible than anglerfish for many players, especially those without the levels or resources to pursue the latter. Catching and cooking manta rays also ties into elite achievement diaries, like the Ardougne Diary, adding an extra layer of motivation.

Fishing Experience and Profit Potential

While not the fastest way to 99 Fishing, manta ray fishing provides a steady stream of experience—particularly when paired with the Fishing Trawler minigame or drift net fishing. If you sell your raw or cooked manta rays on the Grand Exchange, you might pocket some gold, though prices fluctuate based on supply and demand.

How to Start Fishing Manta Rays in OSRS

Ready to cast your net? Fishing manta rays requires specific levels, gear, and access to the right locations. Here’s a step-by-step rundown to get you started.

Requirements for Manta Ray Fishing

To catch raw manta rays, you’ll need:

• Fishing Level 81: This is the minimum level required to start catching manta rays. Boosts won’t work for drift net fishing, but they can for the Fishing Trawler.
• Access to Fishing Trawler: Located at Port Khazard, this minigame is the primary method for catching manta rays. You’ll need to complete a few trips to secure your haul.
• Drift Net Fishing Option: At level 90 Fishing (unboostable), you can use drift nets at Fossil Island’s Underwater area, provided you’ve unlocked it via Bone Voyage.
• Gear: A big fishing net for the Trawler or drift nets for Fossil Island. Bring swamp paste, ropes, and bailing buckets for the minigame.

Getting to the Fishing Locations

Fishing Trawler: Teleport to Ardougne or use the Khazard Teleport (Lunar spellbook) to reach Port Khazard. Talk to Murphy to hop aboard.
Fossil Island: Use a digsite pendant or the boat from the Digsite to reach Fossil Island, then dive underwater with a fishbowl helmet and diving apparatus.

Fishing Trawler: The Classic Manta Ray Method

The Fishing Trawler minigame is the traditional way to catch manta rays in OSRS, and it’s a rite of passage for many players. This team-based activity requires you to keep a boat afloat while netting fish—including the elusive manta ray. Here’s how to make the most of it.

How Fishing Trawler Works

The minigame lasts about 10-12 minutes per trip. Your goal is to fish while repairing leaks, fixing nets, and bailing water. The more active you are, the better your rewards. At level 81 Fishing, manta rays become a possible catch, with the odds improving as your level increases.

Tips for Success in Fishing Trawler

• Bring Supplies: Stock up on swamp paste (10-15 per trip), ropes, and a bailing bucket. You can buy paste from the Khazard General Store nearby.
• Solo or Team Up: Soloing is viable—focus on bailing water and patching leaks after catching a few fish. With a team, coordinate roles for efficiency.
• Boost Your Level: Use an Admiral Pie (+5 Fishing boost) if you’re just shy of 81 to increase your manta ray chances.
• Check Your Net: After each trip, inspect the net with Murphy to claim your haul. Manta rays aren’t guaranteed, so persistence is key.

Rewards Beyond Manta Rays

Besides manta rays, you might snag sea turtles, sharks, or even the coveted angler outfit, which boosts Fishing XP by up to 2.5% when fully equipped.

Drift Net Fishing: The Alternative Approach

For players with higher Fishing levels and access to Fossil Island, drift net fishing offers a modern twist on catching manta rays. This method combines Fishing and Hunter skills for a unique experience.

Setting Up Drift Net Fishing

You’ll need level 90 Fishing and 47 Hunter, plus:

• Drift Nets: Crafted from rope and purchased from the GE or Annette on Fossil Island.
• Underwater Access: Equip a fishbowl helmet and diving apparatus, then dive via the rowboat northeast of the Mushroom Forest.

Once underwater, set up drift nets between anchors and watch as fish—including manta rays—swim into them.

Experience Rates and Loot

Drift net fishing yields around 60,000-80,000 Fishing XP per hour and 20,000-40,000 Hunter XP, depending on your levels and focus. Manta rays appear alongside lobsters, sharks, and sea turtles, making it a diverse haul.

Pros and Cons of Drift Net Fishing

Pros	Cons
Multi-skill training (Fishing + Hunter)	Requires high levels (90 Fishing, 47 Hunter)
AFK-friendly once nets are set	Setup takes time and resources
Varied loot including manta rays	Less manta ray-focused than Trawler

Cooking Your Manta Rays: From Raw to Ready

Caught your raw manta rays? Now it’s time to cook them. This step transforms them into the powerful healing food OSRS players crave.

Cooking Requirements and Methods

You’ll need level 91 Cooking to cook manta rays, granting 216.3 XP per successful cook. Use a fire or range—ranges reduce burn rates slightly. However, manta rays have a high burn rate, even at level 99 with cooking gauntlets (around 23% burn chance). The only way to eliminate burning is by wearing the Cooking cape at level 99.

Maximizing Cooking Success

• Hosidius Range: Cooking on the Hosidius Kitchen range with Cooking gauntlets drops the burn rate to about 2% at level 91.
• Patience Pays Off: Expect some burnt manta rays early on—stockpile extras to account for losses.
• Elite Diary Bonus: Cooking a manta ray is part of the Ardougne Elite Diary, so save one to complete this task.

Using Manta Rays in Combat

Once cooked, manta rays heal 22 Hitpoints instantly, making them ideal for boss fights like the Theatre of Blood or PvP scenarios where every hitpoint counts. Pair them with potions for a robust survival strategy.

Tips and Tricks for Manta Ray Fishing Mastery

Whether you’re grinding for 99 Fishing, chasing diary tasks, or stocking up on food, these tips will elevate your manta ray game.

Optimize Your Inventory

For Fishing Trawler, bring only what you need—swamp paste, ropes, and a bailing bucket—leaving room for fish. For drift nets, carry extra nets and a bank teleport to manage loot efficiently.

Combine with Other Goals

Use Fishing Trawler trips to work toward the angler outfit or drift net fishing to train Hunter simultaneously. Multi-tasking keeps the grind fresh and rewarding.

Market Watch: Selling Manta Rays

Check the Grand Exchange regularly. Raw manta rays often fetch 1,000-1,500 gp, while cooked ones can go for 1,200-1,800 gp, depending on demand. Sell during peak PvM seasons for the best prices.

Fishing manta rays in OSRS is more than just a skilling task—it’s a gateway to better combat readiness and a testament to your dedication. Whether you brave the stormy seas of the Fishing Trawler or drift into the depths of Fossil Island, the rewards are worth the effort. So grab your net, level up those skills, and start reeling in those manta rays today!