OSRS F2P Fishing Spots for Max Efficiency and Profit

Hey, if you’ve ever stared at that fishing rod in your inventory and wondered where to actually use it without wasting hours, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s sunk way too many evenings into Old School RuneScape, grinding from a fresh level 3 to 99 fishing on multiple F2P accounts, I get it. Fishing feels like the ultimate chill skill at first, but pick the wrong spot and you’re just burning feathers for nothing. I’ve powerfished lobsters on Musa Point until my eyes crossed, and yeah, those boat trips back to bank still haunt me. Today, let’s break down the best F2P fishing spots, from noob-friendly shrimp hauls to swordfish grinds that actually make you some gold. Stick around, and by the end, you’ll know exactly where to cast your line next time you log in.

Picture this: You’re low on cash, your combat levels are barely scraping by, and you need food that doesn’t come from a general store at ridiculous prices. Fishing’s your ticket. In F2P, it’s not just about XP; it’s a sneaky way to fund your next rune scimmy or that essential anti-dragon shield. I remember my first 99 fishing push back in 2018, purely F2P because I was too stubborn to sub. Those raw lobsters sold for enough to buy a full mithril set, and suddenly I felt like a boss.

But here’s the real talk: F2P fishing is slower than members’ methods, no doubt. No monkfish or sharks here. Still, with the right spots, you can hit 30k XP an hour by level 50 and pocket a few hundred k gp along the way. The key? Location, level match, and a bit of patience. Ever tried dropping trout like they’re hot potatoes while the spots dance around you? It’s oddly satisfying. So, what makes a spot “best”? Proximity to banks, low competition, and fish that don’t burn your wallet on supplies. Let’s dive in.

Gear Up Before You Hit the Water

Before we talk spots, let’s chat basics. You don’t need fancy stuff in F2P, which is why I love it for ironmen starts. Grab a small net from the Port Sarim fishing shop, some bait or feathers from the same place, and you’re golden. I’ve fished entire levels with gear I picked up for free from drops, but don’t skimp on feathers, they add up.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, based on what I’ve hauled around for years:

Simple, right? I always carry an axe and tinderbox too, for those “oops, burnt another trout” moments. Cooking on the fly saves inventory space and dual-trains skills. Now, onto the good stuff.

Starting Strong: Low-Level Fishing Spots for Levels 1-20

Ah, the beginner grind. If you’re fresh off tutorial island, don’t overthink it. Shrimp and anchovies are your bread and butter here. Why? They’re everywhere, and the XP ticks in steady. I did this on my pure account last year, and it took me under an hour to hit 15 while listening to a podcast. Feels good to see that level-up ding early.

Draynor Village Docks: The Classic Shrimp Spot

Southwest of Draynor, right by the jail, you’ve got these serene little spots along the river. Perfect for netting shrimp from level 1. At 15, anchovies mix in, giving a tiny profit bump since cooked anchovies sell better than raw.

• Why here? Super close to the Draynor bank, like two clicks away. No travel time means more fishing, less running.
• XP Rate: 1,500-3,000 per hour. Slow, but AFKable.
• Profit: Raw shrimp? Meh, 50-100 gp/hour if you sell. But cook ’em for food stock.

Personal story time: I once got jumped by a guard dog while fishing here, lost half my inventory to the river. Lesson learned, wear your anti-poison if you’re paranoid. Quick answer to “Is it crowded?”: Nah, not like Lumbridge. Newbies flock to the swamp, leaving Draynor peaceful.

Al Kharid Nets: Bait Fishing for Sardines and Herring

Head south of the Al Kharid bank, past the palace. These net/bait spots scream “easy mode” for levels 5-20. Sardines at 5, herring at 10. Bait’s cheap, and herring actually turns a small profit cooked.

Short para: It’s hot out there, but the scorpions wandering around keep it exciting. Level 14 pests, nothing a pure can’t handle.

• Pros: Bank right upstairs. Fish sardines till herring unlocks for that XP boost to 8k/hour.
• Cons: Scorpions might nibble your toes. I’ve died once from ignoring them, trust me.
• My Take: Did this while questing for XP lamps. Felt like cheating.

By level 20, you’ll have enough for fly fishing. Excited yet?

Mid-Game Power: Fly Fishing Spots for Levels 20-50

This is where fishing gets fun. Fly fishing trout and salmon? Smooth as butter, especially if you drop ’em fast. I grinded to 50 here on my main, banking every other inventory for cooking levels. The sound of feathers rustling in the wind, spots hopping like frogs, it’s meditative.

Barbarian Village: The Fly Fishing King

North of Varrock, by the rock mine. Lure spots galore for trout (20) and salmon (30). Permanent fire nearby for cooking on-site.

Why is this the GOAT spot? Edgeville bank is a quick run east, and it’s semi-AFK. At higher levels, hit 33k XP/hour dropping fish.

• Access: Just teleport to Varrock and jog north. Easy peasy.
• Crowds: Busy on weekends, but spots respawn quick.
• Profit Angle: Raw trout sells for 100gp each, salmon less. I made 50k gp in a session selling stacks.

Ever tried tick manipulation here? Chop a log, light fire, fish, drop, repeat. Boosts XP by 20%, but it’s active. I stuck to basic lure-clicking; still got to 58 fast.

Lumbridge River: Alternative for Noobs

If Barbarians scare you (they’re chill, promise), head to the River Lum in Lumbridge. Spots split into east and west banks.

Longer thoughts: I used this on my first account because it was closest to home. The bridge guards chat you up, makes it social. But spots move more, so expect some chasing. XP’s similar, 20-25k/hour at 40. Bank at the castle, five seconds away.

Question: Banking or dropping? For pure XP, drop. For gold, bank and cook. I did both, ended up with burnt salmon everywhere.

High-Level Hauls: Harpoon and Cage Spots for Levels 40+

Now we’re talking real fish. Lobsters heal like champs, swordfish bring the gp. But F2P limits you to boats and long runs. I remember sweating over those 30gp tolls on Musa Point, calculating if it was worth it. Spoiler: It was.

Musa Point on Karamja: Lobster and Swordfish Heaven

Dock at Musa Point after the Port Sarim boat (30gp each way). Cage lobsters at 40 (90 XP), harpoon tuna at 35 (80 XP), swordfish at 50 (100 XP).

• Why Epic? One spot does it all. General store upstairs banks for you, no real bank but close enough.
• XP Rate: 20k/hour lobsters, 17k swordfish dropping tuna.
• Profit: Lobsters net 100-200k/hour cooked. Swordies around 15k raw.

My epic fail: Forgot coins once, stuck fishing for hours. Pro tip: Carry 60gp minimum. After Dragon Slayer, unlock Corsair Cove for no-toll alternative, but that’s quest-locked.

Corsair Cove Resource Area: The Hidden Gem

South of Feldip Hills, but F2P access via boat from Port Sarim post-Dragon Slayer. Harpoon tuna/swordfish, cage lobsters. Spots don’t move much, huge win.

Short answer: Better than Musa if you’ve quested. Saves inventory on coins, XP same as Karamja.

I’ve farmed here for weeks, banking at the gnome glider nearby. Crowded? Sometimes, but the cove’s vibes are top-tier, like a pirate bay.

Comparing All the Spots: Which One Wins?

Let’s stack ’em up. I’ve tested these on alts, so numbers are real.

Barb Village takes the crown for XP, Musa for gold. Depends on your goal.

Pro Tips from a Seasoned F2P Grinder

Alright, you’ve got the spots, now level up smart. First, quests: Sea Slug gives 7k XP free, skips levels 1-24. Fishing Contest? 2k more at level 10. Do ’em.

Supplies wise, feathers burn cash, so farm chickens in Lumbridge. For profit, always cook and GE sell; raw prices fluctuate, but lobsters hold steady.

One trick I swear by: Use RuneLite’s fishing plugin. Highlights spots, tracks XP. Saved me hours chasing invisible ones.

And AFK? Drop fish with shift-click. I zoned out to 40 fly fishing like that, woke up to a level ding.

Question: Worth the grind? Absolutely, especially for food in PvP worlds.

Long para on mistakes: Early on, I ignored spot movement, wasting ticks running blind. Now, I predict ’em, clicking ahead. Also, don’t hoard burnt fish; they’re junk. Compost heap or drop. Oh, and in Wilderness spots like south of Bandit Camp, watch for PKers. Lost a full inv of herring once, ouch. But hey, adds spice.

Wrapping It Up: Cast Your Line and Level Up

There you have it, fellow scapers. From Draynor’s humble nets to Musa’s salty waves, F2P fishing spots in OSRS are your gateway to better gear, fuller bellies, and that sweet 99 cape someday. I’ve poured thousands of hours into this, from accidental AFK sessions to profit-maxing marathons, and it’s always rewarding. What’s your go-to spot? Barb Village for the rush, or Musa for the cash? Drop a comment if you’re reading this on the GE wait screen.

Grab your rod, stock those feathers, and get out there. Gielinor‘s waters are waiting. Tight lines!