OSRS Fishing Contest Quick Guide: Fast Walkthrough for Old School RuneScape

OSRS Fishing Contest Quick Guide: Fast Walkthrough for Old School RuneScape


If you’re looking to breeze through the Fishing Contest quest in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you’ve landed in the right spot. This novice-level quest is short, rewarding, and unlocks a handy shortcut under White Wolf Mountain. Whether you’re a new player or an Ironman, this quick guide will walk you through every step efficiently, with tips to save time and effort. Let’s dive into this OSRS Fishing Contest guide and get that trophy in your hands fast!

The Fishing Contest quest is all about earning the trust of two dwarven brothers, Austri and Vestri, by winning a fishing competition in Hemenster. In return, they grant you access to their underground tunnel, a safer and faster way to cross White Wolf Mountain. It’s a beginner-friendly quest with minimal requirements, making it an excellent early-game task.

Quest Prerequisites

  • Fishing Level: 10 (easily achievable with basic fishing)
  • Combat Readiness: Ability to evade or survive level 44 guard dogs (no fighting required)

Items Needed

You’ll need a few items, most of which are obtainable during the quest:

  • Fishing Rod: Buy from Grandpa Jack in Hemenster for 5 coins if you don’t have one
  • Spade: For digging red vine worms (available in many locations, like Falador)
  • Garlic: Found in Seers’ Village or during the quest
  • 5-10 Coins: For contest fees and rod purchase

Pro Tip: Bring food if you’re a low-level player to handle potential guard dog aggression.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Follow these steps to complete the Fishing Contest quest quickly and efficiently. This guide is optimized for speed and clarity, ensuring you don’t waste time wandering around Gielinor.

Step 1: Starting the Quest

Head to either side of White Wolf Mountain to begin. You have two options:

  • Austri: East of the mountain, near the Taverley side
  • Vestri: West of the mountain, near Catherby

Speak to either dwarf and ask about the tunnel. When they refuse, select dialogue options like “If you were my friend I wouldn’t mind it” and “And how am I meant to do that?” They’ll task you with winning the Hemenster Fishing Contest and hand you a Fishing Pass.

Step 2: Gathering Supplies

Before heading to Hemenster, grab your supplies:

  • Garlic: Stop by Seers’ Village, southwest of the bank, and pick up garlic from the table in the house.
  • Red Vine Worms: Go to McGrubor’s Woods, north of Hemenster. Enter via the loose railing on the north side (beware of level 44 guard dogs). Check the red vines near the fairy ring (code ALS if unlocked) and collect 2-3 worms with your spade.
  • Fishing Rod: If you don’t have one, you’ll buy it later in Hemenster.

Step 3: Entering the Fishing Contest

Travel southwest from McGrubor’s Woods to Hemenster, just north of the Fishing Guild. Show your Fishing Pass to Morris at the gate to enter. If you need a fishing rod, visit Grandpa Jack’s house north of the contest area and buy one for 5 coins.

Step 4: Winning the Contest

Here’s how to secure the trophy:

  1. Place Garlic: Head to the pipes on the south wall of the north building, near the Sinister Stranger. Use your garlic on the pipes to drive him away (he’s a vampire sensitive to garlic).
  2. Pay Bonzo: Speak to Bonzo, the contest judge, and pay 5 coins to start.
  3. Fish: Move to the now-vacant spot by the pipes. Use your red vine worms as bait and fish until you catch a Giant Carp.
  4. Claim Victory: Talk to Bonzo again with the Giant Carp in your inventory. He’ll declare you the winner and award the trophy.

Step 5: Completing the Quest

Return to either Austri or Vestri with the trophy. Hand it over, and they’ll grant you access to the tunnel. Congratulations, quest complete!

Rewards and Benefits

Finishing the Fishing Contest quest offers some solid perks for your OSRS journey.

Quest Rewards

Why It’s Worth It

The tunnel shortcut is a game-changer for low-level players avoiding the mountain’s wolves. Plus, the Fishing XP gives a nice boost toward higher fishing levels, unlocking methods like minnows at 82 Fishing (with the Angler’s Outfit).

Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

Maximize your time with these handy tips tailored for the Fishing Contest quest.

Travel Shortcuts

  • Fairy Ring: Use code ALS to teleport directly to McGrubor’s Woods if you’ve unlocked it.
  • Camelot Teleport: Quick access near Seers’ Village for garlic.
  • Skills Necklace: Teleport to the Fishing Guild, then head north to Hemenster.

Avoiding Guard Dogs

In McGrubor’s Woods, stick to the edges and run past the guard dogs. They’re aggressive but slow—keep moving, and you’ll be fine. Low-level players should bring food as a precaution.

Ironman Considerations

For Ironmen, all items are obtainable in-game:

  • Spade: Grab one from Falador’s estate agent or a farming shop.
  • Fishing Rod: Buy from Grandpa Jack—no Grand Exchange needed.
  • Worms: Dig them yourself in McGrubor’s Woods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t trip up on these frequent pitfalls during the Fishing Contest quest.

Forgetting Garlic

Without garlic, the Sinister Stranger won’t move, and you’ll only catch sardines—losing the contest. Double-check your inventory before starting.

Starting Too Early

If you fish before placing the garlic, you’ll waste time and worms. Follow the steps in order: garlic first, then pay Bonzo.

Insufficient Worms

Collect at least 2-3 red vine worms. One might not be enough if your fishing attempt fails initially.

Mistake Consequence Fix
No Garlic Lose contest Grab from Seers’ Village
Fishing Too Soon Catch useless sardines Place garlic first
Too Few Worms Run out of bait Collect extras

Conclusion

The OSRS Fishing Contest quest is a quick, rewarding task that’s perfect for players of all levels. With just a bit of preparation and this guide, you’ll snag that trophy and unlock the White Wolf Mountain tunnel in no time. The Fishing XP and shortcut access make it a must-do early in your RuneScape adventure. Ready to fish like a pro? Get out there and show Hemenster who’s boss!

Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them below, and happy questing in Old School RuneScape!