Why Every Adventurer Needs a Fishing Pole!
Alright, friend, pull up a stool and let an old hand tell you why fishing in Classic Azeroth is more than just a way to pass the time – it's an adventure in itself! This seemingly simple pastime offers a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. Fishing can be a calming activity, a peaceful escape from the usual monster-slaying and dungeon-delving. Yet, it's also a vital source of resources, particularly for those who practice Cooking, as many recipes rely on a fresh catch.
The thrill of landing a rare fish or the glory of winning the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza adds another layer of appeal. One of the greatest advantages of fishing is its status as a secondary profession. This means it doesn't occupy one of the two primary profession slots, allowing any adventurer, regardless of class or other chosen trades, to pick up a rod and reel.
The journey of a fisher in Azeroth is one of patience, discovery, and sometimes, a bit of luck when battling the notorious RNG for that prized catch. Whether an adventurer seeks to supply their raid group with potent food buffs, earn some extra gold, or simply soak in the picturesque waterscapes of Azeroth, this guide will serve as a trusty companion from the very first cast to the esteemed rank of Artisan Angler.
The Bare Necessities: Getting Your Line Wet (Skills 1-75)
Learning Apprentice Fishing: Finding Your First Trainer
The first step on any angling journey is to learn the basics from a seasoned professional. Apprentice Fishing can be learned starting at character level 5. The easiest way to locate a Fishing trainer is to ask a guard in any major city; they will happily mark the trainer's location on the map.
| Faction | City/Zone | Trainer Name |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | Ironforge | Grimnur Stonebrand |
| Alliance | Stormwind City | Arnold Leland |
| Alliance | Darnassus | Astaia |
| Alliance | Teldrassil | Androl Oakhand |
| Alliance | Dun Morogh | Paxton Ganter |
| Alliance | Elwynn Forest | Lee Brown |
| Horde | Orgrimmar | Lumak |
| Horde | Undercity | Armand Cromwell |
| Horde | Thunder Bluff | Kah Mistrunner |
| Horde | Tirisfal Glades | Clyde Kellen |
| Horde | Durotar | Lau'Tiki |
| Horde | Mulgore | Uthan Stillwater |
Your First Rod and Lure
An angler can't catch much with bare hands. A basic Fishing Pole and a few lures are essential starting equipment, available from Fishing Supply or Trade Supply merchants. Shiny Baubles provide a +25 Fishing Skill bonus for 10 minutes, which is invaluable in the early stages to reduce the number of fish that "get away".
The Art of the Cast: How Fishing Works
With pole and lure in hand, the angler should stand near a body of water, open their spellbook, locate the Fishing ability, and cast their line. A fishing bobber will appear in the water. The key is to watch the bobber closely; when it splashes and bobs, a quick right-click on it will reel in the catch (or attempt to).
Path to 75: Best Starting Zones
For the initial grind from skill 1 to 75, the starting zones are the optimal fishing spots. It's important to note that for this skill range, capital cities are generally not the most efficient places to fish; the fish there may be too difficult for a novice angler.
Recommended starting zones include:
- Dun Morogh
- Durotar
- Elwynn Forest
- Mulgore
- Teldrassil
- Tirisfal Glades
In these tranquil waters, anglers will primarily catch Raw Brilliant Smallfish and occasionally Raw Longjaw Mud Snapper.
Journeyman Angler: Expanding Your Horizons (Skills 75-150)
Training Journeyman Fishing
Upon reaching a fishing skill of 50 and character level 10, it's time to revisit a fishing trainer to learn Journeyman Fishing. This advancement allows skill progression up to 150.
Safer Waters: Capital City Fishing
With Journeyman status achieved, the canals and lakes within capital cities become excellent fishing grounds. These locations offer safety from hostile creatures and convenient access to trainers and vendors.
The catch in these urban waters will continue to include Raw Longjaw Mud Snapper, and anglers will also begin to see Raw Bristle Whisker Catfish more frequently. Ironforge is also a viable option.
Venturing Out: Exploring New Zones
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, several other zones offer good fishing opportunities in this skill bracket: The Barrens, Darkshore, Loch Modan, Silverpine Forest, and Westfall. This choice between the security of cities and the potential for more varied catches (or dangers) in open zones caters to different player preferences. When fishing in areas where the water is slightly too challenging for an angler's current skill level, keeping lures active is highly recommended.
The Expert's Reel: Tackling Tougher Waters (Skills 150-225)
The Journey to Booty Bay: Finding Old Man Heming
To progress beyond a fishing skill of 150, a trip to the notorious pirate town of Booty Bay in Stranglethorn Vale is necessary. Here, the legendary angler Old Man Heming sells the crucial item: the book Expert Fishing - The Bass and You.
Essential Lures: Stocking Up on Bright Baubles
Before departing Booty Bay, it is highly advisable to purchase a generous supply of Bright Baubles from Old Man Heming or other fishing suppliers. These lures provide a substantial +75 bonus to fishing skill for 10 minutes and are indispensable for efficiently leveling through the expert tier.
Recommended Zones: Dustwallow Marsh and Beyond
The prime location for skilling up from 150 to 225 is Dustwallow Marsh. With Bright Baubles applied, the fishing here is excellent.
Other suitable zones for this skill range include:
- Alterac Mountains
- Arathi Highlands
- Desolace
- Stranglethorn Vale
- Swamp of Sorrows
- Thousand Needles
In these more challenging waters, anglers will begin to catch fish like Raw Spotted Yellowtail.
Fishing Skill Progression & Zone Guide
| Skill Range | Recommended Zones | Key Fish to Expect | Recommended Lure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-75 | Starting Zones (Dun Morogh, Durotar, Elwynn, Mulgore, Teldrassil, Tirisfal Glades) | Raw Brilliant Smallfish, Raw Longjaw Mud Snapper | Shiny Bauble (+25) |
| 75-150 | Capital Cities (Stormwind, Orgrimmar, etc.); The Barrens, Darkshore, Loch Modan, Westfall | Raw Longjaw Mud Snapper, Raw Bristle Whisker Catfish | Shiny Bauble (+25) |
| 150-225 | Dustwallow Marsh (recommended); Alterac Mtns, Arathi, Desolace, STV, Swamp of Sorrows | Raw Spotted Yellowtail | Bright Baubles (+75) |
| 225-300 | Tanaris, Felwood, Feralas, The Hinterlands, Un'Goro Crater, Western Plaguelands | Raw Nightfin Snapper, Raw Sunscale Salmon, Stonescale Eel | Bright Baubles (+75), Aquadynamic Fish Attractor (+100) |
Artisan Angler: The Nat Pagle Challenge! (Skills 225-300)
Meeting the Legend: Nat Pagle in Dustwallow Marsh
To achieve the prestigious rank of Artisan Angler and unlock the ability to reach the skill cap of 300, one must seek out and impress the legendary fisherman, Nat Pagle. He can be found in Dustwallow Marsh, southwest of Theramore Isle.
The "Nat Pagle, Angler Extreme" Quest: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nat Pagle's quest is a true test of an angler's dedication, requiring the capture of four specific rare fish from diverse and often dangerous locations across Azeroth. This quest serves as a rite of passage, pushing players to explore and apply their skills in varied environments. The necessity for lures in some of these zones also underscores that higher-tier fishing demands more than just skill points; consumables become vital.
The Final Stretch: Best Zones to Hit 300
With Artisan Fishing learned, the journey to 300 skill points begins. This final leg requires fishing in high-level zones where the waters are most challenging.
Recommended zones for skilling from 225 to 300 include:
- Felwood
- Feralas
- The Hinterlands
- Tanaris
- Un'Goro Crater
- Western Plaguelands
In these advanced zones, using lures is not just recommended, it's often essential, especially in the early parts of this skill bracket. Bright Baubles (+75) are a minimum, and Aquadynamic Fish Attractors (+100) can significantly speed up progress by ensuring fewer fish escape.
Gearing Up: Poles, Lures, and Lines for Success!
Having the right equipment can dramatically improve an angler's efficiency and enjoyment. A better pole means fewer fish get away, and the right lure can open up new fishing grounds sooner.
Poles of Power: From Basic to Arcanite
Several fishing poles offer significant advantages as an angler progresses:
First place reward from Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza
| Pole Name | Skill Bonus | Min. Skill Req. | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Pole | None | 1 | Fishing Vendors | Basic starter pole |
| Strong Fishing Pole | +5 | 10 | Fishing Vendors | Early upgrade |
| Big Iron Fishing Pole | +20 | 100 | Looted from Shellfish Traps in Desolace | Excellent mid-game pole. Traps may spawn hostile creatures |
| Nat Pagle's Extreme Angler FC-5000 | +25 (Horde) +20 (Alliance) |
100 | Quest rewards (faction specific) | Horde: "Snapjaws, Mon!" (Level 44) Alliance: "Snapjaws, Lad!" (Level 40) |
| Nat's Lucky Fishing Pole | +25 | 225 | Quest: "Nat Pagle, Angler Extreme" | Reward for completing Artisan fishing quest |
| Arcanite Fishing Pole | +35 | 300 | Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza | Best in Slot for Classic WoW |
Lure Lore: Maximizing Your Skill
Lures are temporary consumable items that provide a crucial boost to fishing skill, allowing anglers to fish in more difficult waters successfully.
| Lure Name | Skill Bonus | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiny Bauble | +25 | 10 minutes | Fishing Vendors |
| Nightcrawlers | +50 | 10 minutes | Dropped by Undead mobs; some Fishing Vendors |
| Bright Baubles | +75 | 10 minutes | Fishing Vendors (e.g., Old Man Heming) |
| Flesh Eating Worm | +75 | 10 minutes | Rare drop from Rotted One in Duskwood |
| Aquadynamic Fish Attractor | +100 | 10 minutes | Engineers (Skill 150); limited supply from Fishing Vendors |
Pro Angler Secrets: Beyond Basic Casting
Pool Party: The Magic of Fishing Pools
Those swirling, distinct patches of water an angler might spot are known as fishing pools or schools of fish. These are highly valuable because they guarantee a catch of the specific type of fish indicated by the pool's name (e.g., an Oily Blackmouth School will yield Oily Blackmouth) and significantly reduce the chance of catching junk.
"Find Fish": Tracking Treasure with the Weather-Beaten Journal
To make locating these valuable pools much easier, the Find Fish ability is indispensable. This skill, which displays nearby fishing pools on the minimap, is learned by reading a Weather-Beaten Journal.
Acquiring "Find Fish" is a significant upgrade, transforming an angler from a hopeful caster into a targeted hunter of specific fish, greatly boosting efficiency.
Weather & Time: Does it Really Matter?
Tales abound of secret fishing times or weather conditions that improve catches. While a bit of rain might enhance the atmosphere, for most fish in Classic WoW, the most critical factor beyond skill and location is the server clock, especially for two highly sought-after species: Raw Nightfin Snapper and Raw Sunscale Salmon. Their availability is strictly governed by in-game time:
- 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM (Server Time - Midnight to Dawn): This is the prime window for catching Raw Nightfin Snapper. During these hours, Raw Sunscale Salmon do not spawn, increasing the likelihood of landing Nightfins.
- 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Server Time - Morning to Noon): Both Raw Nightfin Snapper and Raw Sunscale Salmon can be caught.
- 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Server Time - Noon to Evening): This is the optimal time for Raw Sunscale Salmon, as Raw Nightfin Snapper do not spawn during this period.
- 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Server Time - Evening to Midnight): Both species are again available.
The Big One: The Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza!
Every Sunday, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM server time, the normally perilous shores of Stranglethorn Vale become an even more intense battleground—for fishing! This is the renowned Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza, a contest that tests an angler's speed, skill, preparation, and often, a bit of luck.
Rules of the Game: Catching Speckled Tastyfish
The primary objective is to be the first angler to catch 40 Speckled Tastyfish. These special fish can only be caught from "Pool of Tastyfish" that appear exclusively along the Stranglethorn Vale coastline during the event. Once 40 are collected, they must be turned in to Riggle Bassbait in Booty Bay.
The Grand Prizes: Coveted Angling Gear
Tournament Rewards
The victorious angler can choose between the Arcanite Fishing Pole (+35 Fishing Skill), the best fishing pole in Classic WoW, or the Hook of the Master Angler, a unique trinket that transforms the user into a fish, granting increased swim speed and underwater breathing. An angler who wins the event a second time can claim the other grand prize. The Arcanite Fishing Pole, in particular, is a significant status symbol.
Even those who don't secure first place have a chance at other rewards. Rare fish like Kiefer's Angelfish and Brownell's Blue Striped Racer can also be caught from the Tastyfish pools. Turning these specific rare fish in to Riggle Bassbait can award the Lucky Fishing Hat (+5 Fishing Skill) or Nat's Lucky Fishing Boots (+5 Fishing Skill).
Tips for Victory: Outsmarting the Competition
Winning the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza is a significant achievement. Here are some strategies to improve the odds:
- Preparation is Key: Arrive early. Have the fastest mount available, any water walking potions or elixirs, the best fishing pole and lures (like Aquadynamic Fish Attractors), and ensure bags are empty. Setting a hearthstone to Booty Bay is a common tactic for a quick turn-in.
- Scout and Track: Familiarize oneself with potential Tastyfish pool spawn locations along the coast. The Find Fish ability is invaluable here.
- Lures are Non-Negotiable: Use the best available lure to minimize the chance of a Tastyfish getting away. Every cast counts.
- PvP Threats: On PvP servers, the competition can be fierce, with rival anglers (and opportunistic gankers) posing a significant threat.
- Crowded Pools: Popular pool locations can become overcrowded, leading to competition for limited casts.
- RNG Factor: Pool spawn locations and catch rates involve randomness that can affect even the most prepared angler.
Fishing for Fortune: Profitable Catches & Market Savvy
Beyond personal use for cooking or the thrill of sport, fishing can be a lucrative endeavor, providing a steady stream of gold for the savvy angler. Certain fish are consistently in high demand, primarily due to their use in Alchemy and high-end Cooking recipes.
Azeroth's Most Wanted Fish
High-Value Fish Market Guide
A Note on Sunken Treasures: Crates and Chests
Beyond the fish themselves, anglers can also reel in various sunken treasures. Tightly Sealed Trunk, Iron Bound Trunk, and Mithril Bound Trunk can be fished up from wreckage pools or even open water. These containers might hold useful items like cloth, leather, potions, uncommon (green) gear, and occasionally rare crafting components like the valuable Golden Pearl.
Tight Lines & Tall Tales: Final Casts
The waters of Azeroth have much to offer the patient and persistent angler. From the first tentative cast in a starting zone pond to the high-stakes competition of the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza, and from battling Nat Pagle's legendary catches to supplying the realm with vital ingredients, the journey of a fisherman in Classic WoW is rich and rewarding.
This path involves learning the fundamentals, diligently progressing through skill tiers, acquiring better gear, mastering advanced techniques like pool fishing and understanding the nuances of catch times, and even playing the market. Fishing offers relaxation, a means of profit, a way to achieve self-sufficiency through cooking, and always, the undeniable thrill of a significant catch.
"Patience is indeed a virtue by the water, but so too is a good lure, a sturdy pole, and the knowledge of where the fish are biting."
May all aspiring anglers find their lines tight, their bobbers splashing frequently, and their fishing tales worthy of retelling in every tavern from Booty Bay to Winterspring. The waters await; it's time to make some waves!
