Fishing in Rust has become one of the most relaxing and surprisingly profitable side activities in the game. Whether you’re new to fishing or wondering how to turn worms into scrap, this guide will teach you how to fish in Rust, where to do it, how bait works, and which fish earn the most.
Let’s dive right in.
Where to Start Fishing in Rust
Find a Fishing Village
Before anything else, you’ll want to make your way to one of the two Fishing Villages found on the map, typically located along the coast. The Large Fishing Village is preferred due to its expanded facilities and better trading options.
There, you’ll meet an NPC vendor who can:
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Sell fishing rods
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Sell worms as bait
You can also craft a Fishing Rod yourself with:
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200 Wood
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2 Rope
Once you have a rod and some bait, you’re ready to start fishing.
How to Use the Fishing Rod
Equip the Rod and Add Bait
When you equip your fishing rod, click on it and you’ll see a “container” section. This is where you place your bait. Without bait, you can’t cast your line.
Good bait options include:
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Worms (from pumpkins, corn, or hemp)
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Fish (caught fish can also be used)
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Animal Meat (raw or cooked pork, fish meat, etc.)
Each bait has a “bait value”, which affects your chance of catching better fish:
Bait Type | Bait Value |
---|---|
Worms | 3 |
Raw Fish Meat | 5 |
Small Trout | 10 |
Catfish | 10 |
Raw Pork | 5–7 |
How to Cast and Catch Fish
Once bait is in place:
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Hold right-click to prepare your cast. A bobber distance marker appears.
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When the indicator turns blue, release to cast.
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Wait for splashes—this means a fish is biting.
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As soon as you hear the sound cue, left-click and hold to start reeling.
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Watch the tension in the fishing line. If it becomes too tight, the line may snap.
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Release the reel briefly to reduce tension. Alternate between reeling and easing off.
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Use A and D keys to steer the rod and keep the fish centered.
This push-pull rhythm mimics real-life fishing and is crucial to avoid breaking your line.
How to Gut and Use Fish
After catching a fish, you can:
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Use it again as bait
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Gut the fish for:
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Raw Fish Meat (better bait)
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Bones
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Animal Fat
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Click the “Gut” button to receive these resources instantly. Raw Fish Meat with a bait value of 5 is more effective than basic worms, so use it for better catches.
Types of Fish and Their Value
There are six special fish you can sell for scrap at the Large Fishing Village:
Fish Type | Bait Value | Scrap Value |
---|---|---|
Small Trout | 10 | Low |
Yellow Perch | 10 | Low |
Salmon | 10 | Medium |
Catfish | 10 | Medium-High |
Orange Ruffy | 10 | High |
Small Shark | 10 | Very High |
Where to Catch Rare Fish
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Lakes & Rivers: Basic fish like Perch and Trout
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Far Sea Areas: Rare fish like Catfish, Orange Ruffy, and Small Sharks
The better your bait, the better the fish you’ll hook.
How to Sell Fish for Scrap
At the Large Fishing Village, you’ll find a machine that lets you trade fish for scrap. It only accepts the six rare fish types listed above.
Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
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Small Trout / Yellow Perch: Few scraps
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Salmon / Catfish: Decent return
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Orange Ruffy / Small Shark: Best payout
Stack up on bait, go out to sea, and aim for the big catches.
Tips for Mastering Fishing in Rust
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Use high-quality bait like Raw Fish or Pork to increase chances of rare fish.
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Control the rod tension: don’t just hold down left-click; manage the line smartly.
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Watch your location: sea fishing gives better returns than inland bodies of water.
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Keep bait stocked: craft or harvest worms early to avoid getting stuck.
Why Fish in Rust?
Fishing isn’t just relaxing—it’s useful:
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Earn scrap, which is crucial for progressing.
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Gather animal resources like bones and fat.
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Stock up on better bait by catching fish.
Whether you’re a solo survivor or playing in a squad, fishing adds a new layer of gameplay that’s both profitable and immersive.
FAQs on Rust Fishing
Can I fish anywhere in Rust?
Yes, but rare fish spawn only in specific zones like the ocean or large rivers.
Do I need to gut every fish?
No. Only gut fish if you need resources or bait. Otherwise, sell them for scrap.
What’s the best bait in Rust?
Currently, Small Shark, Raw Fish Meat, and Catfish have the highest bait values (10).
Can I use cooked meat as bait?
Yes, cooked and raw meat both work—though raw tends to have slightly higher bait value.
Is fishing better than farming animals?
Fishing is quieter and safer. For solo players, it’s a great way to gather resources and earn scrap without loud gunfire attracting attention.
Conclusion
Fishing in Rust might be a newer mechanic, but it’s already proving to be an excellent way to gather loot, earn scrap, and enjoy downtime between raids. Whether you’re casually casting for perch or targeting sharks for high-value returns, knowing how to fish in Rust gives you a strong edge in survival.
Grab your rod, stock up on bait, and head for the coast—the ocean’s waiting.