- In Crimson Desert, players can observe the NPC fishermen by holding L1 to learn fishing.
- The fishes can be cooked to make food that heals stamina, or simply sell them at high profit.
- Fishing is a safe and reliable way to earn money early in the game.
In Crimson Desert, you don’t get tutorials every time a new feature is introduced or while learning new abilities. Instead, the game wants you to explore the world and observe the random NPCs to see if they have anything interesting to teach you. Similarly, fishing in Crimson Desert is one of those skills in Crimson Desert that you need to learn by yourself. Once you figure it out, it will surely feel relaxing and rewarding as well. So, here we will teach you how to fish in Crimson Desert, so that you don’t feel lost while playing the game.
How to Learn Fishing in Crimson Desert
As you start playing Crimson Desert, you will not have the skill to fish in the rivers and other waterbodies. And, it doesn’t even unlock by completing any quest or visiting a trainer. Instead, you have to follow the steps below to learn fishing in Crimson Desert:
- Head to any riverbank on the Crimson Desert map and look for fishermen NPCs actively doing their job.
- When you get close, you get a prompt in the lower right corner of the screen telling you to observe them by pressing and holding the L1 key.
- So, do the same, to pop up a transition where you learn the skill of fishing.
- After a few seconds, a prompt is displayed on the screen showing you the benefits of fishing in the game.
- Click on Continue, and you will have obtained the basic fishing rod.

This reflects a core mechanic of the Crimson Desert, as no menus and skill trees are required here, and you learn something purely by observing.
How to Fish in Crimson Desert: Controls and Tips

Once done, you can begin catching different types of fish, ranging from common to rare. Simply select the fishing rod from your equipment wheel and cast it. Now the following buttons (in console) will help you direct the fishing line:
- Right stick: Helps you reel in the fishing rod line.
- Left stick: Helps you control the fish by lessening its frantic movements.
- Right direction key: Cuts the line
Fishing is more than just a recreational activity, because you can cook the fish in a cauldron to serve two main purposes:
- It restores stamina and health that is crucial during combat.
- You can sell the cooked fish for a significantly high price early in the game.

Fishing becomes one of the best early-game money-making methods. You can further use a high-performance fine fishing rod for better efficiency in catching fish and make more money.
And that completes the guide to fish in Crimson Desert. So, what have you thought about learning the early skills in Crimson Desert? Tell us in the comments below.
Fish can be cooked to restore stamina or sold for money. It becomes a good source of making money early in the game.
Catching bounties can also help you make money fast early in Crimson Desert; however, fishing is consistent and a far safer method.
