Fishing in Guild Wars 2 offers a serene yet rewarding pastime, particularly within the End of Dragons expansion. Players can pursue intricate collections by catching specific fish across Cantha’s waters, earning achievements, titles, and valuable items. This guide details everything needed to tackle these challenges efficiently.
Getting Started with Fishing Basics
To begin fishing, own the End of Dragons expansion and progress through the initial story chapter, ‘Old Friends.’ This grants an account-wide fishing rod on all characters. Fishing holes appear as interactive spots in water bodies, allowing up to three casts by default—expandable to six with item boosters.
A skiff greatly enhances mobility and access to prime spots. Acquire one by completing a heart quest in Seitung Province, then purchase from the vendor for 700 karma. For optimal performance, prioritize the Fishing mastery track:
- Fishing Hole Master: Cuts cast time, triples XP, adds +20 fishing power (381,000 XP).
- Angler Sense: Reveals nearby holes on the map, +20 power (635,000 XP).
- Fishing on a Full Tank: +100 power while nourished, +20 base (1,016,000 XP).
- Master Caster: Extends cast range by 50%, +20 power (1,524,000 XP).
- Local Legend: Unlocks exclusive vendor items, +20 power (2,159,000 XP).
Boosting Your Fishing Power
Fishing power determines catch success, with 925 as the maximum. Base power starts low, but lures, bait, nourishment, and masteries build it up. Key boosters include:
| Item | Power Gain | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mackerel Bait | Up to 300+ (with stacks) | Vendor in Crystal Oasis |
| Scorpion Bait | 200-300 | Trading Post or Janthir Wilds |
| Zephyrite Fish Jerky | 25 stacks x4 (100 total) | Craft or Trading Post |
| Lures (e.g., 50-use variants) | +50 | Story reward or vendor |
Stack bait to 99 via squads in LFG for free boosts—dock at a shared skiff to copy stacks. Nourishment like jerky provides temporary power without constant rebaiting.
Overview of Fishing Achievements and Collections
Collections total 10 main sets, plus regionals like 21 Krytan fish for the ‘Fishmongers Know Me’ title. Completing first-time achievements yields 4-6 Chunks of Ancient Ambergris; repeatables give 30 Rare Fish Fillets and 3 chunks. Daily End of Dragons tasks often include fishing for extra progress.
Focus on Cantha collections: Quietus, Seitung, etc., each requiring unique fish under specific conditions (time, weather, power thresholds).
Essential Tools and Preparations
- Rod Skins: Gem Store, Black Lion Claims, or Arborstone vendor post-30 achievements.
- Boosters: Unlimited gathering boosters for extra casts.
- Squad Play: Join LFG for shared boosts and hole rotations.
Prepare by crafting or buying bait in bulk. Target 300-500 power for most spots; higher for elites.
Seitung Province Collections Guide
Seitung’s calm bays host beginner-friendly catches. Aim for 300 fishing power.
- Common Targets: Use basic lures at dawn for Silver Koi.
- Elite Spots: Nighttime with scorpion bait for Blue Dorado variants—patience required.
- Tips: Skiff to hidden coves near hearts; rotate holes quickly.
Complete the set for Ambergris chunks and fillets, advancing mastery.
New Kaineng City Fishing Strategies
Urban waters demand 400+ power amid neon lights.
| Fish | Conditions | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Neon Tetra | Rainy nights, mackerel bait | Canals under bridges |
| Kaineng Eel | 500 power, full stacks | Harbor depths |
| Golden Dorado | Dawn, Angler Sense active | Rooftop ponds |
Use mastery skills to spot holes in polluted areas. Squads excel here for rapid clears.
Dragon’s End and Elite Challenges
Post-story zones like Dragon’s End offer rare fish tied to events, like feeding turtles (3 AP). Target 600+ power.
- Purple Dorado: Stormy weather, max bait.
- Aurene’s Favorites: Story-linked lures essential.
Event participation boosts drops; boosters maximize yields.
Advanced Tips for Completionists
Track progress via achievement panel. Prioritize dailies for XP. For tough catches:
- Monitor weather/time cycles.
- Test power thresholds incrementally.
- Trade fillets for gear upgrades.
Post-Janthir Wilds, new baits expand options.
Rewards and Long-Term Benefits
Beyond cosmetics, collections unlock Local Legend perks, exclusive fishmongers, and titles. Ambergris crafts high-end items; fillets sell well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock fishing on all characters?
Complete End of Dragons chapter 1 once; rod unlocks account-wide.
What’s the best bait for profit?
Scorpion or Mackerel at high-traffic holes with boosters.
Can I fish without End of Dragons?
No, it’s expansion-locked, though all expansions add fish.
How to get 99 bait stacks free?
Join LFG squads and dock at boosted skiffs.
Do boosters work on fishing?
Yes, unlimited ones grant extra casts per hole.
References
- A Complete Fishing Guide for Guild Wars 2 — YouTube (Mukluk). 2023-06-15.
- Fishing (achievements) — Guild Wars 2 Wiki. 2026-04-01 (last updated). https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Fishing_(achievements)
- GW2 – End of Dragons Guides — GuildJen. 2022-02-28. https://guildjen.com/gw2-end-of-dragons-guides/
- Fishing — Guild Wars 2 Wiki (official game wiki). 2026-04-20 (last updated). https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Fishing
- How to Fish – Guild Wars 2® — Steam Community Guide. 2022-03-01. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2859952307