Fishing in Far Cry 5 isn’t just a peaceful diversion — it’s an essential side activity tied to challenges, trophies, and even gear unlocks. Whether you’re aiming for the Master Angler Trophy or just want the satisfaction of reeling in every fish in Hope County, this guide will walk you through every step of becoming a master fisherman, from catching specific fish to unlocking all four fishing rods.

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Fishing Goals and Trophies

There are two trophies tied to fishing:

1. Master Angler – Requires you to beat all region fishing records.
2. Been There, Done That – Tied to completing all hunting and fishing challenges (which includes catching set amounts of each fish type and land animals).

Fishing helps with both. You’ll also want to catch each fish type and sell them for money, which makes fishing a valuable and relaxing side hustle.

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All Four Fishing Rods & How to Unlock Them

1. Basic Fishing Rod: Found at any fishing spot on the map. Just approach a dock or river where fishing is marked, and you’ll find a rod waiting for you.
2. Natural Fishing Rod: Buy it at any gun shop for $800. Go to the last tab of the store menu to equip it.
3. Wonderboy Rod: Complete Skylar’s questline, which begins at Dylan’s Master Bait Shop. You’ll complete three quests, with the final one tasking you to catch a monster fish called “The Admiral.” Defeating it rewards you with the Wonderboy Rod.
4. Old Betsy Rod: The ultimate prize — unlocks after you beat all region fishing records at hard fishing spots for each of the 12 fish types. You must meet or exceed specific weight goals.

Tip: Equip your rods via the Utility Wheel (R1) and change flies with the Triangle button to match the target fish species.

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Must-Have Perk: Fisher King

Unlock the Fisher King perk (4 points) as early as possible. It improves your ability to tire fish quickly and gives access to heavier-duty lures and flies required to catch the biggest specimens.

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Fishing Mechanics and Technique

1. Cast your line using R2, and slowly reel it in using L2.
2. Once a fish bites, tap R2 to hook it.
3. Reel in the fish while pulling the right stick in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement.
4. If your line turns red, stop reeling. Point the rod toward the fish until tension eases, then resume.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to fish size and tension. Losing a line on a monster catch can cost you valuable time.

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How to Track Region Record Progress

Each region has a Fishing Record Board showing the required weights for fish and indicating whether you’ve beaten them.

• Holland Valley (John’s Region): Board is at the Spread Eagle Bar in Falls End.
• Whitetail Mountains (Jacob’s Region): Board is at The Wolf’s Den, inside the gun shop.
• Henbane River (Faith’s Region): Board is at Hope County Jail, left side upon entry.

Note: The trout records (Bull, Golden, Lake, Rainbow) are shared across regions. You only need to beat one record for each trout, and it applies to all three regions.

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Fish Types and Where to Find Them

Shared Trout Records (Any Region)

• Bull Trout – Found near rivers and streams in various regions.
• Golden Trout – Available near lakes.
• Lake Trout – Common in large water bodies, especially in the northeast.
• Rainbow Trout – Found in small lakes and ponds.

Region-Specific Fish Locations

Holland Valley (John’s Region)

• Paddlefish Sturgeon – South of the Sturgeon marker.
• Sturgeon – North-central water bodies.

Whitetail Mountains (Jacob’s Region)

• Chinook Salmon – North of Wolf’s Den.
• Kokanee Salmon – Found in mid-river streams.
• Arctic Grayling Salmon – Located in small alpine lakes.

Henbane River (Faith’s Region)

• Smallmouth Bass – Found near water bodies southwest of the jail.
• Largemouth Bass – Slightly north of the smallmouth location.
• Rock Bass – Near streams and wooded lake areas.

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Tips for Beating Fishing Records

• Always fish at hard fishing spots, or your catch won’t meet the region record weight.
• Use the correct fly for the species:
  • Trout Fly for Trout
  • Bass Popper for Bass
  • Salmon Egg for Salmon
  • Lure specific to Paddlefish/Sturgeon as needed
• Use the Wonderboy Rod (from Skylar’s quest) for better handling.
• Some fish may take several minutes to hook and land — be patient and persistent.

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Final Steps to Master Angler

Once you’ve beaten the record for each of the 12 fish types:

• Visit the Fishing Record Boards to confirm your wins (look for a first-place pin).
• You’ll automatically unlock the Old Betsy Rod, which you must equip manually from a gun shop.
• This achievement also pushes you toward the Master Angler Trophy and helps complete your challenge checklist for “Been There, Done That.”

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Wrap-Up: Become Hope County’s Fishing Legend

Fishing in Far Cry 5 is a blend of skill, patience, and strategy — but once you understand how each rod works, where to find each fish, and how to beat the regional records, the path to Master Angler becomes clear. Whether you’re reeling in monster salmon or dominating bass tournaments, this guide sets you up to fish like a pro.

Tight lines, deputy!