Fishing is a trade skill in New World that lets you fish in various bodies of water that are found in Aeternum. This guide will show you how to level your Fishing skill fast from 0 to 200, how to fish in New World, and Fishing level thresholds to track all kinds of Fishing Hotspots on your compass!

How to Level Up Fishing From 0 to 200

Fishing in New World is one of the most time-consuming Trade Skills to level up. However, successfully leveling it up provides access to various types of ingredients that benefit Cooking and Arcana.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to level up the Fishing trade skill from 0 to 200 as both a new player or an Aeternum veteran.

Fishing Level Ranges
0-20	20-40	40-60
60-80	80-100	100-200

Use the links above to quickly jump to each Fishing leveling range!

Fishing Level 0 to 20

Start in Windsward and Accept the Fishing Questline Start Using the Hotspots at Fishing Level 2 Fish at the Rare Fishing Hotspot in Windsward Start Fishing in First Light Migrate to Everfall at Fishing Levels 16 to 20 Farm and Hoard Bait

Start in Windsward and Accept the Fishing Questline

The first fishing hotspots that players will unlock will be located in Windsward. For those looking to level up their Fishing trade skill, start in this beginner region.

It is recommended that new players accept the first quest of the Fishing Questline from Michael Shields as this provides a free fishing pole. This NPC can be found on a lake pier, just west of Windsward Hamlet.

Start Using the Hotspots at Fishing Level 2

Two Broad Fishing Hotspots will unlock once players hit level 2 fishing. Start fishing in these hotspots to increase the chances of getting uncommon fish.

Remember: The higher the rarity of the fish, the more XP it rewards. Players should exhaust these hotspots until they reach level 7 Fishing.

Fish at the Rare Fishing Hotspot in Windsward

At level 7 Fishing, the Rare Saltwater Fishing Hotspot located at the end of Stoneview Seabreak in Windsward, will unlock. Fish here to get increased chances at uncommon and rare fish.

Exhaust the fish in the hotspot before cycling back to the earlier unlocked Broad Fishing Hotspot to the south of Stoneview Seabreak. Repeating this cycle will get players to at least level 12 Fishing.

Start Fishing in First Light

After reaching level 12 Fishing, six Broad Fishing Hotspots should now be available in First Light. If the Windsward locations are being heavily contested, try fishing in First Light.

The added bonus of switching regions and constantly fishing in Broad hotspots is that players can start racking up Aquatic Snails and Clams. These will be needed to progress the Fishing Quest in First Light, later on.

Migrate to Everfall at Fishing Levels 16 to 20

Players should start fishing in Everfall at fishing levels 16-20 as the next few Broad and Rare Fishing Hotspots will unlock here. Exhaust the hotspots to reach level 20, comfortably.

The Fishing Questline can also be continued in Everfall by speaking to Dena Ruby. This NPC is located along the bay, just north of the Everfall Watchtower.

Farm and Hoard Bait

While roaming, players can opt to also farm fishing bait. The best and easiest bait types players can get are Nightcrawler Bait, Firefly Bait, Woodlouse Bait, and Glowworm Bait.

Bait can also be bought from the Trading Post. However, do note that in low population servers, the prices tend to be impractical for bulk buying (unless players are swimming in coin).

Type of Bait	How to Find
Nightcrawler Bait	Can be found by gathering Flint at night.
Firefly Bait	Can be found by gathering Bulrushes.
Woodlouse Bait	Can be found by gathering Bushes.
Glowworm Bait	Can be found by gathering Flint at night.

Fishing Level 20 to 40

Camp and Fish a Rare Fishing Hotspot Progress the Fishing Questline in First Light Level Up Character to 35 or Higher Progress Fishing Questline in Monarch's Bluff

Camp and Fish a Rare Fishing Hotspot

Fishing in open bodies of water will net less XP overall compared to Fishing Hotspots. The fastest way to get Fishing XP is to stay at a single Rare Fishing Hotspot (in either Windsward or Everfall) and continuously fish it until depleted.

Visit nearby Broad Fishing Hotspots until the Rare Hotspot refreshes. Do this until Fishing level 30 as hotspots unlocked between 20 and 30 will only be one Secret Hotspot (hard to reach) and three Broad Hotspots, anyway.

Progress the Fishing Questline in First Light

The gap between Fishing level 20 and 30 is also the perfect time to progress the Fishing Questline. Make a quick stop in First Light and speak to Dallas Clemenson. This NPC can be found in the beaches near the new Varangian Raider Camp.

The Aquatic Snails and Clams players have collected will be needed for this quest, so make sure to bring some along before speaking to the NPC.

Level Up Character to 35 or Higher

It cannot be stressed enough that roaming only to level up Fishing will get low-level players killed. Progress to at least level 35 (on the player character) to start using the hotspots unlocked at Fishing levels 20 to 40.

Once players hit Fishing level 30, they will have to level up in order to leave and fish in mid-level regions like Weaver's Fen, Brightwood, and Cutlass Keys.

Progress Fishing Questline in Monarch's Bluff

Once players hit Fishing level 37, they can head over to Monarch's Bluff to start completing the next leg of the Fishing Questline. Look for Quinton Warwick, an NPC that can be found in a small island to the south of Werna Isle in Monarch's Bluff.

At this fishing level, two Broad Hotspots should be unlocked in Monarch's Bluff. Players can opt to either fish in the region, cycle back to other starter regions, or fish at the two unlocked Broad Hotspots in Cutlass Keys.

Fishing Level 40 to 60

Cycle Through Starter Region Hotspots Until Fishing Level 45 Progress Fishing Questline in Cutlass Keys Cycle Back to Old Fishing Hotspots Progress the Fishing Questline in Brightwood Progress the Fishing Questline in Weaver's Fen Cycle through Rare Fishing Hotspots in Cutlass Keys

Before beginning this section of the grind, it should be emphasized how important player levels are when leveling up the Fishing Trade Skill. At Fishing levels 41 to 60, most of the unlocked hotspots will be located in level 40+ regions.

Areas like Great Cleave, Restless Shore, Mourningdale, and Ebonscale Reach are high level regions that will be dangerous to explore with an underleveled character.

Cycle Through Starter Region Hotspots Until Fishing Level 45

At this point, players should still try sticking to the mid and starter regions when leveling up fishing from 40 to 45. Only go to the unlocked Restless Shore hotspots when planning to quest within the region.

At fishing level 45, a Rare Saltwater Hotspot will unlock in the southern area of Cutlass Keys (in Cayo de la Muerte). Players can camp this hotspot for easy fishing as it is usually out of the way for a lot of questing players.

Progress Fishing Questline in Cutlass Keys

This is the perfect time to progress the next leg of the fishing questline. Talk to Edith Perchal to the west of the Cutlass Keys Hamlet to begin.

To finish this mission quickly, players can use bait that increases the chances of catching larger fish. For saltwater fishing, use the following bait types.

Saltwater Size-Boosting Bait
Electric Eel Bait	Salvaged from Electric Eels. Large boost to catching bigger fish.
Snail Bait	Salvaged from Aquatic Snails. Medium boost to catching bigger fish.
Meat Bait	Crafted at the Kitchen or Camp. Small boost to catching bigger fish.

For fishing in fresh water, the following bait types will increase the chances of catching large fish.

Fresh Water Size-Boosting Bait
Oyster Bait	Salvaged from Oysters. Large boost to catching bigger fish.
Clam Bait	Salvaged from Clams. Medium boost to catching bigger fish.
Fish Bait	Crafted at the Kitchen or Camp. Small boost to catching bigger fish.

Cycle Back to Old Fishing Hotspots

As players progress towards Fishing level 60, most of the unlocked hotspots will be in high-level northern regions like Mourningdale, Edengrove, and even one in Reekwater.

It is recommended that players revisit their old fishing hotspots to farm levels unless they are already at max character level.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Brightwood

After completing the quest requirement of catching large fish, head over to Greyvale in Brightwood. Talk to Park Jennet, an NPC standing on the lake pier, and begin the next leg of the fishing questline.

Like with the Aquatic Snail and Clam Quest earlier on, players will be asked to catch Squid from Saltwater and Catfish from freshwater.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Weaver's Fen

This quest is one of the easiest to complete in the entire questline. Talk to Sheetal Agarwal, located near the northeastern border of Weaver's Fen, Mourningdale, and Restless Shore.

Fish in the water right next to this NPC without using any bait and unequipping any rarity-boosting armor. Fish out 3 Soggy Boots to complete the mission.

Cycle through Rare Fishing Hotspots in Cutlass Keys

At Fishing level 56, a new Rare Fishing Hotspot will unlock in Cutlass Keys. It can be found in the southwestern end of the Condemned Shallows (stand on the ship wreckage to fish it).

Cycle through this hotspot and the other one near Cayo de la Muerte in order to rack up fishing XP. This method should get players to fishing level 60 in no time.

Fishing Level 60 to 80

Cycle through Rare Fishing Hotspots in Weaver's Fen Drop by Restless Shore for Fishing Quest Fish at the Rare Fishing Hotspots in Monarch's Bluff Unlock the Secret Hotspot in Weaver's Fen Progress the Fishing Questline in Mourningdale Cycle Through Old Hotspots Until 80

Cycle through Rare Fishing Hotspots in Weaver's Fen

At Fishing level 60, two Rare Fishing Hotspots will unlock in Weaver's Fen. One can be found just below South Vega Bridge, and the other is located to the north of Wretched Shallows.

Once players reach Fishing level 62, another Rare Fishing Hotspot will unlock in the same region. It can be found near the waterfall to the north of the Mallory's Refuge spirit shrine.

Drop by Restless Shore for Fishing Quest

While fishing in Weaver's Fen, take a quick detour to Restless Shore and accept the next quest in the Fishing Questline. Talk to Finola O'Connor to the southwest of the Restless Shore fort to begin.

Again, fish in the water right next to this NPC without using any bait and unequipping any rarity-boosting armor. Players will have to reel in a Fish Headed Hammer and a Fish Sword.

Fish at the Rare Fishing Hotspots in Monarch's Bluff

At Fishing level 67, two new Rare Fishing Hotspots will unlock in Monarch's Bluff. If players find that Weaver's Fen hotspots are too contested, they can opt to fish in Monarch's Bluff instead.

One can be found just south of the starter beach. The other is on the pier near the earlier fishing quest NPC, Quinton Warwick (south of the Werna Isle).

Unlock the Secret Hotspot in Weaver's Fen

At Fishing level 70, the Secret Fishing Hotspot located in the waterfall to the north of Periville will unlock. It can only be accessed from a higher elevation, so make sure to approach it from the cliffs south of the Weaver's Fen fort.

Use this secret hotspot for a boost in fishing XP while in Weaver's Fen. Equip rarity-boosting equipment and bait to consistently catch rare fish.*

Fresh Water Rarity-Boosting Bait
Firefly Bait	Gathered from Bulrush and Briar plants. Large boost to catching better fish.
Woodlouse Bait	Gathered from Bushes. Medium boost to catching better fish.
Bread Bait	Crafted at the Kitchen or obtained from Provision Containers. Small boost to catching better fish.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Mourningdale

Speak to Tariku Abebe in Mourningdale to progress the fishing questline. This NPC is located to the northeast of Mourningdale Hamlet, just beside a small body of water. Fish out a Treasure Chest to complete this quest's objective.

Note: The fields leading up to this NPC will be patrolled by level 47 wolves. Players who are not level 43+ can get one-shotted depending on their stats.

Cycle Through Old Hotspots Until 80

As players get closer to Fishing level 100, the hotspot unlocks will be few and far between. Make sure to cycle back to older hotspots if the Weaver's Fen spots are contested, on cooldown, or simply too monotonous.

From Fishing Levels 70 to 80, only rare hotspots in Restless Shore will unlock. Players can opt to fish there, however, it should be noted that plenty of high-level players will be contesting the spots since the region is prime for resource farming.

Fishing Level 80 to 100

Accept the Fishing Quest in Great Cleave Catch Larger Fish for the Fishing Questline Progress the Fishing Questline in Edengrove Progress the Fishing Questline in Shattered Mountain Progress the Fishing Questline in Ebsoncale Reach Cycle Through Old Hotspots Until Fishing Level 100 Complete the Fishing Questline in Reekwater

Note: The fishing quests after Eberhart Klaus will be given in multiple, high-level regions including Shattered Mountain, Edengrove, and Ebonscale Reach.

For players below level 50, consider leveling up before entering these regions as enemy patrols here will be thicker (e.g., roads will always have hostiles) unlike in low-level regions. It will be harder to sneak past enemies in these regions.

Accept the Fishing Quest in Great Cleave

Players can take a detour and head over to Great Cleave to progress the Fishing questline. Speak to Eberhart Klaus in a pier beside Glass Lake to receive the quest.

Note: Most Great Cleave hotspots will not be unlocked at this fishing level range. It is recommended that players accept the quest and leave the region (especially for characters with low levels) as the Glass Lake area is hostile and is a Corrupted Breach spawn location.

Catch Larger Fish for the Fishing Questline

Players will be tasked by Eberhart Klaus to catch a number of large fish to complete his quest. Revisit old unlocked hotspots (especially the rare fishing hotspots) and equip size-boosting bait to quickly complete this mission.

Size-Boosting Bait
Electric Eel Bait	Salvaged from Electric Eels. Large boost to catching bigger fish in saltwater.
Snail Bait	Salvaged from Aquatic Snails. Medium boost to catching bigger fish in saltwater.
Meat Bait	Crafted at the Kitchen or Camp. Small boost to catching bigger fish in saltwater.
Oyster Bait	Salvaged from Oysters. Large boost to catching bigger fish in fresh water.
Clam Bait	Salvaged from Clams. Medium boost to catching bigger fish in fresh water.
Fish Bait	Crafted at the Kitchen or Camp. Small boost to catching bigger fish in fresh water.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Edengrove

For players with a high enough character level, head over to Edengrove and find Rory Davies. This NPC can be found near the lake edge to the south of Genesis of Malevolence.

Fulfill the quest objective by fishing in Edengrove. Fishing in the lake beside this NPC will work. Alternatively, players can also fish at the Broad Fishing Hotspot unlocked at Fishing level 56.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Shattered Mountain

Once the Edengrove quest is complete, head over to Shattered Mountain to turn in the quest. The easiest way to access NPC Konrad Bernard is to approach from Preservation Pass in the northern tip of Edengrove.

This fishing NPC can be found standing on a pier by a very small lake. Exercise caution when approaching this NPC as the entire area (even the lake edge) is patrolled by level 63 Tundra Elementals and Angry Earth.

Progress the Fishing Questline in Ebsoncale Reach

Laquan Chang is the easiest high-level fishing NPC to find. Players can speak to him by simply travelling to the main settlement of the region. Accept the quest and bring him various types of Fish Filets.

Cycle Through Old Hotspots Until Fishing Level 100

There is not much to do at this point aside from completing Laquan Chang's lengthy request. Revisit old hotspots and keep fishing until Fishing level 100.

Remember, fishing spots in high level regions are only ever worth it if players are able to explore the region, as well. Low-level players should keep sticking to low and mid-game hotspot areas.

Complete the Fishing Questline in Reekwater

At Fishing level 100, head over to Reekwater and complete the fishing questline by speaking to Gaspar Machera. This NPC can be found to the northwest of Forecastle Drift.

Fishing Level 100 to 200

Keep Cycling Through Fishing Hotspots Fish In Between High-Level Quests Upgrade Your Fishing Poles Aim for Bigger and Rarer Fish Use Different Kinds of Bait for Fishing Bonuses

Keep Cycling Through Fishing Hotspots

As previously mentioned, the best method for netting fishing XP is to fish at hotspots. Level 100 to 200 will leave players without any associated trade skill quest to complete, so the only recourse is to fish at hotspots for optimal XP gains.

Fish In Between High-Level Quests

As players get to late-game content, they will be frequently revisiting places like Edengrove, Ebonscale Reach, and Reekwater. With how slow character leveling up from 40-60 is, take detours during questing to check out the different Fishing Hotspots in these regions.

Do not try to grind to Fishing 200 without leveling up your character! Remember, higher character levels will mean you'll be in less populated regions and among a group of late-game players that are focused on grinding to 60 rather than fishing.

Upgrade Your Fishing Poles

Boost fishing effectiveness by purchasing or crafting Fishing Poles with better perks. At character levels 40 and 60, make sure to upgrade to Wyrdwood Fishing Poles and Orichalcum Fishing Poles, respectively.

Remember, unlike other special resources that grant items targeted perks, the fishing perks below cannot be manually added via special resource. When crafting a fishing pole, players are essentially rolling for good perks.

Perk	Effect
Fishing Colossus	Boost to chance of catching larger fish.
Daytime Colossus	Boost to chance of catching larger fish during daytime.
Nighttime Colossus	Boost to chance of catching larger fish during nighttime.
Freshwater Colossus	Boost to chance of catching larger fish in freshwater.
Saltwater Colossus	Boost to chance of catching larger fish in saltwater.
Lucky Waters	Boost to chance of catching better fish.
Lucky Day	Boost to chance of catching better fish during daytime.
Lucky Night	Boost to chance of catching better fish during nighttime.

Aim for Bigger and Rarer Fish

Bigger and rarer fish will always net players more EXP.When aiming to level up from 100 to 200 quickly, bigger and rarer fish will always be better.

Fish Types	EXP per Catch
Small Common	100
Medium Common	110
Large Common	120
Small Uncommon	150
Medium / Unique Uncommon*	156
Large Uncommon	163
Small Rare / Starfish*	175
Medium Rare	188
Large Rare / Treasure Chest	200
Legendary	550

Unique Uncommons refer to Tadpoles, Aquatic Snails, and Clams. Starfish are classed separately since they aren't fish but are alchemy ingredients immediately.

List of Fish

Use Different Kinds of Bait for Fishing Bonuses

At Fishing level 100+, players will be at an advantage by having more hotspot unlocks. Maximize the XP gains from these less populated hotspots by equipping different kinds of Bait when fishing.

Remember, bigger and better fish will net more fishing XP when successfully caught.

List of Bait

Fishing Hotspots

Fishing Hotspot Icons
Broad	Rare	Secret

As you increase your Fishing skill level, new areas known as Fishing Hotspots will start being marked on your map. Fishing in these spots gives a higher chance of catching Fish and reeling in Treasure Chests.

However, do remember that you have to discover the hotspot first before it appears on your world map. Keep exploring the world to find fishing hotspots you've unlocked at your fishing level.

Discoverable Fishing Hotspots

Gatherable Resources	Level Available to Discover and Track
Broad Hotspots	Fishing Lv. 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 20, 25, 27, 30, 34, 37, 41, 45, 52, 56, 59, 70
Secret Hotspots	Fishing Lv. 12, 27, 62, 70, 88, 99, 110, 117, 128, 134, 141, 148, 153, 158, 165, 172, 179, 185, 190, 193, 197, 200
Rare Hotspots	Fishing Lv. 7, 20, 30, 45, 56, 60, 62, 70, 74, 78, 83, 88, 95, 99, 103, 110, 114, 117, 141

Identifying Hotspot Locations

Fishing Hotspots are easily identified via the world map by looking for Hexagons that mark a certain area. These are fishing hotspots that players can unlock as they level up fishing.

Note: Unlocked hotspots will not appear on the world map unless visited. To determine the type of hotspot, approach the location of a hexagon and pay attention to the radial compass. It will show a star-icon that corresponds to the hotspot type.

How to Fish in New World

Fishing is a gathering trade skill in New World. This skill requires a Fishing Pole and allows you to catch fish and find treasure when fishing along different bodies of water throughout Aeternum.

1	Equip a Fishing Pole tool and park yourself near a body of water or a Fishing Hotspot.
2	Hit F3 (or your re-mapped fishing button) to enter fishing mode.
3	Press R to equip your Bait then hold down and release Mouse 1 to cast your line. Bait can be crafted in Camp or at a Settlement Cooking Station or looted from chests. They can also be gathered by harvesting bushes, bullrush, or briar.
3.5	If you are fishing in a Fishing Hotspot, You'll have to aim for the small circle of froth and jumping fishes when you cast your line. The text Landed on Hotspot! should appear if successful.
4	Wait for a bite. When the Hook prompt appears, press and hold Mouse 1 to hook and reel in your catch.
5	Watch the line's tension! Green means you can keep reeling. Orange means stop reeling. Alternate between the two to reel in what you hooked. If you continue reeling despite the orange warning, the line will break and you will lose your catch!

New World Related Guides

List of Trade Skills

Gathering Skills
Mining	Logging	Harvesting
Tracking & Skinning	Fishing
Refining Skills
Smelting	Woodworking	Leatherworking
Weaving	Stonecutting
Crafting Skills
Cooking	Weaponsmithing	Arcana
Armoring	Furnishing	Jewelcrafting
Engineering