Hey there, fellow Red Dead Redemption 2 adventurers! Are you ready to become the ultimate angler and reel in some seriously impressive legendary fish? This guide is your ultimate companion on a thrilling fishing expedition across the vast landscapes of RDR2. We'll dive deep into where to find these elusive creatures, the best strategies to catch them, and everything you need to know to become a legendary fisherman (or fisherwoman!) in the wild west. So, grab your fishing rod, bait up, and let's get started.

Understanding the Basics of Fishing in RDR2

Before we cast our lines for those legendary fish, let's go over the fundamentals of fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2. Fishing isn't just about randomly throwing your line into the water; it's a skill that requires patience, strategy, and a little bit of luck. The first thing you'll need is a fishing rod, which you can acquire early in the game during the mission "A Fisher of Men." You'll also need bait or lures. Different types of bait attract different types of fish, and using the right bait can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. Worms are great for smaller fish, while crickets and cheese work well for slightly larger prey. Then you will be able to buy lures to fish specific legendary fish.

• Fishing Spots: Finding the right fishing spot is crucial. Look for areas with visible fish activity, like jumping or feeding. Certain fish prefer specific environments, such as rivers, lakes, or swamps, so keep an eye on the environment. The Legendary Fish locations are marked on your map after you receive the mission from Jeremy Gill, so finding them won't be as tough.
• The Casting Technique: The casting technique is all about precision. When you cast your line, be mindful of the distance and direction. Casting too short or too far can decrease your odds of getting a bite. It's best to cast your line near the fishing spot.
• The Bite: Once a fish bites, you'll feel the controller vibrate, and the indicator on your screen will show you what’s happening, and you'll hear a distinct sound. Now, the real battle begins!
• Reeling In: Reeling in a fish requires a delicate balance of patience and strength. Reel the line in slowly and steadily, but be prepared to counter the fish's movements. If the fish is pulling strongly, let out some line by tilting the left stick. Don’t try to reel in too fast, or the line might snap.
• Landing the Fish: Once the fish tires, you can reel it in completely. Pull the line in while the fish is facing you. Eventually, you’ll have the fish in your grasp, ready to be kept or sent to Jeremy Gill to complete the quest.

Mastering these basic techniques will set you up for success in your quest to catch legendary fish. So, let’s get into the main topic.

Legendary Fish Locations: Where to Find Them

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: finding those elusive legendary fish. There are 13 legendary fish scattered across the map in RDR2. Each one has a unique location and requires a different approach. Remember, you'll need to obtain a special map from Jeremy Gill at the Blackwater Post Office to mark the locations of these fish. Let's explore each location in detail, with some extra tips and tricks to maximize your chances of success:

Legendary Smallmouth Bass

• Location: Located in Owanjila Lake, west of the Owanjila Dam, in the Big Valley area of West Elizabeth.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: This is an easy catch if you use the right lure. Cast your line and reel slowly, and you should hook this legendary fish in no time.

Legendary Largemouth Bass

• Location: Found in Lake Don Julio, southeast of Fort Mercer and just north of the San Luis River, in the Rio Bravo region of New Austin.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: This fish can be caught from the shore or by wading into the water. Patience is key!

Legendary Bluegill

• Location: Found in Flat Iron Lake, east of Rhodes, in Lemoyne.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: You can find a good fishing spot by the small docks. This is a common and easy fish to catch.

Legendary Rock Bass

• Location: Found in Aurora Basin, west of Blackwater, in West Elizabeth.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: This bass is also easy to catch. Find a good spot on the dock and cast out your line.

Legendary Redfin Pickerel

• Location: Located in Stillwater Creek, south of Thieves Landing, in West Elizabeth.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: This fish can be caught from the shore.

Legendary Perch

• Location: Found in the Lagras Swamp, north of Saint Denis, in Lemoyne.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: Watch out for alligators while fishing here!

Legendary Steelhead Trout

• Location: Found in the Elysian Pool, east of Annesburg, in Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover.
• Bait: Use the Special River Lure.
• Tips: A bit tougher to catch, try reeling in gently when the fish bites.

Legendary Bullhead Catfish

• Location: Located in the San Luis River, southwest of Rio Bravo, in New Austin.
• Bait: Use the Special River Lure.
• Tips: You may want to wade a little ways in the water here. Be patient and keep an eye on your line.

Legendary Channel Catfish

• Location: Found in Lachas Chasm, west of Saint Denis, in Lemoyne.
• Bait: Use the Special Catfish Lure.
• Tips: Watch out for the alligators! Reeling too fast can break your line.

Legendary Longnose Gar

• Location: Found in the Bayou Nwa, north of Saint Denis, in Lemoyne.
• Bait: Use the Special River Lure.
• Tips: This is an easy catch. The fish will struggle at first, but with a little patience, you should be able to reel it in.

Legendary Muskie

• Location: Found in Lake Isabella, in the Grizzlies West region of Ambarino.
• Bait: Use the Special Lake Lure.
• Tips: The area around Lake Isabella is cold.

Legendary Sockeye Salmon

• Location: Found in the Willard's Rest in the Grizzlies East region of Ambarino.
• Bait: Use the Special River Lure.
• Tips: Cast from the shoreline. Patience is your friend in these icy waters!

Legendary Paddlefish

• Location: Found in the Dakota River, north of Valentine, in The Heartlands, New Hanover.
• Bait: Use the Special River Lure.
• Tips: This is an easy catch from the bank.

The Best Techniques for Catching Legendary Fish

Now that you know where the legendary fish are, let's talk about the best techniques to help you reel them in. Remember, patience is key. Don't rush the process, and stay focused.

• Choosing the Right Bait/Lure: As mentioned earlier, the correct bait or lure is essential. The Special Lake Lure and the Special River Lure are generally your go-to options for legendary fish. These lures are specifically designed to attract the larger fish. Purchase them from a general store once you have the map.
• Finding the Prime Fishing Spots: While the map from Jeremy Gill marks the general locations, you'll still need to identify the exact fishing spots. Look for areas where fish are actively jumping or feeding. These are usually the hotspots where you'll have the best luck.
• Casting and Reeling: When casting your line, aim for the prime fishing spot. Reel in slowly and steadily, but be prepared to react when a fish bites. Use the left stick to control the tension on the line. When a fish bites, the controller vibrates, and you will see the indicator. When the fish bites and is pulling in the opposite direction, use the stick to reel it.
• Staying Patient: Legendary fish can take some time to bite, so don't get discouraged if you don't get a nibble right away. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and keep trying. Sometimes, it takes multiple casts to get a bite, so be patient. If you’re not getting any bites, try changing your casting location.
• Adjusting Your Approach: Each legendary fish has its own behavior, so you might need to adjust your approach based on the specific fish you're trying to catch. Some fish might put up a strong fight, requiring you to be more patient and careful while reeling them in.
• Watch the Weather: Pay attention to the weather conditions. Some players have reported that certain weather patterns, like rain or overcast skies, can affect the fishing. While not always a game-changer, it's something to consider.
• Using the Right Gear: Ensure you're using the right gear. A good fishing rod and the correct lure are crucial. Consider upgrading your rod if possible, although the base rod is sufficient for catching most of these fish.

Delivering the Legendary Fish

Once you've caught a legendary fish, you have a few options for what to do with it. You can keep it, sell it, or deliver it to Jeremy Gill for a reward. He will reward you with money, as well as a unique item. You must mail the fish to the man, as there is no option to deliver it personally. So, it is important to bring the fish to the nearest post office and ship it. This will unlock some story missions for you. Also, you can mount the legendary fish.

• Mailing the Fish: The most important thing to do with your legendary catch is to mail it to Jeremy Gill. The easiest way to do this is to visit any post office. Place the fish inside the box, and that's it! He will then contact you with rewards.
• Mounting the Fish: After you have delivered the fish to Jeremy Gill, you can then display the fish at your camp or at the Trapper, as a trophy.

Tips and Tricks for Angling Success

Here are some extra tips and tricks to help you become a legendary angler:

• Use Eagle Eye: Use Eagle Eye to help you identify prime fishing spots and track the movements of fish. This can give you an edge in finding those elusive fish.
• Study the Fish: Each fish has its own behavior patterns. Observe how they move, feed, and react to your bait. This will help you anticipate their bites and react more effectively.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you fish, the better you'll become. Practice your casting and reeling techniques to improve your overall fishing skills.
• Upgrade Your Gear: As you progress in the game, consider upgrading your fishing rod to a better one. This can help you handle larger and more challenging fish.
• Take Breaks: Fishing can be relaxing, but it can also be tiring. Take breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. Don't let frustration ruin the experience.
• Complete the Quest: The legendary fish questline is a great way to learn about fishing. Follow the missions to improve your angling skills.

Conclusion: Becoming a Legendary Angler

Congratulations, you're now equipped with the knowledge and skills to become a legendary angler in Red Dead Redemption 2! By using the tips and tricks in this guide, you’ll be able to locate, catch, and deliver these amazing fish. Fishing in RDR2 is a rewarding experience, offering both excitement and tranquility. So, go out there, explore the beautiful landscapes, and reel in those legendary catches. Happy fishing, and may your lines always be tight! This is your comprehensive guide to getting legendary fish! Get ready to explore the wild west and find these elusive creatures. Good luck on your fishing journey, and we'll see you on the water! Enjoy your time in Red Dead Redemption 2, and enjoy the beautiful experience!