Fishing — Tips

Overview

Fishing is the most efficient and low-risk method for securing calories and hydration in DayZ. By turning simple scavenged items into a functional tool, you can sustain yourself indefinitely near any body of water without needing to hunt or scavenge high-traffic areas.

How It Works

Fishing requires three primary components: a fishing rod (crafted or found), a hook, and bait. Once equipped, you cast your line into any pond, lake, or the sea. When the rod vibrates, you hold the trigger to reel the fish in. The success rate is determined by the quality of the hook and the presence of bait.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Craft a fishing rod by combining a long wooden stick with a rope.
2. Combine a bone or a woodenhook with a knife to craft hooks, or find a metal hook.
3. Use a knife or screwdriver on the ground to dig up a worm.
4. Combine the worm with the hook, then combine the baited hook with the fishing rod.
5. Equip the rod, approach the water, and hold the left mouse button (or RT/R2) to cast your line.
6. Wait for the rod to jerk or vibrate, then hold the interaction button to pull the fish out of the water.

Tips

• Always keep a knife on your person; it is essential for digging worms and crafting bone hooks from fish skeletons.
• Bone hooks are just as effective as metal hooks; never throw away fish bones after cooking.
• Fishing during rain is highly effective, as it keeps your hydration levels high while you stand still.
• If your rod breaks, you can reuse the rope and the hook on a new long wooden stick immediately.
• Fish provide excellent food value; a single carp can often fully satisfy a survivor's hunger meter.

Common Mistakes

• Attempting to fish without bait; while possible, it drastically increases the time required to get a bite.
• Forgetting to skin the fish; you must use a sharp tool to fillet the fish before you can cook the meat.
• Standing too far from the water's edge; ensure your character is close enough to the shoreline to trigger the fishing animation.
• Trying to eat raw fish; this will cause sickness and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration.

Related Items

• Worm
• Woodenhook
• Walleyepollockfilletmeat
• Waterproofbag Green
• Waterpouch Natural

Related Guides

• Skinning
• Cooking
• Firemaking