Destiny 2: Season of the Deep has made a splash with its water-themed content, and one unexpected addition has captured the attention of Guardians: fishing. Yes, the renowned looter-shooter now boasts a full-fledged fishing minigame. While it may not match the complexity of dedicated fishing games, it certainly adds a delightful diversion to the game. Let’s delve into the mechanics of fishing, including bait, Focused Fishing, and the ever-changing fishing pond locations.

How to Fish in Destiny 2?

Fishing in Destiny 2 is a relatively straightforward activity, provided you know where to go. To begin, progress through the initial part of the Season of the Deep questline, which will eventually lead you to a fishing quest from Hawthorne. Fishing ponds resembling public events can be found on three destinations: Nessus, the EDZ, and the Throne World. Whenever these ponds are active, makeshift docks emerge, drawing players to congregate and cast their lines.

To fish, simply stand on the dock and hold the Interact button/key to cast your line into the water. When a fish takes the bait, your lure will submerge, accompanied by a notification. To secure a perfect catch, press Interact again as soon as the notification appears. Even if your timing isn’t impeccable, you can still reel in your catch.

Remember to physically collect the fish you catch, as they will be lying on the ground around you. Walking over them will ensure they’re added to your inventory. Sadly, the Shoot to Loot perk won’t grab them for you. Fish come in varying weights, with larger ones (weighing 18kg and above) contributing to the Triumph “We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Tank.” Catching fish in general will also help complete the Week 1 seasonal challenge, “The One That Didn’t Get Away.”

Where to Find Fishing Ponds in Destiny 2?

Fishing ponds can be perplexing for new anglers, as they aren’t always available, nor are they consistently located in the same spots. There are three destinations housing fishing ponds: The Cistern on Nessus, the Outskirts on the EDZ, and Miasma in the Throne World. However, these ponds function similar to public events, appearing periodically and disappearing without a displayed timer.

While the map provides a marker for each destination, it won’t guide you to the precise pond location if one is currently active. Exploring the area becomes necessary. Here’s where you can find the fishing ponds:

• On the EDZ, somewhere along the southern coast of the Outskirts.
• On Nessus, in the Radiolarian fluid in The Cistern, east of the Well of Flame.
• On the Throne World, on the northern coast of Miasma.

Thankfully, there’s a relatively easy way to spot fishing ponds: Look for a beam of light radiating into the sky. This beacon serves as a visible indicator of an active fishing pond on the ground beneath it.

Understanding Bait Mechanics While it’s possible to fish without bait, using bait increases your chances of catching higher-rarity fish. The game automatically uses bait when fishing, provided you have some in your inventory. The on-screen message that appears before casting your lure indicates how much bait you possess, or you can check your Fishing Tackle item in your inventory.

A maximum of 500 bait can be held at any given time. You can earn bait by completing various activities, such as the new Salvage and Deep Dive modes, patrols, public events, and playlist activities like Crucible and Gambit. Additionally, you can obtain bait by collecting destination materials.

The Intricacies of Focused Fishing

The specifics of Focused Fishing are still somewhat mysterious, but building up the Focused Fish meter increases your chances of reeling in higher-rarity fish. This meter is visible on the left side of the screen when you’re near a fishing pond.

By catching legendary or Exotic fish, you’ll make progress toward filling the meter. It’s worth noting that the catches made by all nearby players, even those not in your fireteam, contribute to your meter. This means that fishing alongside multiple players at a pond is ideal. Try to extend your fishing session for as long as possible because the meter resets when the pond disappears, even if you remain in the destination and await the appearance of another pond.

Reaching certain increments on the meter enhances your likelihood of encountering rarer fish. You’ll receive messages like “Nearby fish have begun to take notice” to signify your progress.

Bountiful Rewards Await the Avid Angler Similar to tracking your bait quantity, you can check how many fish you’ve caught and their rarity by hovering over the Fishing Tackle item in your inventory. The maximum number of fish you can carry at once is 500.

Head over to the newly opened wing of the HELM to release your captured fish into the aquarium at any time. Doing so entails a satisfying animation reminiscent of a Gambit dunk. Depositing fish not only clears space for further catches but also rewards you for your angling endeavors. You’ll receive glimmer, Sonar Station reputation, and, in the case of legendary or Exotic fish, valuable weapons and items, including the newly introduced Just in Case legendary sword.

The fish you deposit will then be proudly displayed in your aquarium, alongside other thematic items from the game’s past. Completing various Triumphs related to fishing will unlock additional decorations for your aquarium, providing a sense of accomplishment and personalization.

In conclusion, Destiny 2’s Season of the Deep brings an unexpected but enjoyable fishing minigame to the forefront. By exploring the pond locations, mastering the art of Focused Fishing, and depositing your catches in the aquarium, you can reap a plethora of rewards. So, grab your fishing rod, Guardian, and immerse yourself in the tranquil waters of Destiny 2’s fishing experience.

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