Old School RuneScape: Fishing 1-99 Leveling Guide

Fishing in Old School RuneScape is not just a way to gather resources—it’s a pastime enjoyed by many players who appreciate its slower, more relaxing pace alongside the faster, more intensive options that can yield high XP rates. Whether you’re enjoying the serene waterside or engaging in more demanding fishing methods, this skill offers a variety of ways to improve and enjoy your experience in Gielinor.

Reaching level 99 in Fishing is a testament to your dedication and patience, as it requires a considerable investment of time. However, the journey is rewarding with each level offering access to new types of fish and fishing methods. Achieving this level allows you to don the coveted Fishing Skillcape, a symbol of your mastery and persistence.

In this guide, we’ll explore efficient pathways and strategies to accelerate your Fishing levels from 1 to 99. Whether you’re fishing for leisure or focused on fast leveling, we’ll cover the best methods to ensure your efforts are as effective as possible. Let’s dive into the specifics of how you can streamline your Fishing journey in Old School RuneScape.

Early Fishing Strategy (Levels 1-40)

Embarking on your Fishing adventure in Old School RuneScape, you’ll initially be equipped with a Small Fishing Net, ideal for catching Shrimp and Anchovies. Prime locations for these early catches include the tranquil shores of Lumbridge Swamp and Draynor Village, where new anglers can easily access abundant fishing spots.

As you progress, you have the option to pursue other low-level fishing opportunities that offer decent XP gains. While you can start catching Lobsters, Tuna, and Swordfish, these methods often require more time and patience. For those looking to level more efficiently, it’s advisable to consider advanced techniques like Tempoross or Barbarian Fishing once they become accessible.

Reaching level 20 in Fishing is a relatively quick process. However, if you prefer to bypass some of the initial grind, there are alternative strategies and activities that can provide a more varied and engaging fishing experience right from the start. Let’s explore these options to optimize your early fishing efforts and set a strong foundation for your journey to higher levels.

Completing Quests That Earn Fishing Experience

Jumpstarting your Fishing levels in Old School RuneScape can efficiently be achieved through completing specific quests that reward substantial Fishing experience. This approach is especially beneficial for bypassing the more tedious, initial stages of Fishing. Here’s a list of quests that offer significant Fishing XP, enabling a swift elevation in levels:

• The Fremennik Trials: No Fishing requirement; grants 2,812 XP.
• Sea Slug: No prerequisites; rewards 7,125 XP.
• Freeing Pirate Pete (Recipe for Disaster Subquest): No Fishing needed; provides 1,000 XP.
• Tai Bwo Wannai Trio: Requires level 5 Fishing; offers 5,000 XP.
• Fishing Contest: Requires level 10 Fishing; gives 2,437 XP.
• Rum Deal: Requires level 50 Fishing; rewards 7,000 XP.
• Heroes’ Quest: Requires level 53 Fishing; grants 2,725 XP.
• Swan Song: Requires level 62 Fishing; a substantial 50,000 XP reward.

Fishing Boss: Tempoross

For those who have reached at least level 35 in Fishing, engaging with Tempoross provides an excellent method for both experience gain and obtaining valuable rewards. This Fishing boss, akin to Wintertodt for Firemaking, can be tackled either solo or in a group:

• Essential Gear: It’s advisable to equip weight-reducing gear and a Harpoon. Enhanced harpoons like the Dragon, Crystal, or Infernal Harpoon can significantly increase your Fishing efficiency:
• Dragon Harpoon: Boosts Fishing level by three temporarily.
• Crystal Harpoon: Enhances your catch rate.
• Infernal Harpoon: Automatically cooks fish upon capture, increasing points earned.

Experience Rates Based on Harpoon Type:

• At level 35 Fishing: Expect about 25,000 XP per hour.
• At level 61 Fishing: Regular harpoon yields 48,000 XP/hr, Dragon/Infernal Harpoon boosts to 60,000 XP/hr.
• At level 80 Fishing: Rates increase to 60,000 XP/hr with a regular harpoon, 65,000 XP/hr with a Dragon/Infernal Harpoon, and 75,000 XP/hr with a Crystal Harpoon.
• At level 90 Fishing: Regular use brings about 65,000 XP/hr, while Dragon/Infernal reaches up to 70,000 XP/hr, and Crystal Harpoon can elevate it to 80,000 XP/hr.

By strategically completing high-reward quests and engaging with the Tempoross boss, players can accelerate their journey to 99 Fishing, turning what might seem a slow and steady grind into a more dynamic and rewarding adventure.

Midgame Fishing Strategy (Levels 40-80)

As you progress into the mid-levels of your Fishing journey in Old School RuneScape, you’ll unlock a variety of methods that not only enhance your experience but can also be quite lucrative. Here’s how to effectively navigate through these levels:

Optimizing Your Gear with the Angler’s Outfit

Obtaining the Angler’s Outfit is crucial as it boosts your Fishing XP by 2.5%. This outfit can be acquired through activities like Aerial Fishing on Molch Island or by participating in the Fishing Trawler minigame. Wearing the complete set maximizes the XP gained from your fishing efforts.

Barbarian Fishing for High XP

Barbarian Fishing becomes accessible after speaking to Otto Godblessed. With prerequisites of 48 Fishing, 15 Agility, and 15 Strength, you can start this method at the lake south of the Barbarian Outpost. You’ll need a Barbarian Rod, provided by Otto, and feathers for bait to catch Leaping Trout, Salmon, and Sturgeon.

While this method isn’t highly profitable, it offers excellent XP rates. At 58 Fishing, when Leaping Salmon becomes available, the XP rates can reach around 40,000 per hour. With advanced techniques like tick manipulation, these rates can soar to over 100,000 XP per hour, making it one of the fastest Fishing training methods available.

Fishing Karambwans for Profit and XP

Upon completing the “Tai Bwo Wannai Trio” quest and achieving 65 Fishing, you can start catching Karambwans. This unique fish is found at a fishing spot on the north coast of Karamja, using a Karambwan Vessel and Raw Karambwanji as bait. The latter is fished from the lake northwest of Shilo Village.

Utilizing the nearby Fairy Ring (Code DKP) is the most efficient way to travel to the fishing spot and back to the bank. Fishing Karambwans not only yields about 30,000-40,000 Fishing XP per hour but also generates approximately 300,000 gp per hour, making it one of the most profitable AFK Fishing methods available at this level range.

By strategically employing these methods, you can maximize both the profitability and efficiency of your Fishing efforts as you work your way towards the high levels and ultimately, the mastery of the Fishing skill in Old School RuneScape.

Endgame Fishing Strategy (Levels 80-99)

As you approach the endgame of your Fishing journey in Old School RuneScape, your strategy may continue to utilize high XP-rate methods or shift towards specialized techniques for both XP gains and profit. Here’s an overview of the most effective high-level Fishing methods:

Continued Methods: Tempoross and Barbarian Fishing

These techniques remain effective throughout the high levels for rapid XP gains. Tempoross offers engaging, boss-based fishing encounters, while Barbarian Fishing provides excellent XP rates and agility and strength experience.

Minnow Fishing

Available from level 82 Fishing after completing the “Fishing Contest” quest, Minnow fishing takes place on a separate platform within the Fishing Guild. Donning the full Angler’s outfit, you use a small fishing net to catch Minnows, which can be exchanged for Raw Sharks at Kylie Minnow. This method is particularly appealing due to its moderate effort, approximately 45,000 XP per hour, and around 120k gp per hour from selling the Sharks. Watch out for flying fish that deplete your Minnow stock, and move spots as needed to continue your catch.

Catching Infernal Eels

Starting at level 80, Infernal Eels can be fished in TzHaar City using an Oily Fishing Rod, Fishing Bait, a Hammer, and Ice Gloves. As you fish, use the Hammer on the eels to extract valuable Onyx Bolt Tips and Lava Scale Shards. This method, while slower at about 25,000 XP per hour, offers a substantial monetary return of approximately 200,000 gp per hour.

Fishing Sacred Eels

At the northern edge of Zu-Andra, Sacred Eels can be caught using a standard Fishing Rod and Fishing Bait, requiring a knife to dissect. Each eel processed provides Zulrah’s Scales along with a small Cooking XP bonus. Although it yields about 22,000 Fishing XP per hour, the profit potential is higher, about 220,000 gp per hour, making it a lucrative, if slower, option.

As you refine your Fishing skills from levels 80 to 99, choosing the right method depends on your goals—whether you prioritize speed, profit, or a mix of both. Each method offers unique benefits, allowing you to tailor your approach to your gameplay style and economic needs. This strategic versatility in high-level Fishing ensures that as you reel in towards that coveted level 99, each cast is as rewarding as it is effective.

Buying The Fishing Skillcape in OSRS

Achieving level 99 in Fishing is a significant milestone in Old School RuneScape, marking the completion of this skill. Upon reaching this pinnacle, you can celebrate your dedication and hard work by acquiring the prestigious Fishing Skillcape.

To obtain your Skillcape, visit the Master Fisher, who can be found standing proudly in front of the Fishing Guild. The Skillcape is priced at 99,000gp, reflecting the level required to wear it. Owning this cape not only signifies your mastery of Fishing but also offers practical benefits.

The Fishing Skillcape enables you to teleport an unlimited number of times to two key fishing locations: the Fishing Guild and Otto’s Grotto. This functionality makes it an invaluable tool for any seasoned angler, providing quick access to prime fishing spots and facilitating continued enjoyment of the skill.

Embrace the symbol of your achievement and the new conveniences it brings as you continue to explore the waters of Gielinor with your Fishing Skillcape.

Conclusion

Leveling up Fishing in Old School RuneScape from 1 to 99 is a journey that offers a mix of tranquility and intensity, suitable for a variety of player preferences. Whether you choose the serene early levels of shrimp and anchovies, the engaging mid-level strategies of Barbarian and Minnow fishing, or the lucrative high-level tactics of catching Infernal and Sacred Eels, each stage of your Fishing adventure brings its own rewards and challenges. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can efficiently navigate through the levels, enhancing your gameplay experience while working towards the ultimate goal of earning the prestigious Fishing Skillcape. Embrace each cast and find enjoyment in the journey to becoming a master angler in the vast world of Old School RuneScape.