How to Fish in Where Winds Meet – Complete Fishing Guide
Fishing in Where Winds Meet isn’t immediately obvious when you first stumble upon it. The controls can feel hidden, and figuring out where to even start can leave you scratching your head. Once you get the hang of it though, fishing becomes a relaxing way to take a break from combat and exploration while gathering useful resources.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about fishing in Where Winds Meet – from unlocking the mechanic to mastering the minigame on both keyboard/mouse and controller.
Unlocking the Fishing Mechanic
Before you can start reeling in catches, you’ll need to unlock fishing by completing a simple introduction quest.
Here’s what to do:
Head to Qinghe and look for Angler Chu Shuiyang. He’s standing by the water just north of the Stonewash Strand fast travel point. You can’t miss him – he’s the guy who looks like he’s been fishing his entire life.
Talk to Chu Shuiyang and choose the “Want a Fishing Rod” dialogue option. He’ll hand you:
- Kid’s Fishing Rod (your starter rod)
- 30x Dough Bait
- 30x Worm Bait
- 30x Plant Bait
After receiving these items, speak with him again to enter a fishing competition tutorial. This short activity walks you through the basics and gets you comfortable with the mechanics before you venture out on your own.
For more beginner-friendly tips on getting started, check out our Where Winds Meet tips and tricks guide.
How to Fish – Step-by-Step Instructions
The fishing process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using keyboard/mouse or a controller. Here’s a breakdown for both control schemes.
Keyboard and Mouse Controls
- Press B to open your Bag
- Navigate to the “Quick Use” tab
- Equip your Fishing Rod in the Special Item slot
- Hold Alt to open the Special Items menu
- Use Left/Right Mouse buttons to cycle through items and select the Fishing Rod
- Find a fishing spot (knee-deep water) and press X to begin
- Hold Left-Click to cast your line – release when the progress bar is near the top for maximum distance
- Press Spacebar to shake the rod and attract fish
- When a fish bites, move your mouse to guide the fish into the green zone at the top of the screen
- Once the white progress circle around the fish portrait fills up, press Spacebar to reel it in
Switching Bait: Hold Alt and scroll with the Mouse Wheel to change bait types.
Controller Controls
- Open the start menu and select Bag
- Use the shoulder buttons (L1/L2/R1/R2) to navigate to the “Quick Use” tab
- Equip your Fishing Rod in the Special Item slot
- Press Left/Right on the D-Pad to cycle through Special Items and select the rod
- Find a fishing spot and press Up on the D-Pad to start fishing
- Hold Square to cast – release near the top of the progress bar for a strong cast
- Press X to shake the rod and lure fish
- When a fish bites, use the Left Stick to guide the fish into the green zone
- Once the progress bar completes, press X to reel in your catch
Switching Bait: Hold L2 and press Triangle to cycle through available bait.
Finding Fishing Spots in Where Winds Meet
Almost any body of water in the game can serve as a fishing spot, but there’s a catch (pun intended) – the water needs to be deep enough. Shallow puddles won’t work.
How to know if you’re in a valid fishing spot:
The water should be at least knee-deep. When you’re standing in a proper fishing location, the Fishing Rod icon in your Special Items menu will become selectable and highlighted. If it’s grayed out, wade a bit deeper or try a different spot.
Tracking Specific Fish
Looking for a particular fish species? You can track them using the map:
- Open your map
- Select the Herb icon
- Navigate to Species → Fish
- Toggle the name of the fish you want to find
This tracking feature only works in areas you’ve already explored, so make sure to uncover the map as you progress through the game. Speaking of exploration, don’t miss our guide on the best ways to get exploration points.
Where to Get Fishing Rods and Bait
Once you burn through your starting supplies, you’ll need to stock up on bait and potentially upgrade your fishing rod.
Bait Vendors
You can purchase bait from these three vendors:
- Xiong Da, Peddler – Located at Heaven’s Pier
- Hu Niu’er’s General Goods – Found in the Kaifeng region
- Yu Dalang’s Goldfish – Also in Kaifeng
Best Option for Early Game: Xiong Da is your most convenient choice. Heaven’s Pier is the starting area, so you’ll have easy access to him during your first few hours of gameplay. He also sells the Little Toad’s Rod, which is an upgrade from the Kid’s Fishing Rod.
The other two vendors are in Kaifeng, which requires some story progression to unlock. If you’re wondering how to access that region, our Kaifeng unlock guide has you covered.
Upgrading Your Fishing Rod
The Little Toad’s Rod from Xiong Da offers better performance than your starter rod. It’s worth picking up once you have some currency to spare and want to make fishing more efficient.
Tips for Successful Fishing
Here are some practical pointers to improve your fishing experience:
Cast Timing Matters: Release your cast when the progress bar is near the top but not maxed out. This gives you the best distance and puts your bait in the optimal zone where fish are active.
Shake to Attract: Don’t just cast and wait. Actively shake your rod to draw fish to your bait. The more you engage with the mechanic, the faster fish will bite.
Watch the Fish Movement: During the reeling phase, pay attention to which direction the fish is swimming. Guide it smoothly into the green zone rather than jerking your mouse or stick around frantically.
Stock Multiple Bait Types: Different fish prefer different bait. Having all three types (Dough, Worm, and Plant) lets you experiment and find what works best in each location.
Combine Activities: Fishing is a great downtime activity between main quests. If you’re waiting for an in-game event or just want to chill, find a scenic spot and cast a line. You might also encounter other activities like debates or oddities nearby.
Why Fishing Matters
Beyond being a relaxing minigame, fishing provides resources you’ll need throughout your journey. Fish can be used in cooking recipes, sold for currency, or turned in for certain quests. It’s also a nice break from the intense boss fights like Qianye or Elder Gongsun.
If you’re the completionist type who wants to experience everything Where Winds Meet has to offer, mastering fishing is a must. It ties into the broader exploration and survival mechanics that make the game feel alive.
Additional Resources
Looking to dive deeper into Where Winds Meet? Check out these helpful guides:
- All Free Outfits, Sets & Hairstyles
- How to Get a Horse
- Guidance Mode & Difficulty Settings
- How to Fly
- All Sects & How to Join
- Gacha System Explained
Official Links:
Fishing in Where Winds Meet adds another layer of immersion to an already expansive world. Once you understand the controls and know where to find supplies, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re hunting for rare fish or just enjoying the scenery, the fishing mechanic offers a welcome change of pace from the main story grind. Now grab your rod, find some deep water, and start reeling in those catches!
