ARK: Survival Evolved's fishing mechanic adds a layer of survival and resource gathering. Knowing how to effectively use a fishing pole can significantly improve your chances of survival and provide you with valuable resources. This guide covers everything from crafting your fishing pole to mastering the art of the catch.
What You Need to Craft a Fishing Pole
Before you can start reeling in the aquatic bounty, you'll need the necessary materials. Crafting a fishing pole in ARK requires:
- 1x Fiber: This readily available resource is gathered from harvesting plants.
- 1x Wood: Found by chopping trees.
- 1x Thatch: Harvested from various plants.
Once you have these materials, open your crafting menu (default key is 'E') and navigate to the 'Tools' tab. You should find the fishing rod recipe readily available.
How to Use the Fishing Pole: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Equip the Fishing Pole: Select your newly crafted fishing pole from your inventory and equip it.
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Find a Suitable Fishing Spot: Locate a body of water, preferably one with a reasonable depth and a variety of fish. Lakes and rivers are generally good choices.
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Bait Your Hook: You'll need bait to attract fish. Common bait includes:
- Mejoberries: Easily gathered berries.
- Small fish: You can catch smaller fish to use as bait for larger ones.
- Other suitable bait: Experiment to see what works best in your area.
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Cast Your Line: Right-click to cast your line into the water. The distance you can cast depends on your character's stats and any potential engrams you have learned.
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Waiting for a Bite: Once cast, patiently wait for a bite. You'll see the line twitch or move when a fish takes the bait.
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Reeling In Your Catch: As soon as you feel a tug, quickly press and hold the left mouse button to start reeling in your catch. Be prepared for a struggle, especially with larger fish, as they will put up a fight. You may need to adjust your reeling speed depending on the fish's strength.
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Landing Your Catch: Once the fish is close enough, you'll automatically pull it onto the shore. Congratulations! You've successfully caught a fish.
What Can You Catch with a Fishing Pole?
The types of fish you can catch vary depending on the location and the biome. Expect to catch a variety of fish, offering different uses:
- Food: Many fish are edible and provide nourishment.
- Bait: Smaller fish can serve as bait for larger catches.
- Resources: Some fish provide rare resources upon harvesting.
Troubleshooting Common Fishing Problems
Q: My fishing line keeps breaking. A: This is likely due to using a fishing pole with low durability or attempting to reel in a fish that is too large for your current gear. Upgrade your fishing pole or try a different fishing spot with smaller fish.
Q: I'm not catching any fish. A: Try different locations, times of day, and types of bait. Some fish are more active during specific times, and different bait will attract different species.
Q: What are the benefits of higher-level fishing rods? A: Higher-level fishing rods generally offer increased durability, a longer cast range, and a greater chance of catching larger and rarer fish. They might also reduce the likelihood of your line breaking.
Beyond the Basics: Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with different baits: Find out what works best in different locations.
- Upgrade your fishing pole: Investing in better fishing poles will dramatically improve your fishing success.
- Learn fishing engrams: These can unlock new abilities and improve your fishing efficiency.
- Consider your character stats: Higher stats will make fishing easier.
- Patience is key: Fishing requires patience, especially when targeting larger fish.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master angler in ARK: Survival Evolved. Happy fishing!
