Where Winds Meet may hype up its flashy combat, but let’s be real, half the game’s charm comes from the little things. Climbing cliffs, chasing treasure glowies, and yes… peacefully fishing like an ancient Chinese grandpa. Fishing isn’t just a cute mini-game, it’s tied to quests, cooking, competitions, and a whole upgrade system. So if the game keeps telling you to fish but you can’t because you “don’t have a rod,” this guide is for you.
Welcome to the How to Stop Being Rod-less 101.
How to Unlock Fishing
Unlocking fishing is simple, but the game doesn’t explain it very well. Here’s the quick step-by-step.
- Go to Verdant Wilds and find Chu Shuiyang: She’s located near the General’s Shrine, happily fishing like she has no worldly problems.
- Talk to her and choose “Want a Fishing Rod”: Ask politely (or desperately), and she’ll hand you the Kid’s Fishing Rod for free.
- Complete the short tutorial mini-game: This tutorial officially unlocks fishing across the whole game.
- Once you finish, you’re free to fish anywhere, lakes, rivers, ponds, whatever looks wet.
Note: The game actually bugged out on me the first time and didn’t register my new rod.
If this happens to you, just leave the area and come back, worked instantly for me.
How Fishing Works & How to Beat the Fishing Mini-game
Fishing is simple once you understand the controls and the process. Here’s how it goes:
- Equip Your Rod: Open your quick-use wheel (Alt), slot your rod, walk to water, and press X/Up (depending on platform) to start fishing.
- Choose Your Bait: Use L2 + Triangle/Circle or Alt + Scroll Wheel to swap bait. Different fish prefer different bait types.
- Cast Your Line: Press and hold Square (console) or E (keyboard) to cast.
- Shake the Line: Tap X (or your mapped button) until a fish bites.
- Play the Catch Mini-Game
Keep the fish icon inside the green zone using your stick.
Rare/big fish = smaller, harder green zone.
Upgraded rods help a LOT. - Cast Again Manually
After catching a fish, the game won’t prompt you, just hold Square/E again to recast.
Fishing Mini-Game vs. Free Fishing
The mechanics are the same, with one difference:
- Fishing Mini-Game: You earn score and compete against an NPC or player. Catch fish faster than them to win.
- Free Roam Fishing: You casually fish for ingredients, quests, or vibes.
Both use the same casting and green-zone mechanics.
Upgrading Your Fishing Rods
Better rods = larger green zones and easier catches.
To upgrade, visit Xiong Da at Heaven’s Pier.
He sells stronger rods that make rare fish way easier to reel in. Keep upgrading as you progress.
Why Fishing Matters
You’re not just catching fish for fun, fishing ties into:
- Cooking special recipes
- Quest requirements
- Certain exploration challenges
- Competitive fishing mini-games
- Progression through crafting and collection
It’s relaxing AND genuinely useful.
Wrap-Up
Fishing in Where Winds Meet is surprisingly fun, rewarding, and way deeper than it first appears. Whether you’re cooking, competing, or just trying to complete quests, unlocking fishing early is absolutely worth it.
Just grab your free Kid’s Rod from Chu Shuiyang, learn the mini-game, and start reeling in everything from tiny river fish to legendary catches.
Now go forth, and fish like an ancient warrior with nothing but time.
For more mini-games, check out my guide on how to beat Wang Dayan’s Chess Match in Where Winds Meet! If you haven’t seen the mini-game, I recommend that you check out my guide since it’s a bit different from the standard chess game, and lots of players end up scratching their heads on why they’re losing.
