A simple rod makes fishing possible with common materials when a found rod is unavailable.
PC / Global, current base game
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
A sheltered inventory stop before visiting a river, lake, or coast.
Combine rope with a long wooden stick to make a Simple Fishing Rod, then add a hook and bait before traveling to water. The rod can be used in freshwater and saltwater, though available catches vary by setting.
Find a long wooden stick and rope during a supply run.
Combine the rope and stick in inventory to craft the Simple Fishing Rod.
If you lack a hook, use a bone with a suitable cutting tool to make a bone hook.
Dig for worms with an appropriate tool and combine a worm with the hook for bait.
Attach the baited hook to the rod and check that the fishing kit is complete.
Travel to a freshwater or saltwater bank and use the fishing action.
Process and cook any catch before eating or storing it.
Farming tips
A sharpened long stick may also be accepted as the rod ingredient.
The rod occupies substantial inventory space, so plan the load before leaving.
Repeat, collect and use
The rod can be reused while it remains serviceable; replenish bait and replace worn or lost components as needed. Catches depend on water and server conditions.
Common mistakes
Arriving with a rod but no hook or bait: assemble and check the full kit at shelter.
Assuming one water type guarantees a particular fish: use the location you have and treat catch as variable.
Ignoring gear wear: carry a spare component for a longer trip.
When to stop or switch
Stop crafting once you have one working rod and enough bait for the outing; switch to another food source if you cannot complete the kit.
