FFXIV Ocean Fishing Guide for Beginners with Bait Tips and Tricks

Dive into the vast seas of Final Fantasy XIV with our beginner’s guide to ocean fishing-your gateway to leveling up Fisher, earning rare rewards, and mastering the art of the spectral current. Discover essential tips, the best baits for each fishing zone, and strategies to trigger those lucrative spectral fish encounters that make every voyage unforgettable. Whether you play on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, this guide will set you on course for success in one of FFXIV’s most relaxing and rewarding group activities.

Below, we explain how to unlock ocean fishing in FFXIV. We’ll also tell you the ocean fishing schedule, what bait to use while you ocean fish, and tips to score big and rake in rewards.

What is ocean fishing?

Ocean fishing in Final Fantasy XIV is a specialized fishing activity where players embark on a group voyage aboard a specially designed boat to catch various uncommon fish species. Unlike traditional fishing, ocean fishing involves 24 players working together on timed trips to different ocean zones, using specific bait for each route. It is accessible from level one after completing initial fishing quests and serves as a fun, social way to level up the Fisher class, earn scrips, and obtain unique rewards. The activity requires preparation with the right bait and understanding of the voyage routes to maximize success.

Ocean fishing is like an alliance raid, but for fishing. You’ll board a big boat that’ll take you through three different parts of the water and you’ll have to complete objectives for extra points.

You’ll be put into a full party, with two other parties on your boat. The goal is to catch fish to score big during the time limit.

It’s not all just catching big, rare fish, though. Catching special “spectral” fish has a chance to trigger a spectral current. These spectral currents allow you to catch even more fish with higher point values, so triggering one of these is nearly always the goal.

There are also a handful of objectives to try to complete during the expedition, like catching a lot of sharks or jellyfish.

How to unlock ocean fishing in FFXIV

To unlock Ocean Fishing in Final Fantasy XIV, you first need to become a Fisher by completing the introductory quest “Way of the Fisher” in Limsa Lominsa’s Lower Decks. Afterward, complete the follow-up quest “My First Fishing Rod,” which introduces you to basic fishing mechanics. Then, pick up the quest “All the Fish in the Sea” from NPC Fhilsnoe in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:7.8, Y:14.5). Once completed, you can register for Ocean Fishing voyages by speaking to Dryskthota at the Ferry Docks (X:3.0, Y:12.7), where you can join the fishing boat every two hours to start your ocean fishing adventure, even at Fisher level 1.

In order to start your grand ocean fishing adventure, you’ll need to unlock the Fisher job, which you can do by heading to the Fisherman’s Guild in Limsa Lominsa. You’ll also need to complete the next Fisher quest, “My First Fishing Rod.” You can ocean fish even if your Fisher is at level 1. (In fact, ocean fishing is a really easy way to level Fisher up super fast.)

Once you have your Fisher ready to go, you’ll just need to complete the quest “All the Fish in the Sea” in Limsa Lominsa, which starts at the NPC Fhilsnoe below:

Once you finish that quest, you can queue for ocean fishing via Dryskthota at the Limsa Lominsa Ferry Docks (west of the Arcanist’s Guild Aetheryte), as long as it’s time to ocean fish.

Note that you will not be able to take the Ruby route through the Stormblood locations until you beat the Stormblood expansion.

Ocean fishing schedule

Ocean Fishing in FFXIV operates on a strict schedule, with voyages departing every two hours of real time. Players can register for a trip during a 15-minute window starting at the top of every even or odd hour, depending on the schedule. Each voyage involves visiting three fishing locations along predetermined routes, with specific baits needed for each stop to maximize catch potential. This schedule allows players to plan their fishing sessions and prepare the appropriate bait for each route, making it essential to check the sailing schedule before registering. Registration is done by speaking to the NPC Dryskthota at the Limsa Lominsa docks, who also provides information on upcoming routes and available fishing spots.

Unfortunately, you can’t ocean fish whenever you want to. Ocean fishing abides by a schedule and you can only register for it for fifteen minutes from the top of the real world hour, every other hour. For example, if the registration period starts at 2 p.m., you have until 2:15 to queue for ocean fishing. If you miss this period, you’ll have to wait until 4 p.m.

While we would recommend looking out for the odd or even hours, the exact time changes depending on daylight savings and on your timezone, so we actually recommend Lulu’s Tools, which has a live ocean fishing schedule, even noting which objectives and routes the next few boats will take.

Which bait to use while ocean fishing

When ocean fishing in FFXIV, choosing the right bait is essential for catching specific fish at different locations. The main types of bait used are Krill, Ragworm, and Plump Worm, each preferred in different fishing zones. For example, Krill is favored in the Bloodbrine Sea, Ragworm in The Cieldalaes, and Plump Worm in Galadion Bay and Rhotano Sea. Knowing the preferred bait for each route helps maximize your catch and score during the voyage. It’s also helpful to check the current fishing route and spectral current status to select the optimal bait for that trip.

There are three main bait types used during ocean fishing: krill, ragworm, and plump worm. You can nab all three of these baits from the merchant on the docks where you queue for ocean fishing. You should stock up and buy a ton of each of the three.

In every ocean fishing experience we’ve had, there has always been somebody in the group who will use alliance chat (the orange chat) to say which bait to use – or, alternatively, somebody who will tell you which bait to use if you ask. However, if you don’t want to rely on these genius fishing strangers every time you get on the boat, here are the best baits to trigger spectral currents by location:

Bloodbrine Sea: krill
The Ciedalaes: ragworm
Galadion Bay: plump worm
Rhotano Sea: plump worm
Rothlyt Sound: plump worm
Northern Strait of Merlthor: ragworm
Southern Strait of Merlthor: krill
Sirensong Sea: plump worm
Kugane Coast: ragworm
Ruby Sea: krill
One River: krill

In a very broad sense, these three baits will keep you covered. There are some specific catches that take a different bait from the three, but for the sake of simplicity and scoring points, using these three baits should lead you to success.

How to get a high score in ocean fishing

To get a high score in Ocean Fishing in FFXIV, preparation is key. First, ensure your Fisher is at a high level with good gear, ideally item level 80 or above, with GP (Gathering Points) melds to maximize your skill usage. Stock up on at least 99 of each bait type-Ragworm, Krill, and Plump Worm-before boarding to save time. Use skills like Double Hook and Triple Hook to catch multiple fish at once, and combine them with Prize Catch to guarantee large fish, which yield more points. Identical Cast helps you catch high-value fish repeatedly, especially during Spectral Currents, where chaining these abilities can net thousands of points. Keep high cordials on hand to restore GP, and use Angler’s Art stacks with Thaliak’s Favor to replenish GP for extended skill use. Completing voyage missions and maximizing point bonuses at stops further boosts your final score. Utilizing fan-made tools like the Ocean Fishing Spreadsheet or Lulu’s Guide can help identify the best fish and timing for optimal scoring.

You can min-max in ocean fishing, and while scoring big also relies on luck, there are a few things you can do to help boost your score:

Empty your inventory to prepare for the fishing trip, as you’ll be hauling in lots of unique fish that take up a ton of inventory slots. Do not use the “release list” feature to automatically discard fish, as the animation that plays to discard the fish wastes your precious time on the boat.
Bring and use Cordials and Hi-Cordials to restore your GP. You should be using your fishing skills, whether you’re using Patience, Powerful and Precision Hookset, or other fishing skills. You should not just be using your basic Hook skill.
Don’t forget to use Thalaik’s Favor, a level 15 skill that gives you back 150 GP in exchange for three stacks of Angler’s Art (a buff you get for just catching big fish).
Use Chum between catches during spectral currents to get fish to bite faster.
Don’t stress too much about your point value while fishing, as there are a ton of bonuses at the end that’ll shoot your score up. You’ll be surprised about how many bonuses you may get at the end.

Just by following the above, we’ve been able to score above 10,000 points (which is all you need to get the mount and minions).

Ocean fishing rewards

Ocean fishing in Final Fantasy XIV offers a variety of rewarding benefits beyond just the thrill of catching rare fish. Participants earn significant experience points useful for leveling the Fisher class, and accumulate points during voyages that translate into valuable rewards such as Yellow and White Scrips, which are essential currencies for crafting and gear upgrades. High scores can unlock unique items including mounts like the Hybodus and minions such as the Major General, along with special titles and aquarium fish to decorate your in-game home. The activity also features achievements that grant additional rewards and encourages teamwork to trigger Spectral Currents, which boost the chances of catching rare, high-point fish. Overall, ocean fishing is a rewarding blend of progression, collection, and social interaction within FFXIV.

Every time you finish ocean fishing, you’ll get a boatload of EXP, as well as gatherers’ scrips (if you’re high enough level to have them). Notably, there are a few exclusive rewards to ocean fishing that are locked behind specific achievements.

The following achievements give minions and mounts:

On a Boat IV: Earn a cumulative total of 1 million points while ocean fishing (Much-coveted Mora minion)
No More Fish in the Sea I: Score at least 5,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (The Major-General minion)
No more Fish in the Sea II: Score at least 10,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Hybodus Horn for the mount)
Near, Far, Wherever Fish Are II: Score at least 10,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Ruby route (Mossasaurus minion)
Mine, Mine, Mine: Encounter 3 seagull flocks while ocean fishing (Gull minion)
Double-backwards Somersault: Encounter 3 dolphin pods while ocean fishing (Dolphin Calf minion)

You can claim these rewards from the achievements menu once you earn said achievement.

These achievements give you titles:

On a Boat V: Earn a cumulative total of 3 million points while ocean fishing, (World-class Troller title)
No More Fish in the Sea III: Score at least 16,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Ocean Fisher title)
No More Fish in the Sea IV: Score at least 20,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Master of the Sea title)
Near, Far, Wherever Fish Are III: Score at least 16,000 points during a single ocean fishing voyage on the Ruby route (Doom of the Deep title)
What Did Octopodes Do to You?: Earn the “Octopus Travelers” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Octopus Traveler title)
What Did Sharks Do to You?: Earn the “Certifiable Shark Hunters” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Shark Hunter title)
What Did Jellyfish Do to You?: Earn the “Jelled Together” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Jellyfish Fanatic title)
What Did Seadragons Do to You?: Earn the “Maritime Dragonslayers” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Sea Dragoon title)
What Did Balloons Do to You?: Earn the “Balloon Catchers” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Balloon Catcher title)
What Did Crabs Do to You?: Earn the “Crab Boat Crew” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Deadliest Catcher title)
What Did Mantas Do to You?: Earn the “Sticking it to the Manta” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Indigo route (Manta Maniac title)
What Did Shellfish Do to You?: Earn the “Maximum Mussel ” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Ruby route (Sea Comber title)
What Did Squid Do to You?: Earn the “Squid Squadron” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Ruby route (Squidzure Dragoon title)
What Did Shrimp Do to You?: Earn the “Shrimp Smorgasbord” bonus during an ocean fishing voyage on the Rubyroute (Shrimp Mariner title)

If you’re just starting out in the massive world of Final Fantasy 14, we have tons of guides to help you. We have a beginner’s guide to get you started, along with guides detailing when you’ll get your mount and which Grand Company you should join.

What are the must-know tips for beginners starting ocean fishing in FFXIV

Must-Know Tips for Beginners Starting Ocean Fishing in FFXIV

Unlock and Queue Properly: Ocean fishing is accessible every two hours in real time. Registration opens on the hour and closes 15 minutes past. Speak to Dryskthota at the docks during this window to queue and check available routes and schedules.
Stock Up on Essential Baits: The three main baits used for ocean fishing are ragworm, krill, and plump worm. These can be purchased cheaply from the merchant at the ferry docks in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks. Beginners should buy plenty of all three to cover different fishing spots and fish types.
Focus on GP (Gathering Points): Unlike other fishing activities, ocean fishing primarily relies on your GP stat rather than perception or gathering. Equip the Brilliant Fishing Rod for its GP-saving ability, and consume high-GP food like Crab Cakes to maximize your GP pool.
Use Cordials Wisely: Hi-Cordial and Watered Cordial are important for restoring GP during the voyage. Watered Cordials have a shorter cooldown, allowing more frequent use, especially around Spectral Currents when you want to maximize catches.
Understand Spectral Currents: These are special events during the voyage that boost points for catching rare or fabled fish. Use specific bait recommended for the spectral current fish to maximize your haul. Tools like Lulu’s Tools website can help you plan bait usage and routes effectively.
Hook Timing and Bite Types: Pay attention to the exclamation marks above your character’s head indicating fish bites. Hook the fish within 3 seconds of a bite to successfully catch it. Different fish have different bite types, so practice timing your hook skill.
Join Community Resources: For more detailed strategies, routes, and real-time help, consider joining the Fisherman’s Horizon Discord or using online tools like Lulu’s Tools for route planning and bait optimization.

Following these tips will help new fishers get started smoothly and enjoy the rewarding experience of ocean fishing in FFXIV.

What bait should I prioritize for catching Fabled Fish in FFXIV ocean fishing

For catching Fabled Fish in FFXIV ocean fishing, you need to prioritize special baits that differ from the usual ragworm, krill, and plump worm used for regular fish. Each Fabled Fish requires a specific open-world bait:

Glowworm for Sothis (Galadion Bay, night)
Shrimp Cage Feeder for Coral Manta (Southern Strait, night)
Heavy Steel Jig for Elasmosaurus (Northern Merlthor, day)
Rat Tail for Stonescale (Rhotano Sea, sunset)
Pill Bug for Seafaring Toad
Stonefly Nymph for Jewel of Plum Spring
Squid Strip for Hafgufa and Hells’ Claw
Mackerel Strip for Taniwha

These baits are essential during the Spectral Current events to catch the rare Blue Fish that grant the Intuition buff, increasing your chances of catching Fabled Fish.

Switch to the appropriate bait as soon as the spectral current triggers to maximize your chances, since the Intuition window is short and you only get a few attempts to hook these prized fish.