Mastering Ocean Fishing in FF14: Tips for Achieving a High Score

One popular pastime for many Final Fantasy 14 players is fishing. Besides exploring the game world and catching different types of fish, players can also participate in Ocean Fishing, a special mini-game located in Limsa Lominsa. This mini-game follows the same fishing rules as regular fishing, but instead of simply catching fish, players aim to achieve a high score. There are various rewards to be earned through Ocean Fishing, such as a shark mount or time-limited currency like moogle tomestones. This guide will provide tips on how to maximize your score in Ocean Fishing and offer helpful resources to aid you in your fishing endeavors.

Getting Ready

Before aiming for a super high score, players should do some preparation. Becoming a max-level fisher is a great way to start, but Ocean Fishing is the best way to level up quickly. A higher level means more skills and stats to work with.

Players should remember that having more gathering points (GP) is essential while fishing. It helps in executing techniques that make high-score hunting easier.

To make fishing easier, it is important to ensure that your gear is leveled up, with a high item level for additional stat boosts. Before setting sail, make sure to have at least 99 Ragworms, Krill, and Plump Worms stocked up. These baits can be purchased from a vendor near the Ocean Fishing entrance.

Once prepared, open the Ocean Fishing Spreadsheet, a helpful tool used by many players during their fishing trips. This tool provides information on where to catch specific fish and which bait to use. When the boat is ready for boarding (available at the top of every other hour), be sure to get on board promptly as it spawns. Embark on the Northern Strait of Merlthor, the most popular route, and aim to fill the boat with as many players as possible to increase the chances of achieving a high score.

How to Ocean Fish

- How to Ocean Fish

Players should start by checking the Voyage missions as soon as they board the ship. There will be three quests to complete throughout the trip, each spanning a different segment. It's important to note that these quests do not have to be finished all at once, as progress will carry over between sections. Depending on various factors such as the route, weather conditions, and specific objectives, certain quests may only be progressed at certain times. Therefore, players should prioritize these quests accordingly.

To determine which sea creatures to aim for during the trip, players can refer to the Ocean Fishing Spreadsheet. Each sea creature will be assigned a specific "category" that indicates the species it belongs to for quest completion. For instance, even though a Spectral Megalodon may be considered a shark in reality, it is not classified as one in the game. As a result, catching a Spectral Megalodon will not count towards completing a "catch sharks" quest. This distinction is reflected in the spreadsheet, where Spectral Megalodons are not categorized as sharks.

Players should stick to the bait that will find the creature they need for quest completion once they know for certain what to search for. Other quests, like "catch fish with a strong bite," will naturally be completed throughout the voyage as long as time is being optimized.

There are two phases to the high score hunt: the mission completion phase and the spectral phase. In the mission completion phase, priority is given to completing the missions. To achieve this, a simple method is used. Players should use the bait that will lure out the needed creature, and once found, immediately use "Identical Cast." This skill makes the next catch the exact same creature as the previous one, effectively doubling the amount seen each time. Ideally, players will also be accumulating stacks of Angler's art. These stacks should be avoided unless reaching the cap of 10, then "Thaliak's Favor" can be used once to not waste GP.

If players are feeling lucky and have GP to spare, they can try using "Double Hook" or "Triple Hook." These skills can give extra copies of the next fish found. Although these skills are expensive and not always effective, they have the potential to complete a mission with just one cast.

Sometimes, while fishing, a "Spectral Current" may occur. Players will notice this when the ocean around them turns into a rainbow color, and a message appears on the screen indicating who triggered it. During a Spectral Current, a new group of fish is available (marked by a green background on the fish's icon), the spawn rate is significantly higher, and the point values are greatly increased. Since the fish roster changes during this time, players will not find the fish they were originally looking for.

- As the current starts, players may have to swap their baits, either to find a new fish under the needed category, or to find fish needed for bite strength

When the current starts, players might need to switch their baits to either attract a different fish from the required category or to target fish that require a specific bite strength. Once the appropriate bait is equipped, players should activate "Patience II" and switch to using Precision/Powerful hookset fishing technique.

At lower levels, using "Patience" is just as effective in saving GP. Don't forget to use "Thaliak's Favor" to restore GP, or consider stocking up on cordials for even more GP.

If players complete all their missions early, they can join the spectral spawn team. Look for a fish with "Spectral" in its name, as there is a chance one will spawn. Remember, only one spectral current can appear per section, with a maximum of three times per voyage.

Once the third section of the voyage is completed, the journey comes to an end. Bonuses earned from completing missions will be included in a player's base score, ultimately determining their final score. This final score is crucial for unlocking rewards in the game.

Despite efforts to increase the chances of earning rewards, luck still plays a significant role in achieving a high score. It is common to complete multiple voyages without encountering a spectral current. Therefore, the key is to keep going on voyages regularly, as persistence will eventually lead to positive outcomes.

Editor's P/S:

This comprehensive guide to maximizing scores in Final Fantasy 14's Ocean Fishing mini-game is exceptionally well-written. The step-by-step instructions, clear explanations, and abundance of helpful tips and resources make it an invaluable tool for any player looking to improve their performance. The detailed information on bait selection, mission completion strategies, and spectral current mechanics is particularly impressive.

The article effectively conveys the importance of preparation, emphasizing the benefits of leveling up, optimizing gear, and stocking up on essential baits. The emphasis on teamwork and maximizing player participation on the boat adds a sense of community and excitement to the mini-game. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for players seeking to enhance their Ocean Fishing experience and achieve high scores consistently.