How to Craft a Fishing Rod and Hooks in DayZ: A Complete Survival Guide

Fishing has become a primary survival strategy in DayZ rather than a fun leisurely activity. It might even be the reason why you are still alive. In a world that is very harsh, post-apocalyptic, where the resources are very limited and the threats come from every corner, it is of utmost importance to have a food source that is consistent and has low risk. No matter if you are scavenging the ruins of civilization for supplies or making your own tools from scraps, knowing the recipe of a fishing rod and hooks in DayZ is of great importance if you want to survive for a long period of time.

The food you get by looting or hunting is limited and can attract unwanted attention, however, fishing is a quiet and consistent alternative that can provide you with the necessary nutrients without risk. You increase your survival chances by hunting the fish and at the same time, you give yourself more freedom and control over your trip in the merciless world of DayZ.

The present guide is complete, and it will show you the way in every detail- from making fishing equipment and collecting the materials needed to the best places for fishing and catching your first fish- so you will always be well-stocked and ready for any situation.

Importance of Fishing in DayZ

Fishing is definitely not the only food source to be found in the DayZ game, but it surely is always scarce. Besides hunting and looting, fishing is one of the safest and most dependable solutions to keep yourself fed. Having a fishing rod and hook allows you to catch a fish from any water source and eat the fish if you want to recover your health and energy.

How to Make a Fishing Rod in DayZ

In DayZ, a fishing rod can be made with very little effort provided you are aware of the exact spots for the required materials. Besides, if you are fishing deep in the forest or scavenging around towns, having a rod at hand will still allow you to catch some fish and thus, have a steady supply of food.

Basically, there are two types of fishing rods that differ one from another: the one that can be made, the Simple Fishing Rod and the non-craftable Fishing Rod, which is usually more durable. Let’s begin by finding out how to create your own.

Simple Fishing Rod (Craftable Variant)

The Simple Fishing Rod (formerly known as the Improvised Fishing Rod) is the version most players make in the game.

Materials Needed

• 1x Long Stick
• 1x Rope

Steps to Craft

1. Collect a Long Stick: A knife or a sharp melee weapon like an axe can be used to cut down a bush. Using your bare hands also works, but it may cause bleeding.
2. Locate a rope or make one:
   • Look for rope in residential areas or supermarkets.
   • Make a rope by combining two stacks of 6x rags or using a knife to cut the guts while a pile of guts is available.
3. Attach Long Stick and Rope: The stick will be the main item, hence choose the rope and then combine them to form the Simple Fishing Rod.

Non-Craftable Fishing Rod

In case you decide not to build a rod, here are some places where you may find a Fishing Rod:

• Boathouses
• Docks
• Rowboats

This version is more durable but it can’t be broken down.

Making Fishing Hooks in DayZ

In DayZ, fishing hooks, similarly to rods, are the main factors ensuring your fishing success. If you don’t have hooks, then no matter how good your rod is, you will catch no fish. Fortunately, making fishing hooks is a fast and low-cost process.

The fishing hooks come in two types: the Bone Fishing Hook (made by craft) and the standard Fishing Hook (from the world). This is the way recommended to craft a hook yourself when the equipment is scarce.

Bone Fishing Hook (Craftable Variant)

A hook is indispensable for a fishing job. The simplest choice is the Bone Hook.

Materials Needed:

• 1x Bone
• 1x Knife

Steps to Craft:

• Obtain Bones: Head out in the wild, kill animals, and collect bones.
• Use the Knife: Equip the knife and interact with the bones to craft a Bone Fishing Hook.

Note: When you’re not using your Bone Hooks, you can stow them away on a Boonie Hat.

Non-Craftable Fishing Hook

They can be found in places like:

• Farms
• Fishing spots near coasts and rivers

Still, the low durability results in their generally breaking after five fish are caught. Also, knowing how to craft planks in DayZ can come in handy for building or repairing structures.

Attaching Bait to the Hook

The act of fishing without bait is a waste of time. You will furthermore need:

• 1x Earthworm

How to Get Earthworms

Utilize a knife and lower it into the soil to get earthworms.

Steps

• Link the hook with the worm so the latter would serve as bait.
• Fix the baited hook on your fishing rod.

How to Fish in DayZ

1. Find a Water Source: Search for a lake, river, or sea.
2. Equip Your Rod: Make sure the baited hook is attached.
3. Deploy Fishing Rod: Be close to the water and select fishing.
4. Check Bait: Take the “Check Bait” option to find out if there is a bite.
5. Catch the Fish: When a fish has taken the bait, press “Pull Out” to catch it.

Bonus Tip: Carry a Backpack

Update 1.22 has increased the backpack selection. Bring one to the store:

• Bait
• Hooks
• Cooking gear

Final Thoughts

In DayZ, learning to fish is, in fact, a way of dodging hunger and it can also be a very interesting and captivating survival experience. You get to make your fishing rod and hook, patiently catch and cook your fish, and the whole process is like the most lovely of all the funs in the game.

Keep your fishing gear ready, find a nice spot and you’ll never be hungry in DayZ.

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