So you want to be a fisherman? Fishing is a mini-game that allows you to catch fish, which can be used with the cooking secondary skill. You can also catch fish that cannot be eaten but are instead useful for other Professions. You can even catch equipment and funny items. Fishing isn't for everyone. You'll discover that it requires a lot of patience and time to build your skill level up to the maximum level. Fishing is the only trade skill that you can't do while exploring and killing monsters. Since you're basically standing around, you're not gaining experience or other loot. So this development can put your leveling behind, unlike some other Professions. Fishing is great for people who just want to relax and chat while playing. For those who enjoy a calm, relaxing way to play the game while finding useful items, fishing is the cat's meow.

Getting Started

First, you need to find a fishing trainer. Fishing trainers are usually located next to a lake or stream. If you see an NPC standing near the water, he's likely a fishing trainer or merchant. Ask around and people can help lead you to the fishing trainer. Once you have learned fishing, you need to go find yourself a fishing pole!

Fishing Poles

After you have trained in fishing, you need to go buy a fishing pole. Fishing poles can be purchased from merchants who sell items required for Professions ("trade merchants"). Ask other people where to find one, if you need help. After using your initial Fishing Pole, you can find better ones out there in the world. Check the Auction House for poles.

Fishing Poles Fishing Skill

Blump Family Fishing Pole* +3
Strong Fishing Pole +5
Darkwood Fishing Pole +15
Big Iron Fishing Pole +20
Nat Pagle's Extreme Angler FC-5000** +25
Arcanite Fishing Pole*** +35

*Alliance only quest. Talk to Gubber Blump in Auberdine (Darkshore).
**Horde only quest. Talk to Katoom the Angler at Revantusk Village in the Hinterlands.
***Reward for winning the Stranglethorn Fishing Contest.