To fish in Rust, first craft a fishing rod using 100x wood and 250x cloth. Find water, equip the fishing rod from your inventory, and cast it into the water. Wait for a fish to bite, then reel it in by pressing the left mouse button. Repeat to catch more fish.
Get equipped with the right tools
Before you start fishing in Rust, you need to ensure you have the necessary tools. You will need a fishing rod, which can be crafted using 200 wood, 300 cloth, and 100 metal frags. To make a fishing rod, you need to research it at a research table. Alternatively, you can also find fishing rods in various loot crates scattered across the map or by trading with other players.
Choosing the right fishing spot
Once you have your fishing rod in hand, you need to find a suitable spot to fish. In Rust, fishing spots are typically found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or the ocean. Look for a calm, clear area of water to maximize your chances of catching fish. It's important to note that fishing in polluted water may yield less desirable items or even pose a risk to your character's health.
Casting your line
Approach the water's edge and equip your fishing rod. Right-click to enter aiming mode, then hold down the left mouse button to charge up your cast. The longer you hold the button, the further your line will be cast. Release the mouse button to send your line into the water. Once your line is in the water, you can watch for the bobber to move, indicating a fish has taken the bait.
Patience and timing
Fishing in Rust, like in real life, requires patience. It may take some time before a fish bites, so be prepared to wait. When you see the bobber start moving, it's important to act quickly. Press the left mouse button to start reeling in the fish. Make sure to keep an eye on the tension meter that appears on the screen – pulling too hard or not hard enough may cause the line to break, losing your catch.
Reeling in your catch
As you reel in the fish, you'll need to maintain tension on the line by balancing between pulling and releasing the reel. The goal is to tire out the fish without breaking the line. Keep an eye on the fish's movements – if it starts pulling in a particular direction, adjust your reel accordingly to counter its movements. Once the fish is close enough, you can grab it by walking up to it and interacting with it to add it to your inventory.
Utilizing your catch
With your freshly caught fish in hand, you can now cook it to provide sustenance for your character. Head back to your base or a nearby campfire, equip the fish, and interact with the fire to cook it. Cooked fish provides a substantial amount of hunger and health restoration, making it a valuable resource in Rust. Make sure to keep a stockpile of cooked fish ready for your next adventure.