Fishing is one of the first gathering skills many players train in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), providing a reliable source of food, Cooking experience, and steady profits throughout the game. Before catching your first shrimp or anchovy, however, you'll need one essential tool—a Fishing Rod.

Fortunately, obtaining a Fishing Rod is simple, and there are several ways to get one depending on your stage of progression.

Where to Get a Fishing Rod
A standard Fishing Rod is widely available across Gielinor and can be acquired through multiple methods.

Buy From Fishing Shops
The easiest option is purchasing one from a fishing supply shop.

Popular locations include:

• Gerrant's Fishy Business in Port Sarim
• Harry's Fishing Shop in Catherby
• Various fishing stores found throughout Gielinor

Fishing Rods are inexpensive, making this the quickest solution for most new accounts.

Purchase From the Grand Exchange
If you already have access to the Grand Exchange, simply search for "Fishing Rod" and buy one directly from other players.

This method is especially convenient if you're preparing for multiple skilling activities and want to gather supplies in one trip.

Pick One Up During Early Gameplay
Some quests and training routes naturally lead players near fishing shops or locations where obtaining a Fishing Rod is easy. Many experienced players purchase one early and keep it in the bank for future Fishing training.

What Else Do You Need?
A Fishing Rod alone isn't enough for every fishing method.

Depending on what you're trying to catch, you'll also need bait.

Common requirements include:

• Fishing Rod
• Fishing Bait
• Access to an appropriate fishing spot
• Required Fishing level

For example:

• Shrimp and Anchovies require a Small Fishing Net.
• Sardines and Herring require a Fishing Rod with bait.
• Pike also uses a Fishing Rod and bait at higher Fishing levels.

Always check the fishing spot before traveling to ensure you're bringing the correct equipment.

Best Places to Start Fishing
After obtaining your Fishing Rod, several beginner-friendly locations are available.

Lumbridge Swamp
Perfect for brand-new accounts following early-game progression.

Draynor Village
A popular low-level Fishing area located close to a bank, making inventory management much easier.

Barbarian Village
Ideal for players who want to continue leveling Fishing while remaining close to other early-game training areas.

Catherby
One of the most frequently used Fishing hubs later in the game, offering access to multiple fishing methods and nearby banking.

Why Fishing Is Worth Training
Fishing remains one of the most useful gathering skills in OSRS.

Benefits include:

• Provides food for Combat and Slayer
• Supports Cooking training
• Generates consistent GP through fish sales
• Unlocks higher-level fishing methods
• Completes numerous quests and achievement diaries

Many long-term players continue training Fishing well into the late game thanks to its profitability and usefulness.

Helpful Tips for New Players
To make your Fishing journey smoother, consider the following advice:

• Always carry enough Fishing Bait when using a Fishing Rod.
• Bank fish regularly instead of dropping them if you're planning to train Cooking.
• Upgrade your fishing methods as your Fishing level increases.
• Complete quests that reward Fishing experience to speed up early progression.
• Keep a spare Fishing Rod in your bank for future activities.
• Build Your OSRS Account More Efficiently

Whether you're training Fishing, preparing for Slayer, or working toward high-level PvM content, having enough GP can significantly speed up your progress. Many Old School RuneScape players use myrsgold.com as a trusted marketplace for OSRS Gold thanks to its competitive prices, fast delivery, and responsive customer support. Having additional gold available allows you to purchase skilling supplies, upgrade gear, and spend more time enjoying the game instead of farming resources.

Final Thoughts
Getting a Fishing Rod in Old School RuneScape is quick and inexpensive, making it one of the easiest tools to obtain early in your adventure. Once you've picked one up and stocked some bait, you'll be ready to begin training one of OSRS's most valuable gathering skills.

Whether your goal is earning gold, leveling Cooking, or simply exploring everything Gielinor has to offer, Fishing is an excellent skill to invest in from the very beginning.