FFXIV: Complete (and simplified) Ocean Fishing bait guide

Ocean fishing is not only one of the best ways to level Fisher in Final Fantasy XIV, but also a rich source of goodies such as minions, mounts and titles. However, there are some specifics that need to be considered when setting out on your fishing adventures. 

One of the biggest things to worry about is bait. Realistically speaking, you can use pretty much any bait you want, but if you want to score high and be in with a chance of getting the rewards on offer, you’re going to need to narrow down the options. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve looked up which bait to use and found the detailed spreadsheets, tried to decipher what you’re looking at, and ended up with nothing more than a headache and an inventory filled with a mixture of baits. So, with the aim of clearing things up, here’s a simplified guide to ocean fishing. 

Which bait should I use for Ocean Fishing?

There are three baits which will pretty much have you covered regardless of which route you take, or what time of day you end up fishing in. These will cover you for both regular Ocean Fishing, and if you get lucky and encounter Spectral Currents:

• Krill
• Ragworm
• Plump Worm

You can purchase all three of these baits from the Merchant & Mender (X:3.2, Y:12.8) who stands very close to Dryskthota in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks. Or, if you end up on board without any bait, you can also purchase them from the Merchant on the ship. 

Now that you know the three basic baits, you’re going to need to know which bait is best for which area. There are ten different specific spots which can be visited during an Ocean Fishing voyage, depending on which route you take, and you’ll need to use a different type of bait for best results and highest points. 

Which bait should I use during a spectral current?

Spectral Currents are where things get exciting and complicated in equal measure. The type of bait you need to use during a Spectral Current changes depending on what time of day it is when it happens, which can be determined by the illluminated icon within the score window.

Spectral Currents are the best time to score huge points, because not only are you able to catch rare high-points fish, but you also have little to no waiting time between casting and reeling.