FFXIV Spearfishing Guide

Strike at schools of fish using the Gig. Learn how to Spearfish in Final Fantasy XIV.

There are a lot of things that players can do in the world of Hydaelyn. Players can enjoy Final Fantasy XIV through various means, from defeating celestial beings to gathering ingredients for crafting. Spearfishing is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing things to do in the realms of Eorzea. Adventurers looking for a chill and enjoyable activity in the game should learn more about Spearfishing and how to earn FFXIV Gil while stabbing into the water.

What is Spearfishing?

Spearfishing is a unique gathering learned by reaching level 61 under the Fishing job. This Disciple of Hand is a source of various ingredients and materials for crafting consumables that can be sold for FFXIV Gil. Fishing itself can take up time, so Spearfishing allows players to catch many sea creatures within the shortest amount of time.

This skill can only be done while wearing a gig off-hand item. Spearfishing can be done at particular nodes that allow players to fish underwater. The fun thing about this action is that adventurers don’t get to select a fish they want to catch. But instead, they need to see a sea creature by timing their Spearfishing Gig appropriately.

How Does it Work?

Unlike regular Fishing, Spearfishing requires players to do a minigame. This scene needs adventurers to strike sea creatures as they pass through the screen interface. This minigame can only be accessed when the Spearfishing Gig is equipped in the off-hand slot.

There are various gimmicks that players need to look out for when they are doing this activity. These unique mechanics determine how many and how fast fish can be caught. Here are some of the basic actions during Spearfishing:

Weak Spots

Fish can be caught when their weak points have been stricken. A bluish box highlights these areas. Fish size can also be determined by how small the highlight is and how large the fish appears on the screen.

Wariness

As players spend more time catching fish, other creatures in the area will notice their activity and become increasingly more cautious. This level of alertness is represented by the orange Wariness gauge found in the upper half of the minigame. Once this meter is full, fish will no longer appear in the interface, and the minigame will end.

Catch Counter

Players should focus on generating more stacks for their Catch Counter to combat the Wariness gauge. This meter increases whenever adventurers catch fish quickly and caps at ten stacks. This gauge slows down the accumulation of Wariness, so gamers’ Spearfishing attempts last longer. However, this counter will reset if players cannot catch anything after a specific time.

How to Unlock?

Spearfishing can be unlocked by reaching level 61 with the Fisher job and doing certain quests. Adventurers need to interact with Sumitsubo in The Ruby Sea to accept the “A New Fishing Ex-spear-rience” quest, which would effectively unlock the activity. However, this mission requires completing the “In Soroban We Trust” quest.

Spearfishing Skills

Like regular Fishing, this particular activity has various skills that impact the minigame. These abilities are separated into General Skills and Catch-Based Skills. Here are all the actions available for Spearfishing:

General Skills

Fathom – activates the Spearfishing minigame
Shark Eye – highlights the nearest Spearfishing nodes in the area
Gig – action used for striking during the minigame
Shark Eye II – highlights the highest-level node in the area
Truth of Oceans – helps in locating Swimming Shadows, which only appear after reaching a certain threshold in Spearfishing

Catch-Based Skills

Veteran Trade – removes a specific fish from the currently available pool of fish
Salvage – enables the acquisition of maps during Spearfishing
Nature’s Bounty – boosts the chances of encountering large fish
Vital Sight – makes it easier to aim at the current node for two Angler’s Art
Baited Breath – reduces Wariness for 300 GP
Electric Current – strikes all fish on screen when the Catch Counter reaches 10

Spearfishing Nodes

There are many areas where players can attempt to catch fish. These zones will be scattered throughout Hydaelyn, so adventurers should know where they can engage in Spearfishing. Here are all the available nodes for the latest expansion:

Loch Seld Central Lakebed
Loch Seld Northwestern Lakebed
Loch Seld Southeastern Lakebed
Loch Seld Deep Lakebed
Southwestern Loch Seld
Loch Seld Northeastern Lakebed
Azim Khaat Southern Lakebed
Azim Khaat Eastern Lakebed
Azim Khaat Western Lakebed
The Adventure
Tamamizu
Sui-no-Sato
Ruby Price Depths
Shisui of the Violet Tides
The Eastern Ruby Sea
Kobayashi Maru’s Northern Wake
The Kobayashi Maru
Exile
Northwestern Onokoro
Northeastern Bekko
Northern Onokoro
Isari Slope
The Anemone Gardens
Eastern Barrier Isle
Imperial Hypersonic Assault Craft L-XXIII
The One River Southwestern Riverbeds
The Sunken Junk’s South Side
The Dragon’s Struggle
The Sunken Junk
Southeast Source
The Isle of Ken
Eastern Isle of Ken
Deepwood Swim
North Lyhe Ghiah
Central Longmirror Lake
East Longmirror Lake
South Longmirror Lake
Thysm Lran
Central Lake Tusi Mek’ta
South Lake Tusi Mek’ta
Deep Lake Tusi Mek’ta
North Lake Tusi Mek’ta
The Covered Halls of Dwatl
Southern AKyaali
Outer Akyaali
Southern Great Runoff
The Font of Maya
Western Akyaali

Spearfishing is a fun activity to unlock for any FFXIV account. Aside from being a relaxing experience, players can also gain tons of materials and ingredients for crafting or profit. Learning the basics of this skill can help players become the best Spearfishers in the field!