Fishing rod
Fishing rods are one of the best tools to use for active fishing, above clubs and spears. However, a decent Wide Trident is the same, if not better than a decent Fishing Rod.
As of version 3.72, Fishing Rods may be crafted for use or trade. This requires Fishhooks; iron fishhooks may be obtained by trade, while wooden and bone fishhooks may be crafted. Fishing rods have durability, which is not shown in the UI, but can be checked by inspecting the rod in the inventory. If the rod is allowed to break through overuse, the fishhook will be lost; particularly for iron fishhooks, it is a good idea to check the condition periodically and salvage the hook before the rod wears out. The [A]pply command can be used to remove the hook from a worn rod to use in crafting a new one (this must be done while not adjacent to water, or else you will attempt to fish instead).
As of version 3.72, it is important to note that even with a perfect fishing rod, good favor with the nature spirits, a good fishing spot in deep water rapids and a good fishing skill(80% and above), one still can NOT catch enough weight in fish to dry over the winter to carry them through an entire year. In order to catch enough fish to dry for an entire year, you must have and use at least 10 decent nets, in addition to rod fishing each day at least once a day. Rod fishing will only keep you fed while you place and pull your 10 nets every other day for at least 40 days.
Fishing with a fishing rod is a restful activity and can be used as a somewhat more productive way of reducing fatigue than simply waiting.
Starting scenarios
If you choose the I Want to be a Fisherman starting scenario, you will receive a fishing rod and 2 fishing nets at the start of the game.
Tutorial scenarios
During the 'Fishing' part of the Living in the Wild tutorial course, the player automatically receives a fishing rod for free. He or she can keep the fishing rod after the 'Fishing' part of the course concludes.
This makes the whole game course very welcoming to new players of URW, who need a dependable enough food source at the start - fishing with a rod being one of the better regular food-gathering techniques before the player character has settled and built-up enough to have a guaranteed steady source of food from trapping, picking, agriculture, passive net fishing and hunting.
Gallery
A fishing rod
A fishing rod lying on the bank of a river
