Fishing in Far Cry 5 offers a relaxing change of pace from liberating Hope County, but it also serves a crucial gameplay purpose for completionists. Players seeking the ultimate angling reward, the Old Betsy fishing rod, must break the state fishing records scattered across the game's three main regions. Tracking down these record-setting catches requires knowing where to look and understanding the mechanics behind landing heavy fish.
Where to Find Regional Record Boards
Before targeting record-breaking catches, you need to know where to check current benchmark weights. Record boards are located at Fall's End in Holland Valley, the Hope County Jail in Henbane River, and the Wolf's Den in Whitetail Mountains. Reviewing these boards updates your progress and clarifies which targets remain in each territory.
Each regional board features generic trout species alongside regional exclusives like sturgeon, bass, or salmon. Common species can be caught anywhere, while regional specialties require visiting specific bodies of water. Checking the boards regularly ensures you do not waste time in the wrong location.
Locating Hard Fishing Spots Across Hope County
Catching record-size fish requires visiting fishing spots designated as Hard on your map. Normal fishing locations generally spawn standard variants that will not beat board records. You can discover these advanced spots by reading magazines found in cabins or by exploring remote waterways.
In Holland Valley, head south of the Lamb of God Church to target Pallid Sturgeon at designated hard locations. Whitetail Mountains features Chinook Salmon northwest of the F.A.N.G. Center and Arctic Grayling in high-altitude ponds. Meanwhile, Henbane River hosts heavy Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass near eastern waterways.
Essential Preparation and Lure Selection
To successfully hook and reel in heavy catches, unlocking the Fisher King perk is practically mandatory. This survivalist skill causes fish to tire more quickly and unlocks specialized flies suited for different species. Using the correct lure, such as the Hybrid Sturgeon or Bass Popper, increases your chances of attracting record contenders.
Upgrading your standard fishing pole makes controlling line tension much easier during long fights. Completing Skylar's questline rewards you with the Wonderboy rod, which serves as a great bridge tool before unlocking Old Betsy. Equipping proper gear saves significant time and prevents frequent line breaks.
Techniques for Reel Control and Landing Big Fish
When fighting a record-sized fish, monitoring line tension is essential to avoid snapping your line. Always pull your rod in the opposite direction of the swimming fish while avoiding active reeling during sudden bursts. Wait for the fish to tire out before applying steady pressure to draw it toward the shore.
Clearing nearby enemies before casting prevents unwanted distractions from cultist patrols or predators. Standing on stable ground or flat docks gives you better leverage when steering large catches away from underwater obstacles. With patience and accurate technique, breaking every state record becomes an achievable goal.