Rust how to fish: rod, bait and line tension

Rust how to fish: put bait on a fishing rod, cast, then manage direction and tension while reeling. Stop pulling when the line strains instead of holding the reel action continuously.

The documented PC sequence

1. Obtain a rod and suitable bait, then put the bait on it.
2. Aim with right mouse and cast with left mouse using the wiki's default PC controls.
3. After a bite, use A/D to direct the fish and S to reel.
4. Ease off to reduce tension and try to keep the fish centered.

Bindings can change. Use your own settings; these are not PlayStation or Xbox button instructions. The wiki identifies different fishing areas and says catches can be eaten, gutted or sold for scrap at a fishing village.

Do not transfer PC completion advice to console

Console patch 1.17's known issues say Small Sharks and Salmon are unavailable to catch when ocean fishing. That is a dated console report, not a claim all PC fishing is broken. Current fish odds, optimal bait tables and a fully reconciled Pro Angler method remain pending.

Related: Rust beginner guide: your first useful base, Rust solo starter base: what to build first, Rust how to tame a cow: a cautious first route, Rust PC vs Console Edition: use the right guide, Rust patch notes: live checks and November preview.