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DayZ Fishing Guide

Everything you need to know about fishing in DayZ - rods, traps, bait, durability, catch rates and optimal times.

Tools of the Trade

Fishing Rods
  • Fishing Rod
  • Simple Fishing Rod
Hooks & Bait
  • Fishing Hook (6+ uses)
  • Bone Hook (4 uses)
  • Wooden Hook
  • Earthworms (Required)
Traps
  • Small Fish Trap
  • Fish Net Trap

Using a Fishing Rod

Fresh Water

Carp

Salt Water

Mackerel

  1. Dig Earthworms with a Knife, Shovel, or Pickaxe.
  2. Combine Worm + Hook.
  3. Attach baited hook to rod.
  4. Cast into deep water.
  5. Wait for tug animation.
  6. Each catch consumes one worm.

Best Fishing Times

5–9 AM & 6–10 PM

Fishing during these windows increases catch chance by approximately 30–50%.

Using Fishing Traps

Small Fish Trap

Freshwater: Bitterlings Saltwater: Sardines

Fish Net Trap

Freshwater: Carp Saltwater: Mackerel

With Bait: ~85% success rate

No Bait: ~15% success rate

Wait Time: 15–25 minutes

Durability: 4 uses per trap

Hook Durability

Bone Hooks: ~4 catches

Standard Hooks: 6+ catches

Hooks degrade every catch.

Ruined hooks cannot be used.