When I first set sail in Sea of Thieves back in 2021, I never imagined that a simple fishing mechanic would become one of my favorite ways to unwind between voyages. The game was once dismissed for its sparse launch content, but Rare kept pouring love into this watery world, and by 2026 it has blossomed into a piratical playground that nearly 20 million players call home. One of the most peaceful yet profitable side activities is fishing—and selling those slippery catches to the right people can fund your entire adventure.
Before you can think about turning fish into gold, you'll need to master the art of the catch. The seas are teeming with different species: Splashtails, Pondies, Islehoppers, and more exotic breeds like the Stormfish or the Devilfish. Each type has its own favored bait—Earthworms work for general catches, but you'll need Leeches for some and Grubs for others. Equip your fishing rod (you always have one in your inventory) and find a spot on your ship, a dock, or the shore. Cast the line into the water and wait for that telltale tug.
The real fun begins once a fish bites. Sea of Thieves uses one of gaming's most intuitive fishing systems: you have to pull your line in the opposite direction the fish is pulling. Tire it out by reeling when it stops struggling, and repeat the back-and-forth until the fish is close enough to yoink out of the water. A word of caution—fishing leaves you incredibly exposed. I've lost count of the times a sneaky sloop has rolled up while I was focused on a trophy Shadow Stormfish. Always have a crewmate keeping watch, or anchor near a secluded islet.
Fresh fish can be carried to port and sold raw, but every experienced pirate knows that cooked fish fetches a far higher price. Cooking stations are found on your ship or at various camps across the islands. The key is timing. Lay your fish on the pan and watch its transformation. The moment its eyes turn completely white, it's perfectly cooked—snatch it off the heat immediately. Let it cook even one second too long, and you'll be left with a burnt, blackened chunk worth almost nothing. In a pinch, a perfectly cooked fish can also be eaten to restore a hearty chunk of health, which makes it a dual-purpose resource during extended sea battles.
Now, the big question: where do you actually sell these finned treasures? You won't find a fishmonger in the bustling outposts like Plunder Outpost or Golden Sands. Instead, you need to locate the trading company called Hunter’s Call. These grizzled fishers run small, makeshift stalls on tiny seaposts scattered across the map. They don't advertise with glowing beacons, but once you've spotted one, you'll recognize the signature wooden structure jutting out from some lonely rocks. Some reliable locations I frequent are Stephen’s Spoils (coordinates L15/16), Brian’s Bazaar (Y12), and The Finest Trading Post (F17). There are many more, and each offers the same base pricing. Pull up to the dock, hop off with your haul of cooked fish, and talk to the representative to turn your patience into gold and reputation.
To maximize your earnings, I recommend filling a storage crate with cooked fish—especially rare trophy variants that glow with a special sheen. A single Trophy Shadow Stormfish, perfectly seared, can sell for over 14,000 gold if the conditions are right. That’s a huge payoff for an activity that feels more like meditation than grind. And if you’re sailing solo, it’s a peaceful way to see the islands while still progressing the Hunter’s Call commendations.
As we sail through 2026, Sea of Thieves continues to drip-feed content that enriches the simple pleasures. Fishing hasn't changed drastically, but it's been woven deeper into the fabric of adventure—some Tall Tales even require specific fish, and limited-time events sometimes boost fish values. Whether you’re a battle-hardened legend or a fresh swabbie on your first sloop, casting a line and selling your catch is a timeless way to earn your pirate’s keep. So bait your hook, watch those gulls circle overhead, and prepare to reel in your fortune.
Fair winds, and tight lines. 🎣🏴☠️