> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dirkscripts.gitbook.io/dirkscripts-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dirkscripts.gitbook.io/dirkscripts-documentation/resources/dirk-fishing/features/core-fishing.md).

# Core Fishing

The core fishing loop is **aim, cast, fight**.

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## 1. Aiming

Equip a rod and a live on-screen reticle appears showing whether the spot you're pointing at is a valid fishing target. The reticle accounts for water type, depth, zone permits, level requirements and obstructions.

<figure><img src="/files/EVUg8SU1VGXUzGvtDqUp" alt=""><figcaption><p>The aim reticle reflects whether the current spot is fishable.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## 2. Casting

When the spot is valid, trigger the **casting minigame** — land the throw with a timing bar and your line arcs out into the water on a realistic catenary curve.

<figure><img src="/files/9PYwknchmoTYhay6inat" alt=""><figcaption><p>Time the bar to nail your cast distance.</p></figcaption></figure>

A physical rope trails from the rod tip to a hook in the water and swings naturally as you move.

<figure><img src="/files/IPMgxKkTxSRakNgeHXAj" alt=""><figcaption><p>The rod, rope and hook are all real entities — no faked lines.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## 3. Waiting & Nibbles

Bites trigger a nibble minigame — react in time to set the hook before the fish slips away. Bite rate is driven by the species' rarity, your bait choice, the zone, the time of day and how recently the spot has been fished.

<figure><img src="/files/Vc3qUMxFbpFKIn7EDJ0d" alt=""><figcaption><p>Strike at the right moment to set the hook.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## 4. The Fight

Hook a fish and the **bar-catch fight** kicks in — keep the fish inside a moving target band by managing tension with reel-in / let-out controls. Strong fish need stronger gear; over-stress your line and it snaps.

<figure><img src="/files/hVCykqx0VYaVFoHjI4Xe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Keep the marker on the fish to reel it in.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## 5. The Catch

Land the fight and the **cinematic catch camera** frames the moment before the fish hits your inventory. Every species has a bespoke 3D model streamed via `dirk_fishProps`, sized in your hands to match the actual weight of the fish you caught.

<figure><img src="/files/drAZibAjdB5XY5gN2EDQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Cinematic camera, real fish prop, real-world size.</p></figcaption></figure>

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## Rarity System

Every catch is ranked **Common → Legendary** based on its weight relative to the species' max. Beat your personal best on a species and the guidebook records it forever.

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## What sells the realism

* **Custom 3D model per species** — 32 fish, 32 props.
* **Realistic in-hand sizing** — a 1kg trout looks like a 1kg trout.
* **Physical rope and hook** — full RAGE rope physics from rod tip to water.
* **Cinematic camera** — every catch gets framed, whether it's a Redline or a Poseidon-tier monster.