Fishing is one of the slowest skills to train in OSRS. It involves using the proper tools to catch specific fish and repeatedly clicking on the same fishing spot until your inventory is full. You can then either bank the fish or drop them to continue fishing more efficiently. While tick manipulation can speed up the process, this guide is for players who prefer a relaxed, AFK (away-from-keyboard) approach to reaching level 99 Fishing.

If you're interested in the fastest ways to reach 99 with maximum efficiency, check out our OSRS Fastest Fishing Guide 1-99!

How to Properly AFK in OSRS

To maximize your AFK time while fishing, consider the following:

• Use a second monitor or mobile device to keep an eye on your game while multitasking.

• Use Runelite's "Idle Notifier" plugin to receive alerts when your fishing action stops. You can customize the plugin for sound, message, or flash notifications.

• Utilize a Fish Barrel to store extra fish and reduce the frequency of banking.

• Complete key quests that unlock the best AFK fishing spots, like Tai Bwo Wannai Trio and Swan Song.

AFK Fishing Guide 1-99

This guide will explore the best AFK fishing methods based on your level and preference.

Levels 1-24/33: Questing for a Head Start

Instead of manually fishing at low levels, you can gain a significant Fishing boost by completing these quests:

• Sea Slug (1-24 Fishing)

• Fishing Contest (Additional XP boost)

• Freeing Pirate Pete (Recipe for Disaster) (More XP for minimal effort)

If you want to push further to level 33 Fishing, consider completing:

• Tai Bwo Wannai Trio

• The Fremennik Trials

Levels 1-5: Raw Shrimps

• Location: Lumbridge Swamp

• Equipment: Small fishing net

• Time: Very short, around 10 minutes

Levels 5-20: Bait Fishing (Sardines & Herrings)

• Location: Draynor Village, Barbarian Village

• Equipment: Fishing rod + bait

• Slightly faster than shrimp but still a low-effort method.

Levels 20-40/62: Fly Fishing (Trout & Salmon)

• Location: Shilo Village (best XP) or Barbarian Village

• Equipment: Fly fishing rod + feathers

• One of the fastest ways to get to mid-level Fishing. However, it requires frequent banking or dropping.

AFK Fishing Methods from Level 40+

Levels 40-62/65: Lobsters

• Location: Catherby, Fishing Guild (level 68 Fishing), or Karamja

• Equipment: Lobster pot

• Slower XP than Fly Fishing, but a great introduction to AFK fishing.

Levels 48-99: Barbarian Fishing (AFK Method)

• Location: Mount Quidamortem, near the Chambers of Xeric

• Equipment: Barbarian rod + feathers + Fish Barrel

• Unlike the regular method, this focuses on slow, AFK fishing while gaining passive Strength and Agility XP.

Levels 62-99: Monkfish

• Location: Piscatoris Fishing Colony (requires Swan Song)

• Equipment: Small fishing net

• One of the most AFK-friendly methods, as fishing spots rarely move.

Levels 65-99: Karambwans

• Location: Fairy Ring DKP (Tai Bwo Wannai Village)

• Equipment: Karambwan vessel + Raw Karambwanji

• This method is highly AFK since the fishing spot never moves. A Fish Barrel is essential to maximize efficiency.

Levels 80-99: Infernal Eels

• Location: Mor-Ul-Rek (requires Fire Cape)

• Equipment: Ice gloves, Oily fishing rod, Hammer

• This method is unique as you can hammer the eels for Lava Scale Shards, Onyx Bolt Tips, and Tokkul, eliminating the need for banking.

Levels 82-99: Anglerfish

• Location: Port Piscarilius (requires 100% Piscarilius favor)

• Equipment: Fishing rod + Sandworms

• A decent AFK method since fishing spots do not move frequently. Anglerfish are highly profitable due to their use in high-level PvM and PvP.

Levels 82-99: Dark Crabs (Best AFK Method)

• Location: Deep Wilderness Resource Area (Warning: PvP risk)

• Equipment: Lobster pot + Dark fishing bait

• Highly AFK because the fishing spot never moves.

• Completing the Elite Wilderness Diary more than doubles your catch rate.

• An NPC can note your fish for a small fee, reducing the need for banking.

Levels 87-99: Sacred Eels

• Location: Zul-Andra

• Equipment: Fishing rod + Fishing bait

• This method is unique since you can use a knife to cut eels into Zulrah scales, making it a profitable AFK activity.

Conclusion: What's the Best AFK Fishing Method?

The best method depends on your preferences:

• Most Profitable: Anglerfish or Dark Crabs

• Most AFK: Infernal Eels, Sacred Eels, or Dark Crabs

• Best Overall XP: Monkfish or Barbarian Fishing (AFK variant)

By following this guide, you can efficiently AFK your way to 99 Fishing while making some passive OSRS gold profit. Whether you're watching a show, working, or just relaxing, these methods will help you reach your goal with minimal effort!

RSorder Team