What Fishing Holes Are in Final Fantasy XIV
Fishing Holes are a recurring, high-value bite target in Final Fantasy XIV that appear while fishing in eligible waters. When a hole appears, it indicates a rarer fish or a large specimen is available, often granting items used for crafting, cooking, and achievement progress. Unlike normal bites, fishing holes usually require specific conditions to appear and may reward rare fish, collectables, or progression items tied to both fishing classes and broader gathering gameplay.
How Fishing Holes Work Mechanically
While fishing, bites appear as small splashes near your float. A Fishing Hole is visually distinct—a larger ripple or splash—and targeting it increases your chance to pull rare fish or items. Key behaviors include:
- Available primarily in rougher waters and certain marked spots compatible with the Fisher class.
- Some holes are tied to weather, time, or fishing spear/gathered lure effects that increase odds.
- Success rewards items used for crafting, market sale, and achievement checks; some bites provide no material but count toward fishing parameters.
Understanding these mechanics helps you prioritize hole checks over smaller bites when your goal is rare fish, tomestones, or gear materials.
Where and When Fishing Holes Appear
Fishing Holes are not random; they are tied to specific locations and conditions. Common triggers and locations include:
- Certain fishing spots in Thanalan, La Noscea, and other starter regions for low-level holes.
- Deep water patches in higher-level zones such as Southern Thanalan, The Dravanian Forelands, and The Fringes.
- Special holes in The Rak’tika Greatwood and other expansions that require Spearfishing or special lures.
- Weather and time influence: some rare holes only appear during specific weather or at particular times of day.
Using condition-appropriate bait and being in a compatible class patch or using a fishing spear increases odds significantly.
Notable Fishing Hole Locations by Expansion
| Zone | Typical Hole Conditions | Reward Types |
|---|---|---|
| Thanalan (Central) | Patch 20+; Level 10+ Fisher | Common fish, basic craft materials |
| Southern Thanalan | Rough water; Level 30+ Fisher | Rare fish, more valuable mats |
| The Dravanian Forelands | Deep water; Level 50+ with spear | Rare fish, tomestone gear materials |
| The Rak’tika Greatwood | Spearfishing exclusive; various conditions | Event fish, collectables |
| Endwalker zones | Weather/time dependent; high level | Special fish, achievements |
Fishing Holes and Achievements
Fishing Holes are important for achievement and title hunting, especially in expansions that introduce new rare fish. Examples include:
- Catching specific rare fish that only appear as holes in certain zones.
- Completing series such as ‘The Fisher’s Challenge’ where consecutive rare bites are tracked.
- Obtaining collectable furniture and mounts tied to rare catches that initially come from holes.
Tracking these achievements often requires patience, ideal conditions, and knowledge of when and where specific holes can appear.
Optimizing Your Fishing Hole Strategy
To consistently catch Fishing Holes, consider these practices:
- Equip bait that matches the zone and weather; some lures increase rare hole chances.
- Use Spearfishing in expansion zones where holes are restricted to spear-only spots.
- Check weather forecasts in-game; certain fish only bite during specific weather.
- Rotate among high-yield spots and keep an eye on bite quality to maximize rare fish per trip.
Over time, building a checklist of hole-dependent fish and conditions reduces wasted casts and increases efficiency for both gatherers and collectors.