Fish or fight
WATER WARS
Fish the reef for an honest living, or run down the other boats, shoot them dead in the water and plunder what they carry.
Press R for the rod. Hold the left mouse button to wind up, release to cast: the longer you hold, the farther it goes.
Watch the bobber. A few nibbles, then it's pulled under: click the left mouse button that moment to set the hook.
In a fight, hold to reel but keep the line tension in the green. Ease off when the fish runs, or the line snaps.
What bites depends on where you fish: the shallows, the reef, the deep water past the drop-off, and the time of day.
Joe at the fish stand by the pier buys your catch. Fish are worth more by weight, so bring the big ones in.
Marta at the boathouse sells upgrades: stronger line, a faster reel, a bigger hold, more fuel and a fish finder.
Press E at the boat to board, at the wheel to take the helm, and again to step away and walk the deck.
At the helm, the left mouse button fires your deck gun at the crosshair. It overheats, so fire in bursts.
Shoot a boat until it burns, pull alongside and press G to plunder its cash and fish. Your guns never run out of ammo.
Pirates only attack on sight in the Danger Waters, the red zones on the map. Epic and legendary fish bite twice as often there, and pirates carry more plunder.
Save up for a new boat: a steel trawler, a fast sport-fisher or a deep-sea fishing ship. They're in the Boats tab at Marta's or the harbour.
Attacking fishing boats and traders makes you wanted. From two stars the coast guard comes after you. Pirates carry a bounty.
Press U by the pier or at one of the four sea stations for harbour services: repairs, upgrades, boats, and they buy your catch. They are all safe zones.
Whale-sized giant fish surface out at sea. Fit a harpoon, press Q at the helm to spear one from the stern, let it tire, and tow it into a harbour for a payout of up to $520,000.
Every fish has a rarity, from common to legendary: a legendary catch is worth $180,000 to $240,000. Deep water and the danger waters bring the rare ones up more often.
Press I for your cooler and the fish log. Deck lights from Marta let you fish after dark.