Feels does not mean it's actually harder, you are correct in that.
As I said, it appears consideration is taken to provide a similar statistical experience for the fish regardless of quest status.
Printable View
Sure, it's very quick.
From what we can tell so far - they rebalance all the other fish bite rates to provide a similar experience. What before the quest might've been 30% might now be 25% after, to offset. I don't have the specific numbers right now but can see where they were.