With 4 fish left on my fishing dictionary, I think I am qualified now to make this post.
I actually like the fishing system now instead of a more involved mini-game simply because I can do other things while waiting for the fish to hook.
Some suggestions have been made many times before but going to list them again.
[Quality of Life]
1. Tacklebox
With over 20+ baits and lures, this is a necessity to reduce inventory clutter.
Especially so since the baits and lures actually do differ in catch rates for each spot.
2. More specialized Bait/Lures
Mainly to allow us to specially target certain fish for recipes.
3. Ability to see all fishing spots a fish can be caught at (if unlocked)
Although the fish entry has a generic area a fish can be caught, what we really need is a detailed "All fishing spots for <named> fish" reference.
4. Fishing Guild Store
Why does the fishing guild not have a shop (selling bait) like all the other guilds?
Yes I know there is a specialized fish shop in Limsa and the generic equipment shop that sells level specific bait...
[Recipes]
1. More recipes for fish.
This is self-explanatory. Sushi and sashimi please...this is a Japanese game after all.
2. Let Miqote eat raw fish for reduced benefits (And let Roes eat raw meat, Lalas can eat baits if they want and Hyur, well veggies for them)
Why this taken out of the game is beyond me...We could do it in 1.0.
3. Make fish sizes matter.
Why should a 50 Ilm fish make as much food as a 25 Ilm fish?
-> Big fish = more meat = more plates of food.
4. Furniture
Give some use to the legendary fish. Introduce Taxidermy or special furniture.
E.g.
Megalodon Throne (awesome to sit in a chair framed by a giant shark jaw).
5. Replacement fish
So many species from the same family and we can only use one to cook?
E.g. Grilled Carp - Should be able to use more than just Velodyna Carp.
[Graphics Visuals]
1. Fishing rod? (in 1st person)
Sometimes we just want to enjoy the scenery while fishing. Especially the sunrises and the sunsets.
2. Fishing line?
Where is it?
3. Fish? (When reeling in...)
Yes I know this will generate a lot of graphics resources but I think it will be super awesome to see my character haul in a 150 Ilm Megalodon...It can be comedic too!
Screenshot chance...yes please!
4. Fish? (In the water)
Apart from some fish seen at the village port south of Footfalls Valley, none of the other water bodies have any visible swimming fish in the very clean water. A noticeable "lifelessness"...
We have fireflies, we have butterflies but where is the fish?!?
"Falls Jumper" should be seen attempting to climb up the waterfalls where they are caught!
[+10] If the fish scatter when you step into the water.
[Quests & NPCs]
1. Legendary fish quests
The "splitting belly" quest from FFXI can make a comeback. It was fun, but please don't make the drop rates horribly low because the fish is already hard to get.
2. More NPCs to talk about fish.
Yes I know we can just google up the results but it will be nice if you hear the in-game fishermen talk about best bait/lure for fish.
3. Fishing board
Another good feature from FFXI was the fishing board where Fishermen across the land can compete for catches that fit specific categories...(largest size, smallest size...etc)
[Lore & Logic]
1. Food chain
- E.g. Why are so many native Eorzean species feeding off the Silverfish...an introduced ornamental species from the Far East?
2. Rarity mismatch
Some fish are not rare despite what the description says...
- E.g. Little Thaleos? As common as sardines when raining...
3. Fishing Monsters
This will be a great way to kill botters.
- E.g. Monster will be stunned on reel. Put a status effect on the user and allow them to switch to a combat job without timer penalty under this effect.
- E.g. Give visual cues to user so there is a use for the "let fish go" function.
Dangerous fishing spots should be dangerous...
[Bugs?]
1. Unsorted listings
In some areas, the fish is not listed in increasing level.