Fishing Rework Proposal: Skill-Based Mechanics, Depth Loot and Timing

The current fishing system is functional but passive and easily exploitable through AFK farms. This proposal aims to preserve the relaxing aspect of fishing while introducing mechanics that make it more interactive and skill-based.

The core idea is to shift fishing into a system where player input and decision-making directly influence rewards:

• Casting mechanic: The fishing rod uses a charge-based system similar to the bow, where the player controls casting distance. Longer casts allow access to deeper water, which improves loot quality.
• Depth-based loot: Treasure probability increases with water depth beneath the hook, encouraging players to aim and position their casts rather than rely on static setups.
• Timing-based experience: Experience is no longer tied to the caught item, but to the timing of the hook retrieval. Perfect timing rewards more XP, while poor timing yields less or none.
• New enchantment – “Reel Mastery”: Increases casting distance, giving players more control over positioning and enabling deeper, more rewarding fishing spots.
• Luck of the Sea rework: Now scales with depth-based loot and also increases experience gained, remaining relevant in both early and late game.
• Environmental bonus: Storms slightly increase treasure chances, adding situational variation to fishing.

Overall, this system reduces the effectiveness of automated farms while rewarding player skill, maintaining balance, and making fishing more engaging throughout all stages of the game.