If you’ve been spending any time in Hopeport lately, you’ve probably realized that Andrew Gower’s new MMO doesn’t hold your hand. It’s nostalgic, sure, but it’s also remarkably obtuse when it comes to specific item locations. You’re looking for a Brighter Shores fetid flounder, and honestly, it’s one of those fish that makes you question if you're even standing in the right biome. You aren't alone in the frustration.
Fisherman's Wharf is loud. It's crowded. And yet, the one thing you need for that specific quest or profession milestone seems to be hiding under a digital rock.
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Where the Brighter Shores Fetid Flounder Actually Hides
Stop running toward the beach. Seriously. While your brain says "fish live in the ocean," the Brighter Shores fetid flounder is a creature of the murky depths, specifically the Eel Street area and the surrounding brackish waters of Hopeport. It’s a Level 16 fish. If your Fishing profession level is sitting at 12, you can see them, but you can't touch them.
The game uses a specific "scent" and "spot" mechanic. You'll see the splashing animations in the water. Hover over them. If it doesn't say "Fetid Flounder," don't waste your bait or your time.
Why the Level Gate Matters
Most players hit a wall around level 14. You feel like you're ready for the "big leagues" of Hopeport fishing, but the Brighter Shores fetid flounder requires a bit more grind. You need to be Level 16. Period. There's no "lucky catch" mechanic here that lets a low-level player snag a high-level fish.
Go back to the stones. Catch some more cod. Grind it out.
Gear Requirements and the "Flounder Logic"
You can't just use a basic net and hope for the best. Well, you can, but it’s inefficient. You need the right tackle. By the time you’re hunting the Brighter Shores fetid flounder, you should have upgraded your gear at the local fishmonger.
- The Rod: Ensure you have the reinforced rod.
- The Bait: These things love stinky stuff. Hence the "fetid" part.
- The Spot: Eel Street Bridge is the "sweet spot" most veterans swear by.
Sometimes the spawns are dry. It happens. If you don't see the flounder, hop to a different instance or just wait three minutes. The respawn timers in Brighter Shores are actually pretty generous compared to old-school RuneScape, which is a mercy Andrew Gower gave us in 2024.
The Professional Loop
The loop is simple but tedious. Catch the Brighter Shores fetid flounder, run to the fishmonger, sell for professional XP, and repeat. Or, if you're working on the Chef profession, keep them. Fetid flounder might sound disgusting—and it probably smells like a damp basement—but it’s a core ingredient for mid-tier Hopeport recipes.
Common Mistakes People Make in Hopeport
The biggest mistake? Fishing in the wrong "phase." Brighter Shores uses a regional progression system. If you’ve moved on to the Forest or the Mine, you aren't finding these fish. They are strictly an Episode 1 (Hopeport) resource.
Another thing: inventory management.
It’s easy to fill up on junk. If you're specifically hunting the Brighter Shores fetid flounder, shift-click to drop the low-value seaweed or mackerel. Your inventory space is a resource. Don't waste it on fish that give you 2 XP when the flounder is sitting there waiting.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
- Check your level first. If you aren't Fishing Level 16, stop looking for the flounder. You’re wasting time. Hit the docks and grind smaller fish until that notification pops.
- Head to Eel Street. This is the primary habitat. Don't bother with the open ocean or the sandy beaches to the east.
- Stock up on high-grade bait. The initial investment pays for itself in the XP multiplier you get from catching higher-tier fish like the Brighter Shores fetid flounder.
- Save the fish for Cooking. Unless you are desperate for money to buy a new cape, the Cooking XP gain from flounder-based dishes is significantly more valuable in the long run than the raw gold.
- Watch the ripples. Don't just click blindly. Identify the fish by hovering before you cast to ensure you're targeting the right node.