Honestly, if you’re trying to wrap your head around the Stellar Blade Fish Research quest line, you’ve probably already spent way too much time staring at a bobber in the Oasis. It’s one of those side activities that starts out feeling like a relaxing break from parrying Naytibas but quickly turns into a test of patience. You aren't just catching small fry for fun here. You're trying to prove to Clyde that Eve is the ultimate angler, and that requires a lot of specific bait and even more specific locations.
The game doesn't really hold your hand through the nuances of the fishing mechanics, either. You get a rod, you get some basic bait, and you're told to go find some data. But the reality of completing the "Fish Research" quest—and eventually the "Legendary Fish" follow-up—is a bit more calculated. It involves understanding how the game’s RNG (random number generation) interacts with your gear and why some fish simply refuse to bite unless you're standing in the exact right spot.
Starting the Fish Research Quest with Clyde
You’ll find Clyde hanging out at the Oasis in the Great Desert. He’s the guy who looks like he’s having a much better time than everyone else in Xion. Talking to him kicks off the whole Stellar Blade Fish Research journey. Initially, he’s just going to give you the basics, but the quest itself is essentially a massive checklist of biological data. You need to catch different species to fill out your encyclopedia.
Fishing isn't just a mini-game; it's a progression system. As you catch more fish, you earn points that you can spend at Clyde’s shop. This is non-negotiable. You must buy the fishing data items from him. These upgrades make the reeling process less of a button-mashing nightmare and more of a controlled rhythm. Without the "Fantastic Bait" or the high-tier fishing data, trying to catch the Jumbo-sized fish is basically impossible. Your line will snap, or the timer will run out before you even get the fish halfway to the shore.
The Best Fishing Spots You Might Be Missing
Most players stick to the Oasis because it’s convenient. It’s right there. There’s a vending machine and a chair. But if you want to complete the Stellar Blade Fish Research requirements, you have to travel. Eidos 7 has a fantastic spot in the Clock Tower area, specifically the flooded plaza. This is where you’ll find some of the rarer medium-sized fish that just don't show up in the desert heat.
Then there’s the Wasteland. There is a small cave system with a pool of water that contains species you won't find anywhere else. If you're missing that one stubborn entry in your log, check the "Plant" area in the Wasteland. The water looks murky, but the fish are there.
Size matters. Fish in this game are categorized into Small, Medium, Large, and Jumbo.
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- Small fish (like the Goldfish or Mudskipper) love Small Shrimp.
- Medium fish (Sea Bass, etc.) prefer Fish Fillet.
- Large fish (like the Sailfish or Great White Shark) require Shrimp or the specialized Large Bait.
- Jumbo fish (the whales and Oarsfish) won't even look at you unless you have the "Fantastic Bait."
Tackling the RNG and Reeling Mechanics
The actual fishing mechanic in Stellar Blade is a bit divisive. You cast the line, wait for the vibration, and then flick the stick. But once the fish is on the hook, it becomes a battle of UI elements. You have to keep the cursor within the designated zone while occasionally tapping R2 or L2 to "drain" the fish's stamina.
Here is a tip that most people overlook: don't just mash the button. If you're going after the Jumbo fish for the research quest, you need to watch the tension meter. If you pull too hard while the fish is "raging" (indicated by the UI turning red), you'll lose progress. It's better to let go for a split second and regain control than to snap the line.
Wait, did you know that the time of day doesn't actually affect fish spawns? Unlike games like Animal Crossing, Stellar Blade is more about the bait type and the location. If you’re using the right bait in the right pond, the fish you need will eventually spawn. It’s just a matter of clearing out the "trash" fish to make room for the rare ones.
Unlocking the Fantastic Bait
You can't finish the Stellar Blade Fish Research without the Fantastic Bait. This is the endgame of the fishing profession. To get it, you need to have caught at least 20 different species of fish. Once you’ve done that, talk to Clyde. He’ll mention a legendary fish and give you a tip about where to find the ultimate bait.
This actually leads you back to Xion. You'll need to speak to Roxanne or check the information shop. Eventually, you’ll be directed to a hidden chest in the Wasteland or a specific NPC interaction that grants you the "knowledge" to use the bait. Once you have it, you can head back to the Oasis or the fountain in Eidos 7 to catch the absolute monsters of the deep.
The Great Desert Whale is the big one. It’s the crown jewel of the research data. Catching it gives you a massive boost in points and usually completes the final "Legendary Fish" quest line. It’s a long fight. Expect your thumbs to be tired afterward.
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Why Bother With Fishing Anyway?
Besides the trophies and the completionist urge, there’s a very practical reason to finish the Stellar Blade Fish Research. Clothing. Specifically, the "Ocean Maid" outfit for Eve. It’s arguably one of the best-designed suits in the game, and the only way to get it is to prove your worth as an angler.
Beyond the aesthetic, the fishing shop sells valuable upgrade materials. If you’re struggling with some of the late-game bosses, the Nano Elements and other crafting components you get from trading in fish points can be a lifesaver. It's a way to power up Eve without having to grind the same mobs over and over again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't waste your "Fantastic Bait" on spots where you haven't cleared the smaller fish yet. While the bait technically attracts larger fish, the RNG can still be annoying. I've seen people lose their rare bait because they weren't prepared for the aggressive QTE (quick-time event) of the Jumbo fish.
Also, make sure you've bought all the "Fishing Data" upgrades from Clyde before you go for the rare stuff. These upgrades literally increase the window of time you have to react to the fish's movements. They are the difference between a frustrating loss and a successful catch.
Another thing: the vibration settings. If you’re playing on a DualSense, the haptic feedback is actually a huge tell. You can feel the difference between a small nibble and a heavy strike. If you’ve turned vibrations off to save battery, turn them back on for this quest. It makes the timing much easier to read.
Completing the Collection
To truly finish the research, you'll need all 25 species.
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- Small: 01-06 (Goldfish, Betta, etc.)
- Medium: 07-13 (Salmon, Sea Bass, etc.)
- Large: 14-20 (Mahi-Mahi, Great White, etc.)
- Jumbo: 21-25 (The real "Research" targets like the Whale Shark and Oarfish)
If you find yourself catching the same Sea Bass over and over, change your bait. If you're using "Fish Fillet" and only getting Medium fish, stop. Switch to "Large Bait" or "Shrimp" to force the game to roll on a different loot table. The game checks your bait type first, then looks at the pool of available fish for that location.
The Oasis is technically capable of hosting almost every fish, but the spawn rates for specific Eidos 7 fish are much higher in their home territory. If you're stuck at 23/25, stop fishing in the desert. Go back to the flooded city. Check the secret pond in the Wasteland. Diversifying your locations is the fastest way to trigger the spawns you're missing.
Actionable Steps for the Final Stretch
If you're currently staring at an incomplete fish log, follow these steps to finish the research efficiently:
- Check your bait stock: Buy at least 20 of each type from Clyde. You don't want to have to fast-travel back in the middle of a hot streak.
- Purchase the Fishing Data: Ensure you have bought the "Fishing Data Second Edition" and "Third Edition" from Clyde's shop. These are permanent buffs to your fishing ability.
- Clear the "Fish Research" side quest: Ensure the quest is active in your log so you can track the specific dialogue prompts from Clyde.
- Target the Flooded Plaza in Eidos 7: If you are missing Medium or Large saltwater fish, this is the most reliable spot outside of the Desert.
- Use the Fantastic Bait for the Great Desert Whale: Save this for the Oasis. It is a specialized encounter that effectively serves as the "boss fight" of the fishing mechanic.
Completing the log doesn't just give you a suit; it fills out a significant portion of the game's world-building regarding how life survived (or didn't) after the Naytiba invasion. The data entries for the fish often contain small nuggets of lore about the state of the Earth's oceans and the environmental collapse that preceded the game's events. It's a quiet, meditative way to experience the world of Stellar Blade between the high-octane combat encounters.
Once the Great Desert Whale is caught and the data is handed over, you'll have maximized your relationship with Clyde and unlocked the top-tier rewards. From there, you can either keep fishing for points to buy out the rest of the shop's inventory or head back to Xion to show off your new gear.