In the vast, visually stunning world of Crimson Desert, not every challenge involves the edge of a blade. Sometimes, the most rewarding moments come from the quiet patience of the shoreline. However, puzling out the mechanics for Annabella’s Request can be quite the hurdle, especially since the game’s internal help section remains tight-lipped on the finer points of fishing. Here at Digital Tech Explorer, we’ve decoded the system to help you secure that Tench and master the rod.
How to Fish and Complete Annabella’s Request
Finding Annabella and the Fishing Hole
Your journey begins at the Hernand Saddlery. After speaking with Annabella, she’ll hand over a fishing rod and direct you north toward the pool before Three Saints’ Fall. This location is conveniently situated near the Wycliffe Mappery—the very spot where Kliff’s story began.
TechTalesLeo’s Tip: When you arrive at the quest marker, don’t just stand on the bank. Wade into the stream slightly and face the waterfall. This positioning ensures the current doesn’t interfere with your line placement, making it much easier to manage your catch.
Kliff facing the waters with his fishing rod equipped, preparing to cast for a Tench.
Step-by-Step Fishing Controls
Action
PC (Mouse & Keyboard)
Controller (Xbox/PS)
Equip Rod
Hold F2, Select Rod
Hold Left D-pad, Select Rod
Aim & Cast
Press Q, Hold/Release Left Click
Hold & Release LT/L2
Reel (Attract)
Mouse Wheel
Right Stick
Hook Fish
Right Click
RT / R2
Pull/Fight
WASD
Left Stick
Crimson Desert Fishing Control Reference Table
Mastering the Catching Mechanic
The real mystery lies in the struggle once a fish is hooked. To successfully land the Tench, you must master the “Pull and Reel” rhythm:
Counter-Steer: Use WASD (or the Left Stick) to pull the rod in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement. If the fish darts left, pull right.
The Splash Rule: Never reel while the fish is actively splashing. This increases line tension and risks a snap.
The Window of Opportunity: Wait for the splashing to stop. This indicates the fish is tired. Use this brief window to pull back on the rod and reel in aggressively.
Rinse and Repeat: As soon as the splashing resumes, stop reeling and go back to counter-steering. Repeat this cycle until the fish is landed.
Delivering the Catch and Rewards
Once you have the Tench, don’t head back to Annabella at the Saddlery. Much like the earlier quest for iron ore, you need to deliver the goods to Bloomwood Ranch, located to the southeast of Hernand.
Completing this task is well worth the effort. For your trouble, you’ll receive a valuable inventory expansion, some dried fish, and—best of all—you get to keep the fishing rod for your future adventures in gaming and exploration.
Mastering side activities like fishing allows you to unlock more secrets and mechanics scattered across the world of Crimson Desert.
Stay tuned to Digital Tech Explorer for more in-depth guides and PC gaming tips from our lead storyteller, TechTalesLeo.
