Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to offer far more than its usual combination of driving, shooting and criminal missions. Rockstar’s upcoming open-world game includes a wide variety of recreational activities, and fishing appears to be one of the more developed systems in the game.
Recent comments from Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson have provided new information about how fishing will work. According to reporting based on an interview with Nelson, GTA 6’s fishing system is expected to be about as extensive as the fishing system in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, there is one major difference: players will use a catch-and-release approach rather than keeping their catches.
That makes the fishing feature considerably more interesting than a simple minigame.
GTA 6 Fishing Could Match RDR2’s Depth
Fishing in RDR2 was much more involved than simply pressing a button to catch a fish. Players selected appropriate bait, cast their line and managed the fish’s movements before eventually landing the catch.
GTA 6 appears to be taking inspiration from that philosophy.
Rob Nelson has discussed fishing as one of the game’s recreational activities, while recent reporting says the system will have a level of depth comparable to RDR2. That suggests Rockstar is treating fishing as a genuine activity rather than a basic animation hidden inside the enormous Leonida map.
However, players should not automatically assume that every RDR2 fishing mechanic is returning.
The Biggest Difference: Catch and Release
The most surprising part of GTA 6’s fishing system is what happens after players catch a fish.
Unlike RDR2, where fish could become part of the player’s broader survival and food systems, GTA 6 will reportedly use catch-and-release fishing. Players won’t be able to keep their catches simply for eating or selling them. Nelson reportedly explained that keeping fish did not fit the modern setting and design of GTA 6.
Instead, fishing is connected to other forms of progression and exploration.
Recent reporting indicates that fishing can involve challenges and collectibles, giving players reasons to return to waterways even when they aren’t trying to make money.
This also separates fishing from hunting. Hunting has been described as one of the ways players can make money, while fishing is primarily positioned as recreation and collection-oriented gameplay.
Boats Will Be a Major Part of Leonida
The fishing system becomes even more interesting because GTA 6’s world is packed with waterways.
Rockstar’s official Extended Look showcased numerous water-based activities, including fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving and airboating. The presentation makes it clear that water is not simply scenery surrounding Vice City.
Rockstar’s official GTA 6 information also lists multiple watercraft. The game’s Ultimate Edition, for example, includes the Shitzu Squalo, while Jason’s Safehouse Vehicles include a Crest Kayak.
This gives players multiple ways to experience Leonida’s waterways.
However, there’s an important distinction between having access to boats and having a fully developed personal boat ownership system.
Rockstar has confirmed specific watercraft, but it has not publicly explained whether players can freely purchase, store, customize and manage a large personal fleet of boats in the same way they can handle other vehicles.
Fishing Locations Across Leonida
GTA 6’s geography should give fishing plenty of room to breathe.
Rockstar has introduced Leonida as a large state extending beyond Vice City, with coastal areas, waterways, islands and wilderness environments. One particularly relevant location is Mount Kalaga National Park, which Rockstar describes as offering hunting, fishing and off-road trails.
The combination of rivers, coastal areas and open water could allow fishing to feel different depending on where players are exploring.
The Leonida Keys are another obvious location for water-based activities, while Vice City’s surrounding waterways create opportunities for fishing during free-roam exploration.
Could Fishing Become a Major Side Activity?
Rockstar appears to be using GTA 6’s recreational activities to make Leonida feel more alive outside the main criminal storyline.
The official Extended Look showed a large number of optional activities, from basketball and scuba diving to kayaking, fishing and jet skiing.
Fishing therefore fits into a much broader design philosophy.
Rather than forcing players to complete every activity, Rockstar appears to be giving players reasons to explore the world and spend time away from missions. Fishing challenges and collectibles could encourage completionists to visit different parts of the map.
At the same time, the catch-and-release approach means fishing won’t simply become another method of collecting food or selling resources.
What We Know About GTA 6 Fishing and Boats
Based on the latest information, several points are now relatively clear:
- Fishing is part of GTA 6: supported by Rockstar’s official material and developer comments.
- The fishing system is expected to be comparable in depth to RDR2: based on Rob Nelson’s reported comments.
- Fish will be catch-and-release: players won’t keep their catches.
- Fishing connects to challenges and collectibles: reported from preview information.
- Boats and other watercraft are confirmed: Rockstar has shown them and listed specific vehicles.
- A complete personal boat ownership system: not yet officially detailed.
GTA 6 is currently scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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