Wuthering Waves Riccioli Islands fishing guide: catch all 72 fish types in the Old Man and the Whale quest with Phoebe.
Hey, fellow Rovers. If you're anything like me, you probably sailed into Rinascita, saw those choppy waters around Riccioli Islands, and thought: yep, I'm going fishing. I'm not a guidebook, just a player who spent way too many evenings chasing echoes and fish during the Old Man and the Whale event quest in Wuthering Waves. The islands sit right in Rinascita's turbulent water, and your fishing adventure with Phoebe is one of those side activities that somehow turns into a full-blown obsession. There are 72 types of fish here. Seventy-two. That is not a typo. They are scattered around the Port of Riccioli, Helm Village, Serene Bay, and Reyes Ruins, and every little bay seems to have something new wriggling under the surface.

Now, before you grab your rod and sprint off, let me set the scene. Riccioli Islands is not just a fishing spot. It is a whole mood. The water around Rinascita is restless, the skies are dramatic, and the islands themselves feel like they are keeping secrets. Some secrets are cute. Some are weird. And some are Astrite Crabs that scuttle away the second you get close. I swear, those little guys have a sixth sense. You can almost hear them laughing.
Why 72 Fish Types Is Both a Blessing and a Curse
When I first heard there were 72 types of fish in Wuthering Waves' Riccioli Islands, I thought, easy. I have caught hundreds of fish in other games. I know how this works. Then I actually started the Old Man and the Whale quest with Phoebe, and I realized the scale. Seventy-two is a lot. It is not just a number. It is a checklist, a collection, and a slow descent into madness. Okay, maybe not madness. But definitely a lot of sailing.
The fish and echo-like creatures here are not all the same. You have your standard-looking fish, and then you have the ones that make you do a double-take. The Astrite Crab is a good example. It looks like it should be guarding treasure, not swimming around a fishing route. The Tripod Fish is another one that feels like it was designed by someone who was told to make a fish but only heard half the instructions. And then there is the Fried Egg Jellyfish. I am not kidding. It looks exactly like a fried egg decided to become a sea creature. If you have not seen it yet, you will know it when you do.

The Four Main Fishing Zones
The 72 fish types are spread across four named areas. I like to think of them as four different personalities.
Port of Riccioli
This is where I started. It is busy, or at least as busy as a port can be when you are the only Rover running around with a fishing rod. The water here feels more urban, if that makes sense. You are close to docks, buildings, and the general hustle of Rinascita. I found a good mix of common catches here, which makes it a solid warm-up spot. Do not expect every rare fish to jump into your bucket on day one.
Helm Village
Helm Village has a quieter energy. The water feels calmer, and the surroundings make you want to slow down. That is a trap, by the way. The fish here are not necessarily easier. They are just better at hiding. I spent a long time here trying to figure out the timing for certain catches. If you are hunting for Tripod Fish, this is one of the areas I would keep on your radar. Just be patient. And maybe bring snacks. Real snacks. For you, not the fish.
Serene Bay
Serene Bay is exactly what it sounds like. It is pretty. It is peaceful. It is also full of creatures that look like they belong in a dream. The Fried Egg Jellyfish is the star of the show for me. I do not know who looked at a jellyfish and thought, yes, breakfast, but I am glad they did. The bay is a great place to fill out the stranger side of your fish list.
Reyes Ruins
Reyes Ruins is the wild card. Ruins always are. There is something about fishing near old stones and forgotten structures that makes every catch feel more important. The water here can be tricky, and the fish seem to know it. I would not save this area for last unless you enjoy a challenge. Or unless you are like me and you always save the creepy ruin area for last because you think it is cool.
My Personal Fishing Routine
Here is the routine I settled into after way too many trial-and-error sessions:
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Start at Port of Riccioli to warm up and knock out common catches.
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Move to Helm Village and focus on the fish that like to hide.
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Visit Serene Bay when I want the weird and wonderful catches.
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Finish at Reyes Ruins, where the atmosphere is thick and the rare fish feel like bosses.
I also learned to stop treating every empty hook as a failure. Sometimes the game just wants you to enjoy the view. The islands are beautiful. The water moves. The sky changes. Phoebe is there, being Phoebe. It is a good time.

A Few Tips for Fellow Rovers
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Do not rush the Old Man and the Whale quest. The journey is the point.
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Keep a checklist. With 72 fish types, your memory will betray you.
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Pay attention to location. Port of Riccioli, Helm Village, Serene Bay, and Reyes Ruins all have their own flavors.
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Expect the unexpected. Astrite Crab, Tripod Fish, and Fried Egg Jellyfish are just the beginning.
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Take breaks. The fish will still be there. Probably.
As of 2026, this fishing adventure is still one of my favorite reasons to revisit Riccioli Islands. Wuthering Waves keeps growing, but there is something timeless about sailing around Rinascita with Phoebe and filling out a ridiculously long fish list. If you are a completionist, this is your paradise. If you are just here for the vibes, that works too. Either way, bring a rod. The islands are waiting.