Old School RuneScape’s Sailing skill has introduced a completely new resource loop, and deep sea trolling is quickly becoming one of the most valuable activities for Ironmen and main accounts alike. Whether you are upgrading your ship, chasing high-tier fish, or supporting end-game potion production, this method offers steady progress without requiring marathon play sessions. For players who prefer to progress through gameplay rather than relying on external shortcuts such as those who buy OSRS gold, this guide outlines how to maximize efficiency and fully leverage the new system. This instructional guide breaks down every major component of deep sea trolling so you can optimize your runs and extract the maximum value from each voyage.

1. Preparing Your Vessel for Deep Sea Trolling

Before you can collect meaningful quantities of high-tier fish, you must properly upgrade your ship. Camfor planks are the primary bottleneck early on. At 2,500 coins per log-and around 400 planks needed for a camfor hull on a sloop-the cost escalates quickly. Upgrading two full loads of camfor logs can easily run over 130,000 coins, but the investment pays off in efficiency, durability, and speed once you begin serious trolling.

An optimal deep sea setup includes:

· Two trolling nets

· An inoculation station

· A wind catcher for movement speed

· A fathom stone to locate shoals

· An advanced chum station for enhanced fish attraction

Once your Sailing level surpasses 70, secure an additional crew member. Higher crew capacity directly improves your ability to delegate navigation, net control, or support tasks.

2. Building Fish Crates: The Key to High-Volume Storage

Deep sea fishing requires large storage capacity, and fish crates are essential. To craft one, combine camfor logs with four adamant nails, chisel it into a camfor crate, then upgrade it using an ice cooler. Each fish crate stores up to 10 fish, meaning that with 100 crates, you can comfortably hold 1,000 fish per voyage. Even 15–20 crates dramatically extend your time at sea before needing to bank.

3. Locating and Engaging Shoals

Use your fathom stone to track the nearest shoal-yellowfin, halibut, or the rare glistening variety. Sail toward the direction indicated, stop directly on top of the shoal, and begin operating your trolling nets.

Deep sea trolling is semi-active gameplay. Crew members can assist, but you will earn more Fishing XP by manually adjusting net depths based on the chat dialogue. Shoals remain stationary for roughly 40 seconds before moving, but with practice you can follow them in motion and continue collecting fish mid-chase.

4. Experience Rates and Efficiency Expectations

Deep sea trolling is not an XP-focused activity. Players commonly receive:

· ~14,000 Fishing XP per hour

· ~5,500 Sailing XP per hour

Your catch rate depends on Fishing level and net quality. Linen nets, the second-best option, perform adequately even at mid-levels, though higher Fishing levels (83–90+) significantly increase hourly catch totals.

Do not rely on the in-game catch counter-it counts XP drops rather than actual fish. A realistic yield is 300+ fish per hour, including halibut, bluefin, yellowfin, and occasional marlin.

5. The Glistening Shoal: Your Best Target

Glistening shoals are the most lucrative. They contain all major fish types-yellowfin, halibut, bluefin, and marlin-regardless of your typical level requirements. While halibut normally requires 83 Fishing and marlin requires 91, glistening shoals bypass the Fishing requirement entirely. The only limitations are the base Fishing level needed to interact with the shoal (76) and the Cooking level needed to prepare higher-tier fish.

6. Banking Your Catch at Deep Fin Point

Once your cargo hold and crates are full, sail to Deep Fin Point. Speak with Jobless Jim, who can automatically transfer every fish crate and loose fish into your bank. This streamlined system eliminates backtracking and makes deep sea trolling one of the smoothest gathering loops introduced with Sailing.

7. Why the New Deep Sea Fish Matter

The new fish provide major benefits:

· Marlin (24 HP heal): One of the strongest single-bite foods; its scales create extended stamina potions.

· Bluefin (22 HP + 5 Prayer): A hybrid food with no modern equivalent.

· Halibut (20 HP): The new best-in-slot combo food, pairing perfectly with lobsters or potions for tick-perfect three-way eats.

· Yellowfin: Used to create extreme energy potions and restores run energy when cooked.

· Hatock: Offers up to 10 HP overheal early-game.

These benefits make deep sea trolling one of the most valuable activities added to OSRS, especially for Ironmen seeking efficient healing, potion ingredients, and combo food. Even for regular accounts, the method provides a steady supply of high-value resources that would otherwise cost significant GP on the Grand Exchange, making it a strong alternative to purchasing supplies with cheap RS gold while still progressing your account through actual gameplay.