TL;DR: The Fisherman Guild Manager is the NPC that runs the fishing system. He sells fishing rods and lures, hands out the starter fishing quest, and trades your catch for rewards like Fishing Shots and the Codex needed for high-level skills. You'll find him in most major towns and by the water.

Overview

The Fisherman Guild Manager is the NPC that drives the entire fishing system. He sells fishing rods and lures, trades your catch for rewards, and gives out the introductory fishing quest. Fishing itself is a mini-game that yields valuable materials and even skill resources. You'll find a Fisherman Guild Manager in most major towns and near lakes, rivers and harbors.

Goods & Fishing Rods

The NPC stocks everything you need to start and improve your fishing:

ItemWhat it's for
LuresBait in different colors for different fish. Green Lure catches common fish, Yellow targets mid-tier fish, and Purple is for rare catches. Price scales with the lure type.
Fishing RodsUpgraded rods are bought with materials earned from fishing. Rods come by grade โ€” D, C, B, A and S โ€” and each grade boosts the power of your fishing skills.
Fishing consumablesSpecial scrolls and potions that help you win the fishing mini-game and reel in tougher fish.

The Fisherman Guild Manager also gives you the quest for your first fishing rod, available from level 20. Completing it is the easiest way to get started.

Trading Your Catch

Bring your fish back to the same NPC and trade it for rewards. The exchange rate depends on the type of fish โ€” common fish gives little, while rare fish gives significantly more.

RewardWhy it matters
Fishing materialsUsed to buy the upgraded, higher-grade fishing rods.
Codex of GiantRequired to learn level 76+ skills โ€” one of the most valuable things fishing can give you.
Potions & consumablesHandy supplies for both fishing and general play.
Crafting componentsMaterials that feed into the crafting system.
Treasure Chest FishThe rarest catch โ€” it contains a random reward and is the most valuable haul you can land.

For the full mechanics of how fishing works, see the fishing guide.