GTA 6 Fishing Won't Let You Keep the Catch—Here's Why

Rockstar reveals GTA 6 fishing is catch-and-release only, while hunting serves as a money maker. Here's the scoop on how these systems work.

Ever spent hours in Red Dead Redemption 2 reeling in a legendary fish, only to cook it up for a hearty meal? Well, in GTA 6, you can kiss that goodbye. Rockstar has confirmed that fishing in the upcoming game is strictly catch-and-release. Yep, you won't be keeping any of those virtual fish.

Speaking to YouTuber TGG, Rockstar North's Rob Nelson explained that keeping fish just "didn't fit this game." Instead, fishing is all about having fun, completing challenges, and collecting stuff. So, if you were hoping to live out your angler fantasies with a full freezer, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Now, hunting is a different story. Unlike fishing, hunting in GTA 6 is one of the many ways you can make some serious cash. The system unlocks through a friend who knows Jason, though TGG theorizes this character hasn't been shown in any trailers yet. So, you'll be tracking down animals, taking them out, and presumably selling their parts. And just like in RDR2, you'll be able to "inspect" the creatures you catch or kill, adding a nice layer of immersion.

But wait, there's more! GTA 6 also lets you interact with dogs—you can pet them, scold them (you monster), and inspect them. Because who doesn't want to pet a good boy in the middle of a crime spree?

So why the change from RDR2's survival mechanics? It's all about setting. RDR2 was set in 1899, where hunting and fishing were necessary for survival. GTA 6 takes place in modern times, where Jason and Lucia, like you and me, have a million food options at their fingertips. And speaking of food, eating in GTA 6 will make you gain weight. But don't worry, you can hit the gym and turn those excess calories into muscle.

GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. And if you're a PlayStation fan, Sony and Rockstar announced a slick GTA 6-themed DualSense controller during the September 3 State of Play. So, will you be casting a line or tracking down prey when the game drops? What do you think about the catch-and-release fishing? Let us know!