Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t just about felling beasts larger than your house – numerous quests require your Hunter to gather rare resources, including fishing an elusive whopper.
Assuming you’ve completed every available request given by Kanya up to Chapter 4-3, her next mission, Catch of a Lifetime!, will require you to catch an aforementioned big fish. While not quite as intimidating as Rey Dau or the Black Flame, reeling in a whopper isn’t as straightforward as standard fishing.
Not only will you require specific bait and patience, but far deeper waters than a rock pool or river to reel in this underwater dweller. Here’s everything you need to know about snagging the fish.
Accept the Catch of a Lifetime quest
Before heading out with your fishing rod to search for a whopper, you’ll want to pick up the Catch of a Lifetime quest from Kanya from Chapter 4-3 onwards (previous quests must be completed first).
The NPC can be found at the back of the Scarlet Forest Base Camp, which, conveniently, is the very same biome where you’re going to find what she’s looking for.
Kanya can be found at the back of the Scarlet Forest Base Camp.Kanya will provide you with the Tuff Joint and Duster Rig bait items upon accepting the quest, both of which will be unlocked for future use after completing Catch of a Lifetime and are required to catch big fish.
Where to find a whopper in Monster Hunter Wilds
Now that Kanya’s equipped you with everything you need, head out into the Scarlet Forest and make your way to Sector 17, either by fast traveling to the nearest pop-up camp or auto-pathing with your Seikret.
Here, you’ll find a deep body of water where whoppers call home. With the Tuff Joint or Duster Rig acquired from Kanya, cast your rod into the lake and wait for a bite.
DexertoIf you’re having trouble finding a whopper, try playing around with different times of day and seasons by resting at any camp and returning to the fishing spot.
How to catch a whopper
Due to their increased size and strength, big fish have the ability to frequently break your line if you attempt to reel them in too fast. Patience is key here – don’t try to reel a big fish in when it’s resisting you.
Instead, move your directional keys (left-stick or W/S keys) in rhythm with whichever direction the fish is swimming or turning. Eventually, the fish will stop moving, giving you a window to start reeling it in. Likewise, whoppers can break the water’s surface, threatening to break your line. You’ll need to act quickly to restrain it with R2 or right-click.
Repeat this cycle a handful of times without fail and you’ll find yourself holding either a Spearhead or Gastronome Tuna, both of which count for Kanya’s quest.
Spearhead and Gastronome Tuna can be found in the Scarlet Forest, both of which count as whoppers.For more Monster Hunter Wilds content, check out our guide to unlocking the I Caught A Shooting Star achievement and how to find Dapperwings for Samin’s research.
