Russian Fishing 4 (RF4) is one of the most realistic and rewarding fishing simulators available today. With its deep mechanics, dynamic weather, and complex gear systems, RF4 offers a rich experience for both casual and hardcore players. However, mastering the game requires more than just casting a line. This guide walks you through the full progression arc—from your first catch at Cottage Pond to becoming a trophy hunter at Bear Lake. Each section is arranged chronologically and thematically to help you grow efficiently and enjoyably.

Getting Started at Cottage Pond

When you first launch RF4, you’ll be placed at Cottage Pond with basic gear and limited silver. This is your training ground. Focus on float fishing with bread or worms to catch roach, gudgeon, and small bream. These fish are easy to catch and provide consistent silver.

Use the cafe orders to maximize silver income. Completing specific fish orders earns more than selling fish directly. Also, familiarize yourself with the game’s UI—hotkeys, map, and inventory management are essential for smooth gameplay.

Beginner Tips:

• Use float rods with basic bait
• Sell fish via cafe orders
• Explore the map and learn hotkeys

Conclusion: Cottage Pond is your foundation—learn the basics, earn silver, and prepare for your first upgrades.

Leveling Up and Unlocking New Lakes

As you gain experience, you’ll unlock new water bodies like Mosquito Lake and Kuori Lake. Each lake has unique species and requires different techniques. Mosquito Lake is ideal for bottom fishing and spinning, while Kuori Lake introduces trolling and predator fishing.

Don’t rush to new lakes without proper gear. Use the in-game forums or Discord to research fish hotspots and recommended setups. Travel costs silver, so plan your trips wisely.

Lake Unlock Strategy:

• Level 8: Mosquito Lake
• Level 12: Kuori Lake
• Level 18+: Bear Lake and Volkhov River

Conclusion: Unlocking lakes expands your fishing options, but preparation and research are key to success.

Understanding Gear Progression

RF4’s gear system is deep and realistic. Rods, reels, lines, hooks, and bait all affect your catch rate and fish size. Start with budget gear, but gradually upgrade to mid-tier setups like the Syberia Sabre or Alpha reels.

Pay attention to gear durability. High-end gear lasts longer but costs more to repair. Use the test strength of your line and rod to avoid breakage. Match your gear to the fish species and technique you’re using.

Essential Gear Upgrades:

• Float rod → Bottom rod → Spinning rod
• Basic reel → Syberia Sabre → Everest
• Monoline → Fluorocarbon → Braided line

Conclusion: Smart gear progression ensures efficiency and reduces repair costs—invest wisely and upgrade gradually.

Mastering Float Fishing

Float fishing is the most accessible technique and remains useful throughout the game. It’s ideal for catching small to medium fish like roach, tench, and crucian carp. Use different floats for depth control and visibility.

Experiment with bait types—bread, maggots, dough, and peas work well for different species. Adjust your depth based on fish behavior and time of day. Float fishing is also great for skill leveling.

Float Fishing Setup:

• Rod: Syberia Model One
• Float: Slider or fixed
• Bait: Bread, maggot, dough

Conclusion: Float fishing is versatile and effective—master it early to build silver and experience.

Bottom Fishing and Groundbait Crafting

Bottom fishing unlocks access to larger species like bream, carp, and burbot. Use feeders and sinkers to keep bait at the lakebed. Groundbait increases catch rate and attracts specific fish.

Craft groundbait using the crafting menu. Combine ingredients like millet, fishmeal, and attractants. Match your groundbait to the species you’re targeting. Use PVA bags for carp fishing to deliver bait precisely.

Bottom Fishing Essentials:

• Rod: Heavy feeder rod
• Bait: Worms, boilies, corn
• Groundbait: Species-specific blends

Conclusion: Bottom fishing is your gateway to big fish and big silver—learn to craft and deploy groundbait effectively.

Spinning and Predator Fishing

Spinning is an active technique used to catch predators like pike, perch, and zander. Use lures such as spoons, wobblers, and soft plastics. Cast and retrieve with varied speeds and patterns to trigger strikes.

Upgrade your spinning gear to handle larger fish. Use braided line for sensitivity and strength. Pay attention to lure weight and rod action for optimal casting distance and control.

Spinning Setup Guide:

• Rod: Fast action spinning rod
• Reel: High gear ratio
• Lures: Spoons, wobblers, soft plastics

Conclusion: Spinning adds excitement and variety—perfect for active players seeking trophy predators.

Trolling and Advanced Techniques

Trolling involves dragging lures behind a moving boat to catch large predators like lake trout and catfish. It requires specialized gear and knowledge of lake topography. Use sonar to locate fish and adjust trolling speed accordingly.

Combine trolling with depth control rigs and heavy-duty reels. Monitor lure depth and boat speed to optimize catch rates. Trolling is most effective in deep lakes like Kuori and Ladoga.

Trolling Checklist:

• Boat rental
• Heavy trolling rod
• Deep-diving lures

Conclusion: Trolling is a high-risk, high-reward technique—master it for access to the game’s largest fish.

Managing Silver and Repairs

Silver is the main currency in RF4 and managing it wisely is crucial. Avoid unnecessary repairs—only fix gear when durability drops below 50%. Use multiple setups to reduce wear on individual rods and reels.

Sell fish through cafe orders for bonus silver. Participate in competitions and events for extra rewards. Avoid buying bait and gear impulsively—research before investing.

Silver Management Tips:

• Use cafe orders
• Delay repairs when possible
• Plan gear purchases

Conclusion: Smart silver management keeps you progressing without grind—play efficiently and avoid waste.

Leveling Skills and Unlocking Crafting

RF4 features a skill system where you level up techniques like float fishing, bait crafting, and cooking. Use each method regularly to gain experience. Unlock crafting recipes to make your own bait, groundbait, and lures.

Crafting reduces costs and improves catch rates. Use the campfire to cook food and boost energy. Invest skill points wisely—focus on techniques that match your playstyle and lake preferences.

Skill Progression Strategy:

• Float fishing → Bottom fishing → Spinning
• Bait crafting → Groundbait → PVA
• Cooking → Energy management

Conclusion: Skill progression unlocks deeper gameplay—crafting and cooking enhance efficiency and independence.

Joining the Community and Staying Updated

RF4 has a vibrant community across forums, Discord, and YouTube. Join these platforms to learn from experienced players, find fishing spots, and stay updated on patches and events. Community spreadsheets and guides are invaluable.

Participate in tournaments and seasonal events for unique rewards. Share your catches and setups to help others. The game evolves regularly, so staying connected ensures you don’t fall behind.

Community Resources:

• RF4 Discord servers
• YouTube tutorials
• Steam guides and forums

Conclusion: The RF4 community is your greatest asset—connect, learn, and grow with fellow anglers.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Russian Fishing 4 is a journey of patience, strategy, and discovery. From your first float rod to advanced trolling setups, each stage offers new challenges and rewards. By following this guide, you’ll progress efficiently, manage silver wisely, and unlock the full potential of the game’s rich mechanics