Barbarian Fishing, often shortened to Barb Fishing, is one of the most popular and efficient training methods for Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Players drawn to this method typically seek high XP per hour with relatively low effort, especially when combining it with other skills such as Strength and Agility. The combination of passive experience gain and high Fishing XP rates has made Barb Fishing a go-to choice for players from mid-levels to endgame grinds. Understanding how XP per hour works with Barb Fishing is essential to maximize your progress and plan your training effectively.
What Is Barb Fishing?
Location and Method
Barbarian Fishing takes place near Otto’s Grotto, which is located to the west of the Barbarian Outpost. Players must complete at least a portion of the Barbarian Training tutorial offered by Otto Godblessed to begin this method. This allows them to catch leaping fish such as leaping trout, leaping salmon, and leaping sturgeon using a heavy rod and feathers or fishing bait.
Multi-Skill Experience
One of the major appeals of Barb Fishing is its ability to grant experience in multiple skills at once:
- Fishing XP: Primary source of experience.
- Strength XP: Gained passively while catching fish.
- Agility XP: Also gained passively, making this a rare method that trains three skills simultaneously.
Fishing XP Per Hour
Level-Based XP Gains
The XP per hour from Barbarian Fishing depends heavily on your Fishing level, as well as your attention level and whether you’re using tick manipulation.
- Level 5870 Fishing: Players can expect 35,000 to 50,000 Fishing XP per hour, catching mostly leaping trout and leaping salmon.
- Level 7085 Fishing: XP increases to around 50,000 to 65,000 XP per hour as leaping sturgeon becomes more common.
- Level 8599 Fishing: Players often reach 70,000 to 80,000 XP per hour without tick manipulation. With efficient gameplay, over 100,000 XP per hour is possible.
Tick Manipulation Boosts
Advanced players who use 3-tick fishing methods can drastically improve their XP rates. With proper execution, tick manipulation allows players to reach up to:
- 110,000 to 130,000 Fishing XP per hourat level 99.
This comes with the cost of higher attention and precise timing, but the results are unmatched compared to passive methods.
Strength and Agility XP Per Hour
Strength Training
Each successful catch during Barb Fishing grants Strength XP. While it’s not as efficient as traditional Strength training methods, it adds up significantly over long sessions:
- Approximately 10,000 to 12,000 Strength XP per hourcan be expected on average.
Agility Experience
Similar to Strength, Agility XP is earned passively:
- Roughly 9,000 to 11,000 Agility XP per hourdepending on Fishing level and success rate.
This makes Barbarian Fishing one of the only practical training methods to level Agility without running rooftop courses.
Best Practices to Maximize XP
Use of Angler’s Outfit
The Angler’s outfit provides a 2.5% boost to Fishing XP when the full set is worn. Although the bonus is small per hour, over long training periods it makes a noticeable difference. It’s strongly recommended to unlock it early if planning to train Fishing to 99.
Inventory Management
Players often drop fish using a technique called drop tricking or use mouse keys to speed up the process. Efficient dropping ensures that no time is wasted between casts, which boosts XP per hour.
Attention vs. AFK
For players who prefer a more laid-back experience, idle Barb Fishing (without tick manipulation) is still effective and relaxing. For those chasing optimal efficiency, tick manipulation and proper clicking technique will yield far higher XP rates but require full attention.
Required Items and Setup
Essential Gear
To start Barbarian Fishing, ensure you have the following:
- Barbarian Rod: Provided during Otto’s training.
- Feathers or Bait: Feathers are generally preferred due to faster catch rates.
- Angler Outfit: Optional but ideal for XP boost.
Recommended Stats
While you can begin Barb Fishing at level 48 Fishing (with the training), level 58 is required to catch all three fish types. For the best XP rates and passive benefits, it’s recommended to start at:
- Level 58 Fishing
- Level 30 Strength and Agility(for passive XP gains to be optimal)
Comparing Barb Fishing with Other Training Methods
Barbarian Fishing vs. Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a common early-game method and offers decent XP at low levels. However, it only trains Fishing and doesn’t offer the multi-skill benefits of Barb Fishing. Once you unlock leaping fish, it’s nearly always better to switch to Barb Fishing for long-term progress.
Barbarian Fishing vs. Minnows
While Minnow fishing (unlocked at level 82 Fishing) offers great profit potential, it requires completion of Fishing Contest and access to the Fishing Guild. It also doesn’t train Strength or Agility. For players focused on pure XP, Barb Fishing remains more efficient unless GP is your goal.
Ideal Levels to Switch Methods
- Level 3058: Use fly fishing in Shilo Village or Lumbridge for fast early gains.
- Level 5899: Barbarian Fishing is optimal for XP and passive training benefits.
- Optional Switch at 82: Consider Minnows if profit becomes a priority.
Time to 99 with Barb Fishing
Depending on your level and XP per hour, the time to reach level 99 Fishing using Barbarian Fishing varies:
- From level 58: Roughly 200 to 220 hours without tick manipulation.
- From level 85: Approximately 100 to 120 hours, especially with efficient dropping and faster catch rates.
- With 3-tick methods: Can reduce total time to around 8090 hours depending on skill level and consistency.
XP per hour from Barb Fishing is among the best in OSRS for players who value efficiency and passive skill training. By combining Fishing, Strength, and Agility experience into one method, it provides excellent value for time invested. Whether you’re looking for an AFK-friendly routine or an intense, high-XP grind with tick manipulation, Barbarian Fishing can meet your goals. With proper setup and attention, players can consistently reach upwards of 100,000 XP per hour while also progressing in other important skills. For anyone aiming for 99 Fishing or simply seeking a balanced, effective training method, Barb Fishing remains a top-tier option in the game.