Monster Hunter Wilds: How to Catch Whoppers – Best Locations & Fishing Tips

Fishing is a fantastic way to gather top-tier cooking ingredients in Monster Hunter Wilds, but if you’re after a Whopper, you’ve got your work cut out for you. These massive fish require special bait, patience, and a bit of skill to reel in.

Unlocking Whopper Fishing

Before you can start hunting for Whoppers, you’ll need to accept the "Catch of a Lifetime" side quest from Kanya at the Scarlet Forest Base Camp. Completing this quest unlocks the Tuff Joint Bait, which is necessary for catching these giant fish.

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Once you’ve got the bait, it's time to head out and start fishing.

Where to Find Whoppers

Whoppers aren’t a specific species—they're oversized versions of regular fish. Because of their size, they only spawn in large bodies of water, not small streams or puddles.

Best Location:

• Area 17 – Great Lake Shore (Scarlet Forest)
  • If you’ve already got a camp there, fast travel for convenience.
  • If not, setting up a camp is highly recommended since Whoppers may take some time to spawn, requiring you to rest at camp to reset the zone.

How to Catch a Whopper

Catching a Whopper introduces a fishing minigame that adds an extra layer of challenge. Here's how to master it:

1. Spot Your Target

   • Whoppers are easy to recognize thanks to their large size and visible fins poking out of the water.

2. Cast & Attract

   • Cast your line near the Whopper and wiggle the lure to get its attention.

3. Control the Rod

   • Always pull the rod in the same direction the fish is swimming.
   • Pulling in the opposite direction can snap your line and cause the fish to escape.

4. React to Jumps

   • If the fish jumps out of the water, move the rod in the same direction as its jump to keep it from escaping.

5. Reel in When It Tires

   • The fish will periodically stop moving, signaling that it’s tired.
   • This is your chance—move the rod up and down repeatedly to shorten the line and bring it closer to shore.
   • This process may need to be repeated several times before successfully landing the Whopper.

Why Catching Whoppers is Worth It

Aside from providing valuable cooking ingredients, catching Whoppers helps you progress toward the "A-Fish-Ionado" achievement, which requires landing 30 Whoppers.

With enough practice, you’ll be a pro angler in no time. Now, grab your rod, head to the lake, and start reeling in those monster fish!