FISHING
When fishing comes to Sea of Thieves I hope there is a little structure to it. Not too much to take the casual fun out of it, just enough to be more than hanging a pole overboard.
Fishing Poles: Have a few lures to catch different fish. Have fishing poles we can buy skins for from the equipment shop.
Fishing Nets: Have a small net we could cast out and pull back in. Could also hang a net like @JE0RGIE-P0RGIE suggested. Something that could be checked as we sail along.
Fishing Spears: Have a spear we could run along the shoreline or wading in pools on islands and stab a fish!
CRABBING
Would be nice if it does not stop there. Add crabbing by allowing us to place a trap or two in the water. It would be something we would have to check back on while doing our voyages. It would be something other pirates could come across and steal. Of course the same option could be used like chickens, pigs, and snakes and we can chase after them.
DIGGING CLAMS
We have a shovel. Let us dig up clams and fill up a bucket in between all the chests we dig up. Again the bucket could be picked up once placed by anyone.
How Fishing, Crabbing, & Digging Clams Would Work:
Fishing Poles & Fish Crates: A fishing pole would be an item to equip. Areas around the beaches and sea could be zoned or just have a random chance no matter the spot to catch something once the fushing action is performed.We would also drop fishing lines off ships when out at sea. If we get a bite, the pole jerks and/or bobber on the water pops up and down. We would find empty fish crates randomly in the world to collect fish in.
Fishing Spears: Spears would be an item to equip. We would chase after fish with a spear in hand and press and hold the key like trapping chickens and pigs to skewer it.
Fishing Nets: Tossing nets would function the same way. We equip the net and once in hand press and hold the key to throw it at the fish. If successful, the net is now a bundle of fish to carry like a snake basket.
Clam Bucket: A clam bucket would be a resource item found randomly in the world like a banana crate. Areas along the shore would have areas indicated with a visible cue as a possible clam digging spot. We would dig with our shovels like we dig chests. Clams will surface. Once all the way up we pick them up and put in the claim bucket.
Crab Cage: Crab cages could be found randomly on the islands like chicken and pig cages. We could have two options. We could place them in shallow waters along island shore lines. Once dropped we would press and hold a key to arm them. We would have to come back and check them later on. There would be the risk they could be stolen. The other option is we chase after crabs like chicken and pigs. I would like us to have different mechanics to do similar things in different ways.
OLD FISHERMAN
A fisherman with a scarred face and one blind eye has a weathered hut made out of a wrecked sloop on an island. He tells tall tales of reeling in elusive massive fish that lurk in the Sea of Thieves. He is the gateway to fishing. He is also the vendor for fishing related items and skins.
WEIGH & DISPLAY
At the docks a scale is nearby to weigh your catch and hang on display to take a proud screenshot as a keepsake and proof of your big catch.
CATCH OF THE DAY: Selling your catch!
As an additional option to cooking, could have the functionality to also turn in the fish, crabs, and clams to the Merchant NPC at the outposts. Just like we do with bananas, cannonballs, gunpowder, and planks. Both NPCs and pirates should have a more varied diet. Can be a way to earn some gold and rep in more ways than just filling up crates from barrels and moving cargo to another point.
COOKING
Of course we must have the ability to also cook up the fish, crabs, and clams we collect. There are plenty of campfires and lots of empty pots laying around. Could have stoves on our ships for when pirates get hungry away from shore. Have to be careful though the designated cook does not catch the ship on fire. Thankfully everyone has a bucket to grab water for when that happens.
HARPOON MONSTER HUNTING
Harpoons could be random spawning weapons that we can collect like cursed cannonballs, just in way less quantity with the ability to hold 3 to 5 of them. Once collected we woukduse them as a weapon for hunting the biggest catches in the sea... the Megs and Karen herself!
You could even drop off in a row boat to get really up close and personal with them. The harpoons since very limited would do more damage to aid in these fights.
How It Would Work:
We would select the harpoon as a weapon. Once in hand we would jab with a regular attack like the sword. With a heavy attack we would throw it at what we are targeting.
My Ideas
Fishing, Crabbing, Digging Clams, & Harpoon Monster Hunting
Walking the Plank
Outpost Under Siege
Sea Folk Magic
Usable Dagger: Weapon/Tool & Environmental Targets
Fly More Flags
Diving Helmet
Community Ideas Master List
You can find a lot more creative and fun ideas from the great minds of the community in Community Ideas Master List. Who knows maybe some of them will be coming our way soon in a future Bilge Rat adventure or update!