Rockstar Confirms GTA 6 Fishing Is Catch-And-Release Only and Hunting Generates Cash

Rockstar Games has confirmed new details regarding how fishing and hunting function in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. Speaking in an interview with YouTuber TGG, Rockstar North's Rob Nelson explained that fishing in the game is restricted to catch-and-release, meaning players cannot keep any fish. Nelson noted that the mechanic is designed primarily for fun, allowing players to complete fishing-related challenges and gather collectibles, stating simply that keeping fish "didn't fit this game."

This differs from Rockstar's 2018 title, Red Dead Redemption II, where players could catch fish to cook and eat. Because GTA 6 is set in modern times, protagonists Jason and Lucia have access to many contemporary food options. The game features a weight system where eating food causes weight gain, and players can spend excess calories to bulk up at the gym. Meanwhile, hunting functions as a way for players to make money. Nelson shared that the hunting system is unlocked through an acquaintance of Jason, though YouTuber TGG theorized that this specific character has not yet appeared in any public game footage.

In addition to catching fish and hunting animals, Grand Theft Auto 6 borrows a system from Red Dead Redemption 2 that lets players "inspect" creatures. Players will also encounter dogs that can be petted, scolded, or inspected. The game is scheduled to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Additionally, Sony and Rockstar announced a special GTA 6-themed DualSense controller during a September 3 State of Play event.