FFXIV Dawntrail Fishing Guide – How to Catch Chain Shark & Other Rare Scrip Fish (Patch 7.3)

Step-by-Step: How to Catch the Chain Shark

1. Unlock & Travel to Yak T’el
The Chain Shark can only be found at Xty’iinbek Tsoly, a fishing spot in the Yak T’el zone of Dawntrail. Make sure you’ve unlocked this location through the main story and relevant Aetherytes.

2. Gather the Right Bait
Your main options are Crimson Lugworm or Ghost Nippers. Stock up before heading out—nothing kills a fishing window faster than running out of bait.

3. Understand the Mooch Setup
The Chain Shark is caught through a mooching chain:

• Use your bait to catch a Sharknose Goby.

• Mooch it to hook a Yak T’el Crab.

• Mooch again to attempt the Chain Shark.

4. Watch the Clock
You’ll only have a two-hour Eorzea time window (about 6 real-world minutes) from 18:00–20:00 ET. Arrive early and be ready.

5. Buff Up for the Catch
Activate Big-game Fishing to increase the chance of hooking large, rare fish and Prize Catch to boost collectability for maximum scrip payout.

6. Turn In for Rewards
A high-collectability Chain Shark can net around 1,000 scrips. While it sells for a meager 8 gil NQ, the real value is in collectable turn-ins.

Is the Chain Shark Worth the Effort?

Opinions vary. Some players love the thrill of the chase:

“Catching Chain Shark for 1k orange scrip all at once is so satisfying.”

Others see it as more of a novelty:

“Fun once, but not a fish I’d farm for hours.”

The truth? The Chain Shark shines as a bucket-list catch and a scrip booster when combined with other rare fish. Farming it exclusively can be frustrating due to its limited time window and RNG factors.

Other Rare Scrip Fish in Dawntrail (Patch 7.3)

While you wait for the Chain Shark’s window, rotate through these valuable catches to maximize your scrip and gil income:

1. Copper Shark

• Location: Xty’iinbek Tsoly, Yak T’el (same general area as Chain Shark)

• Time & Weather: Any time, any weather

• Value: High collectability; turns in for a good amount of scrips. Easier to catch than Chain Shark, making it a solid alternative during off-hours.

2. Sunfish

• Location: Shatashu Waters, Kazut Tihar

• Time & Weather: Available mostly during daylight hours, clear weather preferred

• Value: Balanced between decent scrip turn-in and good gil sales on the marketboard, especially sought after by crafters for certain recipes.

3. Tiger Shark

• Location: Yulhilja Bog, Yak T’el

• Time & Weather: Best caught during foggy or rainy weather, afternoon to early evening

• Value: Valued for crafting materials needed in high-demand consumables and gear, it’s a great way to supplement your fishing income with gil.

Best Practices for Scrip Farming in Dawntrail

• Plan Your Route: Move between fishing spots with complementary time windows.

• Stock Bait in Bulk: Running out mid-session wastes precious minutes.

• Use Collectable Appraisal Efficiently: Don’t waste GP on low-value fish.

• Pair Fishing with Treasure Maps: Double your rewards in downtime.

• Sell Bycatch: Even non-collectable rare fish can fetch good gil on the marketboard.
  

Conclusion

The Chain Shark may not be the easiest fish to catch in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, but it’s one of the most rewarding—especially for players who enjoy chasing rare, high-value collectables.

By mastering the mooching chain, timing your sessions, and pairing Chain Shark runs with other profitable catches, you can turn fishing into a reliable source of both scrips and satisfaction in Patch 7.3.

Whether you’re fishing for fun, profit, or the thrill of completing your log, the Chain Shark deserves a spot on your list. Just remember: patience, preparation, and perfect timing are the keys to reeling in this rare predator.