A Hunter's Companion: Mastering the Art of Special Baits in Red Dead Redemption 2's Survivalist Challenge 9
There you are, standing on the banks of a tranquil river in the heart of Lemoyne, or perhaps perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dakota River. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the water. Your satchel is stocked with every regular herb and potent herb you could need, your fishing rod is ready, and yet, a single, stubborn objective in your logbook mocks your progress: Survivalist Challenge 9. "Catch one fish of each type using Special Lake, River, and Swamp Lures." If you've found yourself staring at this challenge with a mix of determination and confusion, you've come to the right place. This isn't just a quick tip sheet; this is your comprehensive guide to understanding, acquiring, and mastering the use of Special Baits to become the ultimate angler of the American frontier.
First, let's demystify what this challenge is actually asking for. Unlike the straightforward hunting challenges, this one requires a blend of preparation, knowledge, and a little bit of patience. You need to catch three specific fish, each with a different Special Lure. The "one fish of each type" means one fish caught with a Special River Lure, one with a Special Lake Lure, and one with a Special Swamp Lure. It doesn't matter what species of fish you catch; a Bluegill caught with the Special River Lure counts just as much as a massive Muskie. The key is the tool, not the target.
The Master Craftsman: Finding and Buying the Special Lures
You cannot craft these lures. This is the most critical piece of information and a common point of confusion for many players. The Special Lures are unique, high-end pieces of fishing equipment that can only be purchased from one specific vendor: the Lagras Lagoon Trapper.
This isn't just any trapper. You need to find the small, makeshift stall set up by Jeremy Gill, the legendary fisherman, near the swampy waters of Lagras in Bayou Nwa. Look for it on your map to the north of Saint Denis, nestled by the water's edge. This particular trapper is your one-stop shop for this challenge. Each Special Lure will cost you a pretty penny—$20.00 in 1899 money is no small fee—so make sure your pockets are lined with a few gold bars or the proceeds from a successful train robbery.
Here’s your shopping list:
- Special River Lure
- Special Lake Lure
- Special Swamp Lure
Buy all three. Even though the challenge only requires one fish with each, having them all in your kit for future fishing expeditions is a wise investment. Now, with the lures securely in your satchel, the real work begins.
The Art of Application: Where and How to Use Each Special Lure
The names of the lures are your primary guide, but the waters of the five states can be deceptive. A river might feed into a lake-like area, so knowing exactly where to fish is half the battle. Let's break down the ideal locations for each Special Lure to ensure you're fishing in the correct "type" of water body.
1. Special Lake Lure: This lure is designed for the large, open, and deep bodies of water. The most reliable and easily accessible lake in the game is Lake Owanjila, just west of Strawberry. This is a classic fishing spot and perfect for this task. Cast your Special Lake Lure anywhere into this lake, and you'll get a bite almost instantly. Other excellent locations include O'Creagh's Run in the Grizzlies East (a beautiful, serene spot) and Flat Iron Lake (though stick to the clearer, deeper parts away from river deltas).
2. Special River Lure: As the name implies, this lure is for flowing waterways. A fantastic and consistent spot is the Dakota River, which runs through the heart of West Elizabeth and New Hanover. The stretch near the Diablo Ridge, just south of the "Little Creek River" label on the map, is particularly productive. Another great option is the Kamassa River that winds through Lemoyne and New Hanover. Simply find a quiet spot on the bank, equip your Special River Lure, and cast into the main flow of the river.
3. Special Swamp Lure: This is often the trickiest one for players, primarily because the "swamp" is a more specific biome. You must be in the murky, slow-moving waters of the Bayou in Lemoyne. The best places are directly around Lagras itself. You can fish from the docks near the trapper or from the banks of the surrounding marshes. The key is to see the characteristic cypress trees, hanging moss, and murky water. Do not use this lure in the nearby Kamassa River unless it has clearly bled into the swampy area; stick to the unmistakable swamp zones north of Saint Denis.
Advanced Angling: Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
Even with the right lure in the right place, a few pro-level tips can turn a frustrating hour into a successful five minutes.
- The Lure Equip Glitch: A very common issue! After purchasing the lures, they may not immediately appear in your item wheel. To fix this, simply save your game and then reload that save. Upon loading back in, go to your item wheel, select your fishing rod, and the Special Lures should now be available in the bait selection radial menu.
- Casting and Reeling: You don't need to cast your line into the middle of the lake. A short cast into deep-enough water is sufficient. Once the fish bites, the mini-game begins. Remember the core mechanic: pull down on the left stick to lower the rod, then reel rapidly. Let go of the stick to let the rod rise, and stop reeling when the fish struggles to avoid breaking the line. Repeat this process. It’s a rhythm, not a race.
- Eagle Eye is Your Friend: Before you even cast, use Eagle Eye. This will highlight fish in the water, allowing you to see their size and approximate species. While any fish counts for the challenge, it's satisfying to see a large shadow and know you're in for a fight.
- Patience with the Swamp Lure: The swamp can sometimes feel less productive. If you're not getting bites in one spot, try moving a hundred yards down the bank. The fish populations can be slightly more localized here.
- What Counts? Let's reiterate: The challenge text can be misleading. You are not catching one of each "type" of fish (like a predator fish, etc.). You are catching three separate fish, each caught using one of the three different Special Lures. The species is irrelevant.
Beyond the Challenge: The Power of Special Lures
Completing Survivalist Challenge 9 is a worthy goal, but your $60 investment in these lures pays dividends long after the challenge is checked off. Special Lures are not just for this task; they are the single most effective fishing tools in the game. They dramatically increase your chances of hooking large fish, including the legendary fish for Jeremy Gill's secondary questline. If you're aiming to catch the Legendary Longnose Gar or the massive Legendary Muskie, the corresponding Special Lure is not just recommended; it's essential.
So, saddle up, ride to the Lagras trapper, and make your purchase. Then, take a scenic tour of the most beautiful fishing spots the frontier has to offer. From the icy waters of O'Creagh's Run to the muddy swamps of Lemoyne, you are now equipped with the knowledge and the tools to conquer not just this challenge, but any fishing endeavor that comes your way. Happy hunting, and tight lines
