Every new expansion brings the opportunity to change a tradeskill for the better. Cataclysm, with all of it's water-based dungeons and zones plus the revamped old zones (some flooded) should offer many new opportunities for innovation in our favorite WoW pasttime.
Here are a few items I'd like to see in Cataclysm: (just dreaming and wishing)
1) Fishing Boats - these could be one of the new water mounts. Only usable in bodies of water (obviously) and limited to how far out you can venture (fatigue sets in). You could fish while seated in a boat. Boats could come in 3 different speeds: basic, fast and speedy. Eliminate the need for water walking potions / spells. Obtainable only by fishermen at certain skill levels (300, 375, 450, 500?) Possibly allow 1 to 2 other friends to join you for a fishing expedition and related quests.
2) New fishing derby. We know that many zones are changing and the possibility that the STV derby may change dramatically or possibly be relocated or even go away. I imagine that a new version of the fishing derby may be introduced. Perhaps with better rewards and enhancements.
3) Fly tying skill. As part of the fishing skill, you could optionally make your own lures. Different levels of lures would act like bait but be permenant. Imagine having a lure that replaces the need for bait full time but only if you learn how to make em. Lures could go as high as +150 to fishing.
4) Fish battles - imaging having to work to pull in a big one. It takes the regular cast to a new level. In order to land a big fish, you'd need to use a special big fish lure and need to use special hot keys to use abilities to pull in the really big ones. Makes fishing a bit more skill based rather than passive.
5) Create your own custom fishing poles - this could be an engineering enhancement. Would love to see more custom crafted equipment like fishing poles in the game. Epic poles could be able to catch epic fish!
6) Epic fish - have the ability to catch more uber rare fish (kinda like Old Ironjaw) only with the ability to convert it into an epic item.
7) Spearfishing / Net fishing - who says fish can only be caught with poles? As we've seen in some quests, we can catch fish with more than just a fishing pole. Why not make it an option to what type of tool we use? With spear fishing, we could even be underwater and catch fish. No more "Can't cast while swimming" message. Would add a variety to our fishing options. Some players might just stay underwater all the time!
These are just some daydreaming ideas I had. Hopefully Bilzzard will put in 1 or 2 of these with Cataclysm.
What are some of your ideas for improving fishing with Cataclysm?
