Where to Find and Catch Gravid Bowfins in Monster Hunter Wilds
If you've spent enough time in Monster Hunter Wilds, you know that some of the best rewards come from unexpected places. Take fishing, for example—what starts as a casual side activity can quickly become an obsession when you're after something rare. And let me tell you, Gravid Bowfins are one of those fish that had me coming back to the same lakes, testing different baits, and cursing at the water more times than I can count.
What Are Gravid Bowfins in Monster Hunter Wilds?
At first glance, Gravid Bowfins don’t look that special. Just another fish, right? Wrong. These rare, deep-water creatures have thick scales, valuable oils, and are tied to high-end crafting. If you manage to reel one in, you’re sitting on a valuable resource that can be sold for a hefty sum or used in some of the best armor sets in the game.
Where to Find Gravid Bowfins in Monster Hunter Wilds
Now, this is where things get tricky. Unlike common fish, Gravid Bowfins don’t just appear anywhere. They’re elusive, picky about their surroundings, and frustratingly unpredictable.
If you’re on the hunt for Gravid Bowfins, here are the best spots to check:
- Windswept Plains – Start by checking the oasis in Area 13. If luck is on your side, you’ll spot one right away.
- Scarlet Forest – Head toward the deep water near the waterfall between Areas 12 and 13. This is one of the more reliable locations.
- Oilwell Basin – The Aquatic Life menu suggests that Gravid Bowfins can be found here, but I’ve yet to see one. If they exist, they’re elusive.
- Iceshard Cliffs – Some hunters on Reddit claim they’ve found them in the deep pool just north of the Area 1: Icy Shore pop-up camp, but I didn’t have any luck myself.
- Ruins of Wyveria – One of the best spots I’ve personally tested. Enter the tunnel on the west side of Area 8 to find the Area 8: Gap in Rubble pop-up camp and its fishing hole.
If you’re struggling to find one in Windswept Plains or Scarlet Forest, I highly recommend heading to the Ruins of Wyveria’s Gap in Rubble. That’s where I had the most luck, but be prepared—you’ll need to fish through plenty of other aggressive fish before you land a Gravid Bowfin.
How to Catch Gravid Bowfins in Monster Hunter Wilds
Catching these slippery little monsters takes more than luck—it requires the right gear, patience, and the willingness to experiment.
1. The Right Bait Matters
I can’t stress this enough—Gravid Bowfins aren’t going to bite just anything. After a lot of trial and error, here’s what worked best for me:
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Golden Minnow Bait – Good for luring out rare fish in general.
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Deepwater Larvae – Hands down, the best bait for Gravid Bowfins.
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Enhanced Luminous Worms – Works great at night, which is when these fish are most active.
2. Upgrade Your Fishing Rod
I learned the hard way that using a basic rod won’t cut it. A reinforced fishing rod with enhanced line strength is crucial—otherwise, you’ll end up watching your prize escape right before your eyes.
3. Perfect Your Technique
Once you get a bite, don’t rush it. I found that reeling in slowly and steadily, with occasional pauses, kept the fish on the line. If they hesitate, a quick flick of the rod can sometimes get them to commit.
What to Do with MH Wilds Gravid Bowfins
So, you’ve finally caught one—what now? Well, you’ve got options:
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Crafting Legendary Armor – Some of the best armor sets require Gravid Bowfin scales.
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Alchemy and Potions – Their oil is a key ingredient in stamina-boosting elixirs.
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Selling for High Profit – Not interested in crafting? Traders will gladly take them off your hands for a nice payout.
Tips for Farming Gravid Bowfins Efficiently
If you’re serious about stocking up on these fish, here’s how to do it right:
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Scout Locations in Advance – Instead of wandering aimlessly, learn where they’re likely to spawn.
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Use Lure Enhancers – Some items increase the chance of rare fish appearing—totally worth it.
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Join a Hunting Party – Having a group means covering more ground faster.
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Consider a Monster Hunter Wilds Power Leveling – If you’re short on time or struggling, services like PVPBank can help you farm these fish more efficiently.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Fishing for Gravid Bowfins was a lesson in patience, and I made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Here are a few things to avoid:
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Using Basic Bait – Seriously, don’t waste your time.
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Ignoring Weather Conditions – If it’s not nighttime or stormy, your chances are slim.
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Bringing the Wrong Gear – A weak rod means lost fish. Upgrade it as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Grind?
If you ask me, absolutely. Hunting for Gravid Bowfins isn’t just about catching a rare fish—it’s about the thrill of the chase. If you’re looking to craft top-tier gear, make some easy in-game cash, or just enjoy the satisfaction of landing an elusive catch, this is one fishing challenge you won’t want to skip.
So, grab your best rod, stock up on the right bait, and get ready to put your patience to the test. Happy hunting!
