Dredge: How to Use Exotic Bait

With The Iron Rig DLC, Dredge introduces a new strain of sea creatures which it labels ‘Exotic.’ These new fish are extremely difficult to find, with most fishing spots providing just the slimmest chance to catch them. The best way to guarantee an E xotic catch, is to use Exotic Bait. This guide will show players how to get Exotic Bait in Dredge, and how and where to use it.

How to Get Exotic Bait in Dredge: The Iron Rig

To use Exotic Bait in Dredge, players will first have to get their hands on it. Currently, the only way to acquire this bait is to craft it at the Factory on the Iron Rig. However, it is not available until the Factory has been fully upgraded, which occurs at the fourth tier. To reach this point, follow these steps:

• Begin The Scientist’s questline: The major events that occur on the Iron Rig are initiated by starting the Scientist’s quests. He will send you out to multiple locations to collect fish, as well as a sample of the Dark Liquid. After completing the first quest, players will begin building other structures on the rig, including the Factory.
• Collect Crates for Crafting and Upgrades: Every major upgrade to the Iron Rig will use the crates that went missing from the Iron Rig’s supply ships. Make sure to collect them every time you encounter one. As you progress through the main mission, their locations will eventually be added to the Map.
• Upgrade Structures: Make sure to upgrade a structure every time the opportunity arises. There are several points in the story where it will not move forward until an upgrade is done.
• Complete Iron Rig Defense: The final step before Tier 4 Factory becomes available to unlock is completing the Iron Rig’s defense system. You’ll know you are close when the tentacles emerge from the sea and wrap around the base of the rig.

Follow these steps, and near the end of The Iron Rig’s story, you will unlock the Factory’s fourth tier, which includes Exotic Bait. The recipe for crafting Exotic Bait is:

Exotic Bait Crafting Materials:

• To get Dredge‘s Dark Canisters, you will need to unlock and install the Siphon Trawler, then use it like a trawling net on the large Dark Liquid spills.
• If you haven’t collected Mixed Bait in Dredge, you’ll need to complete the Dog Tags mission in the Twisted Strand. Here, you’ll meet the Airman, who will turn fresh fish into Mixed Bait for you. This will unlock the Bait skill. Once you’ve collected Mixed Bait from the Airman once, you’ll be able to buy it from the Traveling Merchant and the Undermarket for $45 each.

How to Use Exotic Bait in Dredge

Once you have successfully crafted Exotic Bait, you’ll be ready to head out into open water and use it. To use Exotic Bait in Dredge, you’ll need to make sure you have it in your main inventory, not your storage. Then, when you head out into open water, open your Skill wheel by holding LB/L1. Look for the bucket symbol at the bottom of the wheel, and select Bait.

When you have Bait equipped, make sure to check the display box on the lower left side of the HUD. You’ll want to ensure its set to Exotic Bait. If you have multiple types of Bait in your inventory, you can cycle through them using R2/RT and L2/LT. When you land on Exotic Bait, press Square/X to drop it in the ocean. A new fishing spot will appear in the exact location. It appears that only one Exotic fish can be caught using Exotic Bait.