The Everglades inFishing Planetoffer one of the most efficient locations for players looking to farm XP quickly. Known for its tropical environment and large variety of fish species, the Everglades presents a prime spot for anglers to grind experience points, level up fast, and earn decent cash rewards at the same time. With the right gear, bait, and strategy, you can turn this fishing trip into an XP farming powerhouse. This guide will walk you through the best XP farm methods in the Everglades, including fishing spots, time of day, fish to target, and tips to maximize your haul efficiently.
Why Choose the Everglades for XP Farming
Accessible Yet Profitable
The Everglades unlock early in the game but remain valuable even at higher levels. While some lakes offer rare fish and tougher conditions, the Everglades strike the perfect balance between ease of access and reward. The abundance of high-XP fish like Peacock Bass, Snook, and Gar means you’ll get consistent bites and fast XP accumulation.
Consistent Fish Spawning
Many XP farming spots depend on rare fish or unpredictable bite rates. In contrast, the Everglades deliver steady fish activity throughout the day, making it easier to plan efficient fishing runs without wasting time waiting for fish to bite.
Best XP Farming Spots in the Everglades
Lily Pad Channel
This location is arguably the best XP farm spot in the Everglades. It’s a narrow waterway packed with vegetation where Peacock Bass and Butterfly Peacock Bass love to hide. Cast just past the lily pads using lures or live bait and prepare for non-stop action.
The Floating Dock Area
This dock gives you excellent casting range for Snook and Largemouth Bass. These species are not only frequent biters but also reward solid XP per catch, especially if you’re using the right setups.
The Mangrove Shoreline
A great place to target Florida Gar, which yields high XP, especially when caught during peak feeding times. You’ll want to use bottom rods or float setups here, depending on the depth and species you’re after.
Top Fish to Farm for XP
Peacock Bass
These aggressive predators are excellent for XP farming. They bite frequently and fight hard, making every catch worth your time. Their average XP per fish is high compared to the effort it takes to catch them.
Florida Gar
Florida Gar are tougher to catch but yield more XP per catch than most other species in the region. They’re particularly active during warm, sunny days and early mornings. Using large minnows or cut bait increases your chances of landing them.
Snook
Snook offer a great balance between ease of catch and XP reward. They can be caught both on lures and live bait, especially around deeper water sections near the dock or rocks.
Best Gear for XP Farming
Rod and Reel Setup
- Spinning Rods: Ideal for casting lures at Peacock Bass and Snook.
- Match Rods: Perfect for float fishing, especially if you want to use live bait to attract Gar or Bass.
- Bottom Rods: Effective for catching Gar or Catfish from the mangroves or deep water sections.
Line and Hook
Use fluorocarbon or mono lines for better invisibility in clear water. Hook sizes should vary depending on the fish species. For Peacock Bass, size #2 to #1/0 is optimal. For Florida Gar, consider using larger hooks like #2/0 or #3/0 with stronger leaders.
Bait and Lures
- Live Bait: Shiners, large minnows, and cut bait for Gar and Snook.
- Lures: Poppers, crankbaits, and soft plastics work well for Peacock Bass and Snook.
Time and Weather for Maximum XP
Best Time of Day
Early morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 – 7:00 PM) are the peak times for most XP-heavy species. Fish are most active during these windows, and you’ll notice faster bite rates and higher XP turnover.
Weather Conditions
Bright sunny days increase Peacock Bass activity, while slightly overcast days tend to be better for Gar and Snook. Avoid heavy rain if possible, as it can reduce bite rates and make tracking fish behavior less predictable.
XP Farming Tips and Techniques
Target Specific Species
Instead of casting randomly, focus on two or three fish species per session. For example, if you’re farming Peacock Bass and Florida Gar, set up two rods: one with a lure and one with live bait. This increases your catch rate and keeps your gameplay efficient.
Use Multiple Rods
If you have rod stands and a premium account or license that allows multiple rods, set up a float and bottom rod simultaneously. While waiting for a Gar to bite, use your spinning rod to catch Bass nearby. This method maximizes XP within the same session time.
Monitor Bite Times
Using the in-game fish activity charts helps you anticipate peak feeding times. Fast-forward through inactive hours to make the most out of your real-time gameplay. This simple adjustment can double your XP earnings per hour.
Sell but Don’t Release
Always keep your catches unless your keepnet is full. Selling fish not only gives you money but also awards the XP tied to the fish’s weight and rarity. Releasing fish forfeits that bonus XP potential.
Recommended Daily Farming Routine
Morning Session
Start early at the Lily Pad Channel. Use a spinning rod with a medium-sized lure to farm Peacock Bass. Cast near vegetation and reel slowly to trigger strikes.
Midday Rest or Snook Hunt
If the bite slows down, switch to the dock area and fish for Snook using live bait under a float. They’re more likely to strike even during the slower periods.
Evening Gar Catch
Finish your day at the mangrove area with a bottom rod setup to farm Florida Gar. They tend to become more active again as the sun sets.
XP Boosting Strategies
Premium Account
If you have access to a premium account, it offers double XP for all catches. This is the fastest way to level up in any lake, and the Everglades benefits immensely from it due to the high frequency of successful catches.
Event Bonuses
Watch out for in-game events that increase XP rates or target specific species. Participating during these events in the Everglades can dramatically speed up your farming progress.
Efficient Inventory Management
Bring enough bait, keepnets, and backup rods to avoid unnecessary trips back to the menu. The more uninterrupted time you spend fishing, the faster your XP stacks up.
The Everglades remain one of the most reliable and consistent XP farm locations in Fishing Planet. With diverse fish species, fast bite rates, and easy access, it’s an ideal destination for both beginners and seasoned players looking to grind levels. By choosing the right gear, targeting high-XP fish like Peacock Bass and Florida Gar, and fishing during optimal times, you can level up quickly while enjoying the serene beauty of Florida’s waters. Stick to these strategies, and your XP bar will fill up in no time.