OSRS player recognized for catching only shrimp and anchovies

In the world of Old School Runescape, where grinding for experience is the norm, one player decided that the path to mastery didn’t need to be traditional. A dedication to a goal so specific it bordered on the absurd led to an incredible achievement: maxing out Fishing skill by catching nothing but shrimp and anchovies.

Fishing is a fundamental pillar of the Old School Runescape experience, offering myriad tools for players to harvest marine life, from specialized rods to lobster traps. However, not every player opts for the conventional route; some prefer crafting their own unique challenge, and one player found a truly eccentric path to level 99.

The core of this monumental effort was based on extreme limitation. The game features various methods for catching fish and marine critters, but only a small fishing net could be used for the smallest catches like shrimp, minnows, monkfish, and anchovies. To achieve the goal, the player had to rely exclusively on these small species, necessitating the use of the smallest equipment available in the game.

The player, known by the handle Bosby, set out on this quest, starting his account named OnlyShrimp99 on May 11, 2024. He decided to challenge himself to reach level 99 in Fishing by catching only shrimp and anchovies—the lowest-level fish in the entire game. This goal required an extraordinary commitment, requiring Bosby to spend a total of 4,304 hours meticulously fishing.

To achieve this unique feat, Bosby utilized the smallest tool available: the Smal Fishing Net, as these small catches were the only viable option. The process demanded sheer perseverance, transforming what could be a simple grind into a two-year and three-month marathon of dedication.

The mathematics behind the achievement were staggering. To reach level 99 in Fishing, players must accumulate 13,034,431 Fishing points. By focusing solely on shrimp (which award 10 points each) and anchovies (which award 40 points), Bosby amassed 275,196 raw shrimp and 257,064 raw anchovies over his long journey. He carefully banked all these catches to commemorate his accomplishment.

Bosby reflected on the experience, noting that while the initial idea was a joke for his friend group, it evolved into profound dedication. He described the project as a fun second monitor endeavor, pointing out how this unusual pursuit opened up new avenues for life outside of the game. He mentioned meeting cool people at the Al Kharid fishing spot and even starting a new job and getting married along the way.

Despite the intense focus on marine life, the journey yielded surprising personal rewards. Bosby admitted that he enjoyed the feeling of being AFK while pursuing this goal, but he also realized he would miss the simple pleasure of catching larger fish. When asked about future endeavors, he playfully hinted at the possibility of attempting a new challenge, even considering using bronze daggers to reach level 99 Smithing.

The community and even the developers recognized the uniqueness of this monumental achievement. The official Old School Runescape X account responded by creating a special image of a shrimp rendered in the game’s signature polygonal style to celebrate Bosby’s dedication, verifying his accomplishment as the owner of the only small net level 99 Fishing.