# The Shrimp Grind: A 99 Fishing Achievement Like No Other
*Updated: Aug 12, 2026 10:57pm UTC*
In the vast, ever-evolving world of *Old School RuneScape* (OSRS), the Fishing skill is a cornerstone of the player experience. While most adventurers quickly move on to high-level methods like Barbarian Fishing or Dark Crabs to maximize their experience-per-hour, one dedicated player has captured the community’s attention by taking the most tedious route imaginable.
The official OSRS X account recently acknowledged a monumental feat: a player known as Bosby successfully reached level 99 Fishing without ever touching a lobster pot, harpoon, or fly-fishing rod. Instead, they relied exclusively on the humble small fishing net.
## The Limitations of the Small Net
For the uninitiated, the small fishing net is one of the earliest pieces of equipment a player acquires in Gielinor. It is strictly designed for low-level aquatic life, specifically shrimp and anchovies. Unlike more versatile gear, the net is geographically restricted to specific coastal spots and lacks the capacity to haul in larger, more lucrative catches.
To put this in perspective, while a typical player might spend a few hours at level 1-20 catching shrimp before moving to trout or salmon, Bosby committed to this method for the entire journey to 99. Given that shrimp provide a mere 10 experience points per catch, reaching the 13,034,431 experience required for level 99 is a staggering display of patience. It is estimated that this journey required over 1.3 million successful catches, a grind that would test the resolve of even the most seasoned “Ironman” players.
## Defying the Meta
The standard progression path in *Old School RuneScape* is built around efficiency. Players are encouraged to upgrade their tools-from basic nets to specialized harpoons and traps-to accelerate their leveling speed. However, Bosby’s journey represents a growing trend in MMO gaming: the “self-imposed challenge.”
Much like a “no-hit” run in a Souls-like game or a “pacifist” playthrough in an RPG, these challenges strip away the game’s intended progression systems to create a unique narrative. By ignoring the “meta” (the most effective tactics available), Bosby transformed a mundane, low-level activity into a legendary endurance test.
## Community Recognition
The official recognition from the OSRS social media team highlights the developers’ appreciation for the creative ways players engage with their sandbox. It serves as a reminder that in a game as deep as *Old School RuneScape*, the “right” way to play is often whatever keeps the player motivated, even if that means spending hundreds of hours clicking on the same fishing spot in Lumbridge.
