Fishing rods are the best tools to use for fishing, above clubs and spears. They cannot be crafted by the player, only purchased in shops or from NPCs. During the 'Fishing' part of the Living in the Wild course, the player automatically receives a fishing rod. They are very inexpensive, costing about 9 torches, or a single empty wooden tub, or a couple cords. With a perfect fishing rod, a good fishing spot in deep water rapids and a good fishing skill, one can catch enough fish to dry over the winter to carry them through an entire year.
Fishing with a fishing rod is a restful activity and can be used as a somewhat more productive way of reducing fatigue than simply waiting.