Start with the net
The corrected instruction in Jagex’s fishing update is more precise than the original announcement: first unlock Coarse Thread through Flax and a Spinning Wheel, then craft a Fishing Net. Doing so prompts the relevant quest with the Wise Old Man in Bramblemead Village. If the quest has not appeared, check the net and thread prerequisites before traveling to another region.
Use the net to begin gaining Fishing experience. The official note says your first rod becomes available at Fishing level 3. It does not give a universal catch location for every fish, so follow the game’s node markers and the region you can safely reach.
What Fishing adds later
Jagex introduced twelve fish types with the skill. Fish can be cooked for food, and a Pristine Fish can be used to make a decorative Fishing Trophy. The update also names three Fishing skill spells: Fishing Frenzy, Infernal Rod and Fishnado. Their roles are different: improving a fishing node, cooking catches on contact with a rod, and pulling fish from water with magic.
These are later skill options, not requirements for the first net. Focus on getting the net, completing the Wise Old Man’s quest and reaching level 3 before planning around advanced spells. Return to the beginner’s guide if you still need the opening crafting and survival steps.