In the vast world of Crimson Desert, side quests are more than just flavor text—some offer essential utility. Annabella’s Request is a prime example. As part of the 16-mission “Tales of the Hernandian Merchants” faction series, this quest is a top priority for any player. Why? Because the reward is a permanent increase to your bag space. If you’ve played inventory-heavy RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Witcher 3, you know that extra slots are worth their weight in gold.
This guide will walk you through finding the elusive Tench and ensuring you turn the quest in to the right person.
Where to Find Annabella
Annabella is located in a small shack north of Hernand Town. To make finding her easier, use the game’s tracking system:
- Open your Journal from the main menu.
- Tab over to Faction Quests.
- Under Hernand Commissions, look for “Annabella’s Request.”
- Press A (Xbox) / X (PS5) to toggle tracking. A red “X” will now guide you on the map.
Annabella wants to craft a visually striking saddle and needs a fish with shimmering scales—the Tench. To help you out, she’ll provide you with a fishing rod for free.
How to Catch Tench
With tracking active, a new red “X” will appear in a body of water north of Annabella’s shack. The Tench can be found in the lake directly under a large bridge. You have two ways to secure the fish:
- Bare-Handed Catch: You don’t actually need the rod. You can dive into the water and grab the fish manually. Many players manage to catch a Tench on their first try this way.
- Using the Fishing Rod: For a more immersive experience, use the gift Annabella gave you.
How to use the Fishing Rod:
- Hold the left directional button to open your weapon wheel.
- Swap your bow for the rod using RT/LT (R2/L2).
- Hold L2/LT to aim and release to cast your line.
- Once a fish bites, pull the left stick in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement to tire it out.
- Rotate the right stick clockwise to reel the Tench in.
Submitting the Quest: Don’t Go Back to the Shack!
This is where most Crimson Desert players get stuck. To complete the mission, you do not take the fish back to Annabella. She wants you to deliver the Tench to her assistant, who is located much further south.
The assistant is stationed near Anvil Hill and Unicorn Cliff. Keep your quest tracking on, and follow the marker to the southern region to hand over the fish and finalize the request.
Rewards for Completing Annabella’s Request
Delivering the fish grants you a bundle of rewards that are incredibly helpful in the opening hours of the game:
| Reward | Benefit |
| 50 Trust Points | Improves your standing with the Merchant Faction |
| 3 Inventory Slots | Permanent expansion of your carrying capacity |
| Dried Fish | A consumable item that restores 120 HP |
Editorial View
Annabella’s Request is a classic “fetch quest” done right. While catching a fish might seem trivial, the 3 extra inventory slots are a massive quality-of-life upgrade. In the early game, you’ll constantly be looting bandit camps and gathering herbs, and having that extra breathing room prevents constant trips back to town to sell gear. The fishing mechanic itself is a nice change of pace from the brutal combat, offering a brief moment of zen in the middle of your journey.
FAQ
Q: I lost my fishing rod, can I still finish the quest?
A: Yes! You can catch the Tench with your bare hands by swimming in the lake under the bridge and interacting with the fish when you get close.
Q: Why isn’t the assistant at Annabella’s house?
A: Annabella specifically asks you to deliver the goods to her helper who is traveling. Check your map for the red “X” near Anvil Hill/Unicorn Cliff to the south.
Q: Are there other quests that give inventory slots?
A: Yes, several other “Tales of the Hernandian Merchants” quests (given by NPCs like Turnali or Renee) offer similar rewards. Always prioritize these!
Q: Can I catch Tench in other locations?
A: While Tench can spawn in various freshwater bodies in the Hernand region, the lake under the bridge north of the shack is the guaranteed quest spawn.
