I made a post of feedback, but I figured I might as well meld it into here instead of a whole new thread.
I played the Anniversary update with much glee, and although I enjoyed most of what I've experienced thus far, there were a few small things that I noticed and thought about, which I'll list here.
FISH RUNNING INTO ENVIRONMENT
There's already been some talk about it here, but I'll bring it up as well. There seems to be a some complaints about fish running into a rock or dock pole and snapping you off. While I can understand some people's frustration, I don't mind it to a degree. Having been a fisherman since I was barely three (15 total years of it, in both fresh and salt water) I know that this is a very common behavior of fish when they're hooked, they will duck into rock holes or around logs and structure in an attempt to free themselves. However,I agree it is a bit annoying that you cannot do anything to stop it, so perhaps reeling in while a fish is struggling in a direction will stop it moving temporarily, at the risk of having it spit your hook?
MEGALODON MEAT
While sailing with a friend yesterday, we encountered two Crested Queens and a Shadowmaw. While I don't mind that fact (unknown to me if the spawn rate was intentionally buffed or we just got lucky) I found it a bit odd that the new meat you get from killing one is simply called "Megalodon". I think maybe the developers forgot to change the placeholder name before release, or maybe they meant it that way, but I definitely find it a bit immersion breaking that it is not called "Megalodon Flesh" or something similar.
(NOTE: while I have yet to encounter a Kraken since the update, I assume the name issue is the same, the meat it drops simply named "Kraken")
FISHING VISUAL BUG
There seems to be a bug while fishing, in which you'll have a line in the water and be fishing, but visually your rod will still be in the overhead, about to cast position. Not at all gamebreaking and its to be expected for day one release, but just putting it out. I'm gonna submit a ticket for it and hopefully it'll be patched soon.
THE HUNTER'S CALL QUESTS
Despite the title, the new Hunter's Call company does not seem to have any voyages. I think it would fit well for them to issue two different types of angling themed quests to keep players like me "hooked" on the fishing mechanic.
To catch a certain list of different fish varieties, like the merchant animal quests. Example:
You must catch one Ruby Splashtail, one Olive Plentifin, and one Moss Islandhopper and bring them to ___ seapost by ___ date & time. This could also be done for the other meats that were added, like chicken, snake, pork, shark, and even the kraken and meg meat.
A voyage where you get sent for a specific trophy fish, not minding of color, IE just a Trophy Splashtail instead of a Trophy Ruby Splashtail. This voyage should give out much more than the trophy fish would by itself.
Both of these voyages would start out by requesting more common species, like Splashtails and Plentifins, and begin asking for the more uncommon catches as you level up your reputation with The Hunter's Call.
MOUNTING TROPHY FISH
Like the look of a trophy fish you just hauled up? Wishing you could display it on your humble fishing sloop? Well, why not?
Why not be able to take a trophy fish to the shipwright. by pressing "X" on xbox to turn it in, it will become a mount on a board, and can then can be equipped to your ship like any other cosmetic, and could be displayed above the voyage table on all three ships. Only one fish could be displayed on the mount, as turning in a new trophy fish to the shipwright would delete the old one and the new fish would be the one on display. Like all cosmetics, the trophy mount would remain in your ship customization chest even after you log off.
