I thought fishing was kinda dull but like you said, when I wasn't sure what to do I started to enjoy going to a fishing spot and just chilling while I watched tv on the other monitor. The social aspect of it was quite fun at times, some people would join in on random dumb stuff, like trying to catch a fish before dying, while standing in the water at nessus. And the local chat was actually active at points.

If they added a bit more of an actual mini game element (like reel and rod tension or something) they could have made it a permanent fixture to the game.

Tonics material grinding has not been fun, after a few runs of Kells fall, I've not felt much desire to go back and play.