Well, I finally got to 50,000 points and bought Harvesting 3, but my farmers are still harvesting from the field and foraging...I took one of my masters and dragged her around and she just got confused
When do they figure out fishing? and where? Do I need to clean the beach first?

Have you watched for a message when you try to put a villager in the ocean? That will tell you what you need to do.

Ah! Thank you
Now, if I could get them to stay in the water and fish when I toss 'em in...I must admit I'm enjoying throwing them back every time they head off for the berry bush!

I've found that sometimes it helps to temporarily put their Preference checkmark on Farming/Fishing. It seems to help cut down on the wandering off. Also, after catching a few fish, they seem to like doing it on their own more.