As technology continues to advance, more and more anglers are turning to their smartphones for help on the water. From finding the best fishing spots to tracking weather conditions, there’s an app for just about everything. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 must-have fishing apps for anglers in 2024.
1. Fishbrain
Fishbrain is the largest social network for anglers, with over 14 million users worldwide. The app allows you to log your catches, share photos and tips with other anglers, and discover new fishing spots near you. Fishbrain’s interactive map is powered by catch data from millions of users, so you can see exactly where the fish are biting. The app also provides detailed fishing forecasts, solunar calendars, and bait recommendations.
2. Navionics Boating
Navionics is a comprehensive navigation app that offers detailed nautical charts for coastal and inland waters around the world. In addition to navigation, the app provides a wealth of features for anglers, including high-resolution bathymetry maps, community-sourced fishing spots, and real-time weather and tide information. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or shore, Navionics is an invaluable tool.
3. FishAngler
FishAngler is another popular social app for anglers, with features for logging catches, sharing photos and videos, and connecting with other fishermen. One unique feature is the app’s species recognition tool, which uses AI to identify fish from photos. FishAngler also provides detailed fishing reports, weather forecasts, and lunar calendars to help you plan your trips.
4. Pro Angler
Pro Angler is a feature-packed app designed for serious fishermen. In addition to detailed fishing maps and weather data, the app boasts a database of over 6,000 lures and baits with reviews from other anglers. Pro Angler also has a built-in fish identification guide and allows you to connect with local fishing guides and charters.
5. FishTrack
FishTrack is a specialized app for saltwater anglers, providing advanced oceanographic data like SST charts, chlorophyll maps, and altimetry. This information is invaluable for locating productive offshore fishing grounds. FishTrack also offers weather and tide forecasts and allows you to save your favorite spots and track your routes.
6. Fishing Points
Fishing Points is an all-in-one app that combines GPS navigation, fishing forecasts, tide data, and solunar charts. The app’s unique feature is its database of over 500,000 fishing hotspots around the world, marked with GPS coordinates. You can also use Fishing Points to log your catches and share them with the community.
7. Fishing & Hunting Solunar Time
This app is designed to help you determine the best times to fish and hunt based on solunar theory. It provides detailed solunar calendars, showing the major and minor feeding periods for each day. The app also includes weather forecasts, sun/moon rise and set times, and a GPS feature to mark your favorite spots.
8. iAngler Tournament
Competitive anglers will appreciate the iAngler Tournament app, which provides information on fishing tournaments around the country. You can view schedules, rules, entry fees, and prize money for various events. The app also allows you to register for tournaments directly and submit your catches electronically.
9. RiverFlows
If you’re a river or stream fisherman, the RiverFlows app is a must-have. It provides real-time water level and flow data for thousands of rivers across the US, sourced from USGS gauges. You can view current conditions, historical data, and forecasts to help plan your trips. The app also includes water temperature data for many locations.
10. GoWild Hunting Fishing Outdoor
GoWild is a unique social platform for outdoor enthusiasts, including anglers, hunters, and hikers. The app allows you to post updates and photos from your adventures, follow other users, and join interest-based “Tribes.” GoWild also has a built-in store where you can purchase gear from various brands and read product reviews from the community.
Tips for Using Fishing Apps
While fishing apps can be incredibly useful, it’s important to use them responsibly and legally. Always check your local fishing regulations before heading out, as rules can vary by location and season. Be mindful of other anglers and avoid overcrowding popular spots you may find on app maps.
Remember that technology can fail, so don’t rely solely on your phone or tablet. Bring backup batteries or a charger, and consider investing in a waterproof case to protect your device. Most importantly, use fishing apps to complement your skills and knowledge, not replace them entirely.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual weekend angler, fishing apps can help take your game to the next level. From finding new honey holes to predicting the best times to fish, these digital tools put a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. Try out a few of our top picks for 2024 and see how they can improve your fishing experience.
