Fishing apps have completely changed the game for anglers across the globe. What used to be a hobby full of guesses and hoping for the best has been transformed by smart mobile apps into an art form backed by science, data and tech.
Now even amateur fishermen can check everything from hourly weather forecasts to peak fish feeding times before they head out on the water. Meanwhile, hardcore fishing addicts have an arsenal of tools to analyze tidal movements, log their best catches and connect with fellow anglers.
But with hundreds of fishing apps now available, it can be tricky sorting the keepers from the time-wasters. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’m a tech nerd and avid fisherman who has tested all the top contenders.
Here are my picks for the 11 best fishing apps that will definitely help you catch more fish, whatever you‘re angling for.
Key Features Of Fishing Apps
Before jumping into the individual apps, let‘s quickly summarize what fishing apps can actually do to improve your chances of landing the big one:
Weather Forecasting
- Hourly forecasts for precipitation, wind, UV index etc
- Severe weather warnings
- Air pressure and barometer readings
Tide Charts
- Predictions of high and low tides
- Overviews of daily tidal movements
- Currents and tide changes
Maps & GPS
- Detailed contour or satellite maps
- Mark and save hotspots
- Track movements and location
- Create routes and patterns
Fish Activity Tracking
- Peak feeding times based on multiple factors
- Activity levels of different species
- Crowd-sourced catch data
Logging Catches
- Built-in journals and logbooks
- Record details like bait, weight, length etc
- Add photos
- Review progress over time
Community Features
- Share hotspots, tips and photos
- Compare catches
- Online forums and groups
Those are just a few of the things the top apps provide to give newbies and seasoned fishermen alike a leg up on the competition.
Now let’s get into the top fishing apps available for iOS and Android gadgets in 2023.
1. ANGLR
First up is ANGLR, the most fully-loaded fishing app I’ve come across yet. It seems like there’s nothing these guys haven’t thought of, with almost too many features to mention.
Some of my favorites are:
- 14 different map layers for contour, relief and satellite imagery
- Solunar calendar showing best fishing times
- Digital logbook to record all catch details
- Weather and tide data layers on maps
- Awesome photo editor to make catches stand out
- Comprehensive fish guide for 150+ species
- Groups, chat and share functions
One warning about ANGLR is that while downloading and basics features are free, to really unlock all it can do you’ll need a paid subscription. This removes ads, unlocks maps and gives the weather add-ons.
It ain‘t cheap at $29.99 annually, but hardcore anglers will easily get their money‘s worth. More casual folks can stick to the freemium features.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
2. Fishbrain
Another fishing app that seems to do it all is Fishbrain. Used by over 16 million anglers globally, it calls itself ‘the world‘s fishing network‘.
Some key features for me are:
- Awesome variety of 3D and satellite map layers
- Uses crowdsourced data to identify fishing hotspots
- Species-specific info and peak activity times
- Sharing and groups to swap tips and photos
- Localized versions across countries
One advantage Fishbrain has over some rivals is the sheer number of members out there using it to log their catches. This gives new users instant access to hard data on the best fishing spots and patterns in their area.
It‘s a free download, works smoothly across platforms and has a website version for planning from your laptop too. Easy to see why this app is so widely used.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
3. Pro Angler
Pro Angler takes a specialized, local approach by focusing all its data and info purely around fishing opportunities in Florida.
If saltwater fishing in the Sunshine State is your thing, this free app (with paid upgrades) gives awesome insight including:
- 7500+ mapped fishing hotspots added by local captains
- Location-specific tide and weather data
- Community boards to swap intel with other FL anglers
- Fishing charter listings and tackle shop locators
Florida guides and veterans supply the nuts and bolts details that makes Pro Angler stand out if targeting specific regional species like bass, redfish, sea trout or tarpon.
The only real limitation is that it doesn‘t provide the same level of utility for traveling fishermen or those targeting freshwater rivers and lakes. But for inshore and offshore veterans around Florida it‘s an invaluable tool.
Works on:
- iOS
4. Fishidy
Fishidy bills itself both as a fishing app and broad fishing life platform. It‘s packed with features, totally free and user-friendly.
Some of my highlights:
- Clean, simple menus and navigation
- Maps, weather data and solunar calendars
- Digital logbook for recording catches
- Tools for finding fishing tournaments
- Cool machine learning features to suggest hotspots based on logs and patterns
One advantage of Fishidy for me is they also have a website for planning trips in front of my desktop as well as phone apps.
There‘s also some handy lifestyle content on fishing skills, gear, recipes and more when you‘re not actually out on the water.
For a 100% free fishing app Fishidy gives other paid platforms a run for their money in terms of utility. Easy to see why it‘s racked up tens of millions of downloads.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
5. Bass Forecast
As the name suggests, the specialized Bass Forecast app is laser-focused on finding and catching America‘s favorite freshwater fighting fish.
It‘s powered by meteorology leaders AccuWeather and combines weather data with bass feeding patterns and activity levels.
Standout features include:
- Feeding peak forecasts for next 10 days
- Cover recommendations e.g. weeds, docks etc
- Weather graphs and radar maps
- Moon phases and other solunar impacts
- Save multiple favorite lakes with predictions
Along with the usual iOS and Android apps Bass Forecast also has a seamless website version. This is great for doing your research and planning ahead on a laptop or PC.
There are free and paid tiers. The premium subscription is $2.99 monthly, less than a good lure, giving ad-free access to all features and unlimited saved lakes. Generally very affordable for serious bass heads.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
6. Fish Angler
Another fishing app focused narrowly on bass lovers is imaginatively titled Fish Angler.
As well as the usual weather and tide charts it packs some cool niche features like:
- Identifying prime trophy bass spots based on catches logged
- AR (augmented reality) to scout lakes and structure before hitting the water
- Tackle management system for stocking your boxes
Fish Angler also provides news, tips and alerts tailored specifically for bass anglers. These include tournament updates, new gear releases and lower lake level warnings.
On the map side there are some handy tools for quickly measuring distances and areas to find the best structure.
You can grab it free from the major stores or pay a monthly $4.99 for ad removal and unlimited storage of catch photos plus other premium extras.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
7. FishTrack
If heading way offshore is your thing then FishTrack should definitely be your go-to fishing app.
While most apps understandably concentrate on inshore and freshwater fishing, FishTrack is built for the open ocean.
It packs all the usual tide and weather data you‘d expect. But some awesome bonuses for bluewater anglers include:
- Ocean current and temperature charts
- Wave height, period and direction forecasts
- View 3D bottom contours offshore
- Plan routes to offshore hotspots
There‘s also an SOS safety feature allowing selected contacts to track your location, which brings serious peace of mind when venturing way out of sight from land.
Downsides are the maps and features are patchy closer to shore. Also FishTrack has quite expensive subscription tiers versus some rivals.
But for hardcore offshore and canyon fishermen, the ability to closely analyze ocean conditions takes this app‘s utility to the next level.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
8. iAngler Tournament
Switching gears, iAngler Tournament is a specialist competitive fishing app.
It powers online leaderboard tournaments where anglers submit catch photos to be measured against rivals. Kind of like Fantasy Football but for fishing addicts!
Features helping competitors include:
- Photo analysis tools to maximize catch pictures
- Automated data uploads like weather conditions
- Groups, chat and forums to swap tactics
- Tourney management and admin functions
There’s also a conservation element where all data collected contributes to fisheries research and assessments.
iAngler definitely won‘t be for everyone. It has a niche audience targeting the tournament and competitive scene. But tooling up to beat your buddies has never been more hi-tech!
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
9. GoWild Fishing
Focused more on the social side of fishing is GoWild. Think Facebook for anglers!
It allows creating a profile, posting catches, joining groups by species or location, and generally connecting with the wider fishing community.
As well as the mobile apps GoWild also has a website platform for that full social media experience.
Some cool features include:
- Photo feed, challenges and check-ins when out fishing
- Buy/sell groups for used gear and local intel
- Species-specific groups to target trophy catches
- Influencer tips and product giveaways
For younger generation anglers used to connecting digitally, GoWild gives a great shopfront to share their passion. It probably won‘t appeal so much to us older folks set in our ways!
But social fishing competition is definitely a growing trend to watch in future.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
10. Anglers Log
Switching lanes again, Anglers Log goes back to basics by simply providing digital catch logging and planning.
Recorded info includes:
- Catch details – weight, length, species etc
- Location
- Bait and tackle specs
- Conditions and weather
Simple mapping and forecast data is also bundled. But the focus is firmly on logging session data rather than flashy weather radars or 3D maps.
For fishermen (like me) who just want the basics without bells & whistles, Anglers Log delivers a neat solution.
Did I mention it‘s 100% free and open source? Worth checking out.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
11. Fishing Points
Last but not least is Fishing Points. Like Anglers Log it sticks to fundamentals without overcomplicating things.
It provides essential mapping capabilities allowing anglers to:
- Store fishing hotspots for quick revisits
- Plan trips and share locations
- Navigate back to that hidden honey hole!
Weather data, tide charts and solunar calendars also feature. Plus logbook functionality to record session details.
But the priority here is reliable mapping and GPS tools tailored for fishermen. Especially handy for remembering those secret spots you don‘t want to lose track of!
Fishing Points is free from the major app stores making it another great no-frills option.
Works on:
- iOS
- Android
Which Is The Best Fishing App For Me?
With so many varieties of fishing app available, the key is matching one (or a combo) perfectly to your needs.
Here are my top recommendations of fishing apps for different anglers:
For bass fishermen – Bass Forecast, Fishidy, Fish Angler
For inshore & fly saltwater addicts – Fishbrain, ANGLR
Offshore & open ocean fanatics – FishTrack, ANGLR
Florida & Southern specialists – Pro Angler, Fishidy
Competitive tournament heads – iAngler, GoWild
Casual weekenders on a budget – Fishidy, Fishing Points, Anglers Log
Basic mapping & GPS needs – Fishing Points, Fishidy
See how there’s pretty much a tailored solution out there for everyone?
Most apps also work great together if you want the maximum intel. Just be careful not to have too many draining your battery when actually fishing.
Finally, don’t forget that most software also has website dashboard versions for research and planning from your home laptop or computer too.
Tips For Using Fishing Apps Like A Pro
While fishing apps clearly give us huge advantages technology-wise over old school anglers, you still need to use them properly for maximum effect.
Here are my top tips:
Check forecasts religiously – Don’t just glance once then forget. Set reminders on your phone to check back for the very latest intel before hitting your spot.
Sync weather apps – As well as specialty fishing apps, run something like AccuWeather or Windy in parallel. The more data sources the better!
Map it meticulously – Use the mapping and hotspots tools religously to keep track of all your best producing areas.
Log all catches – By recording session data over time you’ll identify the biggest trends and patterns in your area.
Join one community – Engage with at least one app’s online community. The crowdsourced intel from fellow local anglers is invaluable.
Share to spread knowledge – When you discover something major, share it back via photos, posts or hotspots to give back to other users.
Respect fish welfare – Remember to care for all catches, even if they ultimately end up for the dinner plate!
Using apps properly is a key fishing skill in itself nowadays. But get it right and even beginners can fish like seasoned pros.
Conclusion
As a tech nerd and lifetime fishing addict these apps blowing up lately fascinate me on both fronts!
While the purist in me still believes you can’t beat nose to the wind experience on the water, having science and data on your side is clearly a huge asset.
I’ve given my personal recommendations above, but it’s over to you. Hopefully you’ll discover one of more of these awesome top fishing apps suits your style.
The key is matching app features closely to how and where you like chasing your aquatic prey. Mix and match liberally to build a deadly digital arsenal catering to all your fishing intelligence needs!
Just don’t rely too heavily on technology doing all the work! True angling skill will always require that gut instinct and ability to think like a fish too!
