An App (or 10) for Fishing

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Your grandfather may have had a knack for choosing the right fishing hole and bait. But you’ve got apps to help you. Pull out your iPad and download these great fishing apps before you cast your line again!

These apps come in handy, whether you’re planning your trip, pulling your boat or baiting your hook.

• IGFA Mobile ($8.99) – This app by the International Game Fish Association allows you to search
   current IGFA angling world records, identify your catch and log the fish you catch. The full-color images and descriptions are accompanied by information about habitat and geographic distribution. The app integrates with Facebook and email so you can log your catch with photo and brag to all your friends within minutes of landing the big one! If you think your catch is close to the current record, use the app to find the nearest certified IGFA Weigh station — but make sure you’ve followed all the IGFA rules before the catch. (They happen to be listed in the app, too.)

• FishHead ($6.99) – Track weather, river, tide and lunar information for current information at your favorite stream or tidal fishing location. Includes more than 20,000 rivers and tide stations in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

• FishID (free) – Don’t recognize the fish dangling from your line? This app will help you solve the mystery, find fishing spots, and stay up to date on local fishing regulations.

• Bass Tournament Pro (99 cents) – helps you track the fish in your livewell and count down the minutes left in the tournament. 

• iSolar Hunting & Fishing Times ($4.99) – This app knows when the fish will bite. The app relies on astronomical data from the U.S. Naval Observatory and the time-tested Solunar Theory to provide you with the best fishing times for your location.

• GasBuddy - Find Cheap Gas Prices (free) – This app will help you whether you’re driving to the marina or hauling your boat behind you.

• Boat Ramps (free) – Get directions to the closest boat ramp from this app with 35,000 U.S. ramps in its database. Search by current location, zip code or city.

• Bait Shops (99 cents) – Search 10,000 bait shops in the U.S. and Canada to find the closest worms, minnows, or whatever your bait and tackle needs.

• Need help with knots? Animated Fishing Knots (99 cents) shows you step by step how to tie 31 fishing knots. (Bonus: it teaches two emergency hook removal techniques.) Knot Guide HD ($2.99) offers images of brightly colored ropes and clear directions that will have you tying any of these 90 knots in no time flat.

• Can’t actually get out on the water this week? Try Flick Fishing in HD ($2.99) on your iPad. Lots of fun, without the sunburn!

We know you won’t share your favorite fishing hole, but please share your favorite fishing and boating apps in the comments! And check out our recent post about Weather & Navigation Apps.