Technology is a good thing, even for someone with a hobby as directly tied to the natural world as fishing. This is actually true for a number of reasons, given the ways in which various technologies can enhance your fishing adventures.
But here’s we’re focusing on a more casual and leisurely idea, which is that mobile apps can help you, the passionate fisherman, to enjoy a bit of fishing-related relaxation even when you’re not out on the water (or when the weather isn’t cooperating).
Specifically we’re talking about some great fishing apps you can download and enjoy, as well as some terrific fishing games you can play on a mobile device.
Here are our picks:
Apps
Fishbrain
Available on both iOS and Android, Fishbrain is the social network for people who love to fish. It features a simple photo-sharing option with which you can show photos of your catch and fishing adventures, either within the app only or on your other social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook. Additionally, Fishbrain has a choose-your-fishing spot feature in which you can choose the best fishing spots in your area. The options come from a database of over a million entries contributed by like-minded people who also have a passion for fishing.
Ikijime Tool
As any experienced angler should know, the ikijime technique is the most humane way to dispatch caught fish. Ikijime Tool, which is also compatible with both iOS and Android, explains how to perform said technique correctly. Additionally, it has diagrams of over 53 different kinds of fish!
Angler’s Log
This simple and easy-to-use app boasts outstanding record-keeping capabilities. What’s really great about this tool is that it lets you monitor not only the kinds of fish you’ve caught, but also the baits you used to do so, and your location for each catch. And like Fishbrain and Ikijime Tool, Angler’s Log is also available in both iOS and Android, meaning most any fisherman can make use of it. Use this app and you’ll know exactly where to go for your next fishing adventure, and what baits you need to bring along for a bountiful catch.
Games
Fishing Planet
Available on Steam, Fishing Planet is hands down the best fishing simulator you can play today. It is highly realistic in that it perfectly encapsulates what actually happens when you go fishing. You can explore the waters, choose your baits, make your trophy catches, and do much more along the way. And as in real life, you also get to develop your skills as you go. The graphics are stunning, the controls realistically consider the laws of physics, and the fish – yes, the fish – have artificial intelligence, which means they behave in the game the way they might in real life.
Fu Fish
Perhaps the ultimate sign of fishing’s popularity is that people can actually bet on it. Yes, fishing is now a fixture at online bookie sites in the UK, and potentially here as well in due time. For a more gamified version of fish-related betting, though, you might want to try out Fu Fish, a casino-style fishing game that comes with betting options. The graphics are sharp, the themes are imaginative, and the rewards can be plenty, if you’re playing somewhere that legal betting is permitted. Perhaps more important, the game is simple and easy to play, and makes for nice, idle, fishing-themed entertainment. It is the best of both worlds – betting and gaming – and you can play it using your mobile device.
Fishing Clash
This downloadable game is a standout, primarily because it is enjoyable to play and boasts of some of the sharpest graphics among its mobile fishing game peers. Moreover, Fishing Clash is fairly comprehensive for a mobile game, featuring an incredibly extensive selection of fish to catch, a bevy of missions players can embark upon, and even a player-versus-player mode for those who would like to get competitive with their digital fishing exploits!
