Apps for Anglers...  

Do you want to keep track of your fishing trips? Actually improve your chances of catching something? Perhaps just enjoy the sport from your couch? Well here are a few apps that you can be purchased and downloaded  for your smart phones.There are tons of apps out there for everything you can think of. This week "Fishing Fever" discusses just a few that I have found useful. Others, for sure, may work just as well or even better but check out these four and get that phone working for you!

  If you had a log for the last five years of the places you fished, the fish you caught, lures used, water temperature, weather and so forth it would be easy to start figuring out a pattern right? Well here is simple to use app that does just that.   "After the catch" lets you keep a accurate record of data for all of that and more. I've been using this app for a few years now and have come to count on it. I can now go back and check the trips, review the entries and adjust my fishing based on the past records. It starts by letting you add a new trip location and is easy to follow from there. Also with "After the catch" you can add the names of buddies that were with you, record each persons catch by fish species, weight, lures and then add a picture. This is great for bragging rights if you are having a friendly tournament. You can enter just a few facts or every little tidbit. The more you enter the better record you will have for future research. Check it out and determine if it is for you.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/after-the-catch/id322854204

  Another good app is "SolunarHunting & Fishing Times". Although I believe that any time you can take a cast is the best time, here is a app for really nailing it down. We all know that animal and fish activity is related to the phase of the moon. Well check this out to ensure that you have your line in the water when the fish are going bonkers!   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fishing-times-by-isolunar/id460412892?mt=8

 Now for the really cool stuff here is Navionics mapping app. I purchased the app that covers the lakes up in Canada that I frequent. These maps cover a wide area and show contour lines, depths and allow you to add notations, pictures and other info. Zoom in or out, overlays and other features make this a must have for many anglers. Visit their link here and review the areas covered. It will allow you to see what lakes are listed, by state, and then you can decide which to get. Unfortunately, when I checked  the North America listing for Pennsylvania, it did not include my favorite lake, Marsh Creek, but did list good ol' Nockamixon Lake. Click the link, go to coverage and then to North America. Follow the state by state listing and see what lakes are listed.

http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app   

  Ok, last but not least here is an app for couch potatoes, slow days at work or some fun anytime, anywhere. "I Fishing" is a great temporary cure for cabin fever. Super good graphics although the weights of the fish are a bit over exaggerated. This app lets you overlay a picture of your favorite fishing hole and then actually go fishing there! Wow, can't beat that. So check it out, choose from different lakes and lures. Fire up your boat and catch some fish without leaving your house!   

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/i-fishing/id294380152?mt=8

(With Christmas just around the corner, and these apps available through ITUNES... a ITUNES gift card would be perfect for the angler on your list)

Thanks again for reading "Fishing Fever"