Last week we launched a new fishing app for the iPhone that automatically turns photos of fish you've caught into detailed fishing journal entries that show up on your map, then shares those entries exclusively with trusted friends. Our goal is to help you and your buddies learn more about the spots you fish. You can download the app from iTunes here.

We want this to be a useful app for the hardcore angler. But we want it to be a source of casual fun, too. That's why any photos users post show up on the main page of the app, where everyone can see them.

You won't be able to see the spot a fish was landed unless you're friends with the person who posted it, but it's still fun to check in and see photos of what people are catching around the country. We think it's a great way to burn a moment when you're standing in the checkout line, or stuck in the lobby at the doctor's office.

The app is off to a great start. Nearly 200 catch photos have been posted so far, and more people are signing up every day. To keep the ball rolling, we're announcing a new contest. From today until the 1st of August we'll give away a Columbia PFG Blood and Guts™ Ball Cap, for the best photo posted each week (as chosen by our editors). Then, at the end of the month, we'll pick our favorite overall shot and run it in the magazine! Each monthly winner will also receive a Columbia Airgill Chill™ Long Sleeve (men) or Ultimate Chill™ Long Sleeve (women).

The photo above is from our first weekly winner, Alexandro Trevino, who gets the first hat, even though he didn't know about the contest yet. Alexandro, congratulations on your catch!

Note: We know not everyone has an iPhone, and wish we'd been able to launch this app for Android phones (and for web users who don't yet have a smartphone) right out of the gate. We're hoping to do both these things soon. The faster we can get the word out about this app, the faster this will happen. You can help by telling your friends about the project. Thanks!

Comments (7)

from Koldkut wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Where is the main page where all the photos show up?

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from themadflyfisher wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Soon as it hits Android I'll be all over it!

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from jamesti wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

can't help you or me until you get an android app for it!

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from mop4pom wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

It wont let me post pictures from last night. Only pictures taken in the app at the time. Taking the time to open the app, log in, and take a pic is not always the easiest to do in the middle of a river. This bug needs fixed ASAP.

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from Pray- hunt-work wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Mop- I use my IPhone for F&S and cannot ask a question in the Answers or Message Board forums. I can only respond to someones question while using my IPhone. Have you noticed a similar problem or is it just me and my phone?

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from Online Editors wrote 1 year 7 weeks ago

Catching up here:

Koldkut: the "Catches" tab is what I refer to as the main page. It's the first one to load when you fire up the app and contains thumbnails to all catches posted.

Mop: We've just released a version 1.1 update to Apple that fixes critical bugs, including some of the problems we've been seeing with photo orientation, Facebook login, etc. The problem you report here, though, may not be a bug: we designed the app so that you don't have to use it on the water. Instead, you're able to simply shoot photos with your favorite camera app just as you always do if you're taking a fish pic with your phone. Then, later, when you're off the water, you can load up catchbook and pull in the pics you want to use.

Pray: that's great feedback on our answers tool. Thanks! Running a complex site like this one in a changing media environment requires this: we didn't design Answers for use on iPhones back in 2008. Reworking that section is one of my priorities this year.

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from fishhunt54 wrote 1 year 3 weeks ago

Please work on this for android!!!

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from Koldkut wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Where is the main page where all the photos show up?

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from themadflyfisher wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Soon as it hits Android I'll be all over it!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from jamesti wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

can't help you or me until you get an android app for it!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from mop4pom wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

It wont let me post pictures from last night. Only pictures taken in the app at the time. Taking the time to open the app, log in, and take a pic is not always the easiest to do in the middle of a river. This bug needs fixed ASAP.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Pray- hunt-work wrote 1 year 8 weeks ago

Mop- I use my IPhone for F&S and cannot ask a question in the Answers or Message Board forums. I can only respond to someones question while using my IPhone. Have you noticed a similar problem or is it just me and my phone?

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Online Editors wrote 1 year 7 weeks ago

Catching up here:

Koldkut: the "Catches" tab is what I refer to as the main page. It's the first one to load when you fire up the app and contains thumbnails to all catches posted.

Mop: We've just released a version 1.1 update to Apple that fixes critical bugs, including some of the problems we've been seeing with photo orientation, Facebook login, etc. The problem you report here, though, may not be a bug: we designed the app so that you don't have to use it on the water. Instead, you're able to simply shoot photos with your favorite camera app just as you always do if you're taking a fish pic with your phone. Then, later, when you're off the water, you can load up catchbook and pull in the pics you want to use.

Pray: that's great feedback on our answers tool. Thanks! Running a complex site like this one in a changing media environment requires this: we didn't design Answers for use on iPhones back in 2008. Reworking that section is one of my priorities this year.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from fishhunt54 wrote 1 year 3 weeks ago

Please work on this for android!!!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

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All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.