Fishing Logs

[Skulley]

How many of you anglers out there use fishing logs???  I have been logging my trips for about 20 years now and about 10 years ago started using the computer to log my trips both tournament and for fun.  I am using a program I bought out of the back of Bassmaster Magazine called "The Fish Tracking System".  It is by a company out of Georgia called "BLS Associates".  When I bought this way back when it was about the best out there.  Before that it was a spiral notebook.  Before the computer based program I had at least 30 to 40 spiral notebooks.  I have been slowly but surely been transferring that data from the notebooks to the database.  It is a slow tedious job.  I know DK has a program available through the website and was wondering how that is.  The Fish Tracking System is pretty easy to use and you can change and add things to the database for the drop down menus.  So I consider it pretty versatile. 

There are a few others out there and was wondering what everyone was using if they are using anything at all.  I have been able to import maps and pictures into my log.  The log is based off the Microsoft Access and Powerpoint programs.  I have also been able to mark my maps with boat position and other pertinent information. 

So what is everyone using and how is that working for you???  Please chime in with opinions and viewpoints.  I have tried to approach my fishing from a more scientific direction for being more successful on the water.   


BD             

[fowlmouth]

I just got one for my Iphone, I'm not much for writing things down so we'll see how this works for me. The big selling point of this program is all I have to do is take a picture of the fish with my phone. The program logs the date, time, gps data, and if I take the photo with the lure still in its mouth I've got everything I need. I would have to input weight, weather, water temp and depth on my own.

[Team houston]

I have kept one since 1990. Still using a spiral notebook. LOL

[Puma]

I finally started using one last year.  I use a custom made spiral notebook, and then record it into an Access data base I've created.  Toughest part is to take a minute to write when I want to be fishing.

[EKennedy]

Hey fowlmouth, what's the name of that app?  Do you know if it's compatible with the Droid?  Just got the new Droid, love it...and would like to use it for more than just games, talking and texting.
Thanks

[LAPORTE]

I went looking for it myself on a app's page... Im not a gaming person. But if this could go on my I touch I would love to start keeping track. My only issue up til now was that I ran an Apple osx. Most of the programs only run on windows that I've seen.

Don L

[fowlmouth]

Hey fowlmouth, what's the name of that app?  Do you know if it's compatible with the Droid?  Just got the new Droid, love it...and would like to use it for more than just games, talking and texting.
Thanks

The app I'm using is called fishbook, there are 4 apps in the apple app-store that are fishing logs or journals. This one was $.99, so far so good. I have no idea if it will work on the droid.

[mikesmiph]

I checked Blackberry App World - nothing. Can anyone recomend one for the computer?

[LGMOUTH]

There are all kinds of options for software instead of the good ole notebook.  I've been using The Angler's Genie from BTI.  Genie is a member of this site.  I know he has had some issues getting resources and private labeling of the system taken care of so he hasn't put up much info on the software.  The version I use though is still awesome! Ive been using it for a couple of years now.

Some things I use it for:
- track all my income and EXPENSES for tournaments, mileage, tackle, etc. I can even run a report at the end of the year - everything is summarized on one page.
- I can import/export the waypoints from my Humminbird graph (Lowrance and Garmin as well).  I can rename, change icons, add detailed notes, etc. to any waypoint and simply save it back to the chip and put it in my graph.
- tracking actual fishing spot info.  I can take a waypoint and link a bunch of information to it directly.  I can even attach a digital picture or underwater camera picture so I have all that info in one spot.

Those are just a couple things I use pretty consistantly.  I know there is a ton more - equipment tracking, a contact book, tournament schedules, etc.  I think he was even going to add a new photo album section for cataloging all your photos or videos.  Oh yeah, he is also upgrading the On-Line version as well. Just dont know it its all done as of right now. Maybe Genie will chime in here and give us some more information.

Genie - Where are you?

[EKennedy]

Fowl...doesn't look like it's on the Android Market...but I'll keep looking.  If anybody else out there finds something they like...feel free to share.  Thanks

[Skulley]

I checked Blackberry App World - nothing. Can anyone recomend one for the computer?

There are a bunch out there.  Bassmaster did an article on them a few years back.  I bought the one they rated number 1.  It was from a guy in Georgia call BLS Associates.  I think they still advertise in Bassmaster.  It is called the Fish Tracking System.  Pretty good program. It does a lot and is very versatile.  I have been using it for quite a few years.  I may upgrade to his latest version when I build my new machine.  Getting the parts together for it now.  Hopefully I will have it up and running by April. 

BD         

[fowlmouth]

I went through the app store last night, and found another app I liked alot better. It does all the same things, just a nicer interface and a little more user friendly. $4.99 in the app store It is called "after the catch"

I looked at the Genie program a couple yrs ago and was very interested, but did not see myself taking the time to write things down while fishing. If I can use this app to log data and then input it into the Genie program  I could really see myself using the Genie app. I wonder if he could develop something for the smart-phone market that would interface with his program? I really think that would open the market up for him, something so simple all you had to do was set up the lake and then take pictures of each fish. At the end of the day just sync your phone and have the gps/time of every fish you caught that day display on a map.

[LGMOUTH]

That would be great...

Genie where are you??

[mikesmiph]

That fish tracking system looks pretty good, I think I'll give it a try. Not too bad of a price. Thanks BD

[Genie]

Fowlmouth - I did develop a windows mobile app, but it just didn't feel right and it was a nightmare trying to keep the data synchronized.  I now have a droid phone and the Internet speed and screen is far superior to the windows devices.  The better approach is to create a mobile web app (works on any platform) and keep all user data in a centralized and private database on-line.  Then you can logon from anywhere with anything and have access to all your data.

I am sending out this weekend some brand new Genie for Windows software betas for some new users to start testing.  I think everything will go ok - but I'm not the best tester    Brand new Windows versions should be available for the Lansing and Grand Rapids shows.

I also have a couple of the sections done for the Genie on-line version.  That is really in Alpha phase right now, but should be easy to get one or two of the modules up and running for the 2 shows as well.

So if any of you would like more info or some access to beta testing certain options, let me know.  Hopefully I can keep trucking on development and get my other developer going again - he got married, changed his life, blah blah blah.

All I can say is the Genie is a great system that is SO MUCH MORE than an electronic logbook.  It was written completely by me with guidance from friends and fellow anglers to be the perfect tool for any angler.

More to come soon ....

[fowlmouth]

Genie, sounds very intriguing. I may just have to jailbreak my iphone so I can use it. Let me know when you get it up and running.

[bassassasin88]

Theres one on the droid called fishin' buddy

[huston]

The 2010 Bass Daily Planner and Guide looks pretty good and has some great tips in it.

[LAPORTE]

Can someone post a link to a program that works with an I-mac or I touch ? I hear people talking about them but do you think I can find them ...NO


Don  L

[JohnBoy]

 start I tunes go to I tunes store, click on apps store, in the search window type in fishing apps

This is for the I pod touch