Cabelas Recon Fish App

[Liberty800]

Has anyone tried the new Cabelas Recon fish app for the iPhone?

Shows weather, maps, fish feeding times, compass, moon patterns, connect with friends, post pics, etc. The app is free, but for an extra fee you can get all the lake maps sent to your phone in real time. The GPS function is pretty good, better than google maps, in my opinion.

The reason why I am asking is that I've recently downsized to a smaller fishing boat and would like to have the charts/maps available. I have a fish finder but no GPS on the boat. Should I buy a sonar/GPS or just buy the $29 upgrade for the iPhone app. Obviously, who wants to try to stare at an iPhone in the bright sun......but maybe it would be cool to have the portability. Most of the fishing that I do now is fairly close to shore.

[Priority1]

Do a Google search. There are a ton of apps available. I don't have any first hand experience with these smart phone apps. Technology is great. Let us know what you come up with.

[Salmon Assassin]

I don't like Cabelas so my opinion is jaded. The Wisconsin DNR has downloadable maps for almost every lake. A few years ago I bought the sportsman collection book with all the maps for lakes south of Hwy 10. Really good purchase.

If your ever on a lake and you don't have a signal the app is useless. There are a ton more free options versus giving cabelas $30.

[mriversinco]

Not a fan of Cabelas. Used to be 15 years ago when they actually had the best prices but now they are just like any other LARGE retail chain.

[Fuddly]

I bought an app for my iPhone that was only $10. Navionics Marine&Lakes: USA. I love it. It will give you contours for just about any lake in the US. I don't believe you need a signal to see the actual contours on the map but do to see your actual location. I love being able to use it anytime I'm on the water, whether it be ice fishing or in someone else's boat. I have GPS/Sonar on my boat and still refer to this app. It has all the same info as the $100+ REGIONAL chips you can buy for GPS/Sonars, but you aren't required to buy several for different regions. I recommend it, it's only $10.

[Liberty800]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I won't be purchasing the app. I will, however, check out the Navionics App. Thanks for the heads-up Kevin.

[kriswagner]

Liberty800 and all: Full disclosure, I work for the company (Trimble Outdoors) that developed Cabela's Recon Fish. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you all might have and, of course, would love to hear your thoughts.

Just a few points for clarification: Recon Fish will work in remote areas without a cell or data signal. The app uses the GPS chip within the Android or iPhone to show and track your current location. In addition, you can store maps on your phone so you can consult maps while in remote areas too. While the app offers several map types, we currently offer depth contours for 6,700 lakes in the U.S. and we'll be adding more (I just saw 100 more come through a mapping system that will be available soon). In addition to seeing those maps on your phone, all those map types can be viewed when planning fishing trips online at cabelas.com/recon. Give it a shot. We offer a 14-day free trial. Hope that helps. -kris