Fish Fathom FAQ - Your Fishing App Questions Answered

Fish Fathom is a fishing trip-planning and navigation app for offshore and coastal anglers. It combines NOAA-backed maps and layers, downloadable offline navigation, and Captain Brad AI to help you plan where to fish, save routes and waypoints, and make better decisions on the water.

Fish Fathom is available for both iOS and Android devices. Visit the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, or the Google Play Store on your Android device, and search for "Fish Fathom". You can also download directly from our website where you'll find direct links to both app stores.

Yes. Fish Fathom includes a free tier that lets you explore maps and pinned spots, use up to 5 requests in each supported AI feature, save 1 route, and store up to 5 waypoints. Premium unlocks unlimited AI, unlimited waypoints and routes, offline downloads, advanced layers, and full-precision coordinates.

Fish Fathom supports iOS 14.0+ (iPhone, iPad) and Android 8.0+ devices. The app is optimized for phones and tablets, with responsive design that adapts to your screen size. For the best experience, we recommend using devices from the last 3-4 years with at least 2GB of RAM and GPS capability.

Not for everything. Downloaded maps, charts, supported layers, GPS navigation, saved routes, and saved waypoints work offline. Captain Brad AI and live weather-enriched recommendations require an internet connection.

Captain Brad AI is your personal fishing expert powered by deep learning artificial intelligence. Captain Brad analyzes 10+ years of NOAA fisheries data, real-time weather conditions, species behavior patterns, and your current location to provide data-driven fishing recommendations. Think of Captain Brad as having a seasoned charter captain with decades of experience right in your pocket.

Captain Brad AI uses Fish Fathom context plus supporting marine and weather inputs to answer practical fishing questions. It helps with species planning, timing, bait and technique questions, and weather-aware trip decisions, and it should be treated as a planning assistant rather than a guarantee.

Captain Brad provides data-guided recommendations, not guaranteed outcomes. Use it to narrow down productive areas, understand conditions, and plan more confidently, while still relying on local knowledge and on-the-water judgment.

You can ask Captain Brad anything fishing-related! Examples: "Where should I fish for redfish today?", "What's the best bait for speckled trout in this weather?", "When is high tide and how will it affect fishing?", "What species are biting within 5 miles of my location?", "Should I fish deep or shallow in these conditions?". Captain Brad understands natural language, so ask questions just like you would a real fishing guide.

Yes! When you log catches in Fish Fathom, Captain Brad incorporates that data into future recommendations for similar conditions. The more you use the app and log your catches (including unsuccessful trips), the smarter Captain Brad becomes at understanding patterns in your local fishing areas.

No. Captain Brad AI requires an internet connection. For offline trips, download the maps and supported layers you need before leaving the dock.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) conducts scientific fish surveys where marine biologists record fish catches, species counts, and environmental conditions. Fish Fathom integrates official NOAA data from the NOAA Fisheries Bottom Trawl Survey and NOAA Recreational Fishing Statistics - representing 10+ years of fisheries science from 2015-2025 - to show you where specific species have been caught historically. This peer-reviewed data is the gold standard for understanding fish populations and behavior.

AI heat maps visualize where fish are most likely to be based on NOAA survey data and environmental conditions. Fish Fathom's AI analyzes thousands of catch records for your target species, factors in current weather and water conditions, then generates color-coded probability zones (red = high probability, blue = low probability). Heat maps update based on seasons, tidal patterns, and recent fishing activity.

HD relief shading is a 3D visualization of underwater terrain that helps you identify structure where fish congregate. Our high-resolution shading shows depth contours, drop-offs, ledges, channels, and underwater features that attract baitfish and predators. Relief shading works offline and is especially valuable for finding productive fishing spots in unfamiliar waters.

Yes. Free users can store up to 5 waypoints, and Premium unlocks unlimited waypoints. Waypoints can be used to mark fishing spots, hazards, ramps, and other trip-planning locations.

Download your maps, charts, and supported layers before the trip, then use GPS positioning, saved routes, and saved waypoints offline when service drops. Captain Brad AI and live recommendation features still require an internet connection.

Yes! Fish Fathom includes smart catch logging that records species, size, weight, location, time, weather conditions, and photos. Catch logs help Captain Brad AI improve recommendations and let you track your fishing success over time. You can view analytics showing your most productive spots and techniques, and your waypoints (fishing spots) can be exported as GPX files for data portability.

Fish Fathom collects location data (to provide fishing recommendations), catch logs (if you choose to log catches), app usage analytics (to improve features), and Captain Brad AI conversations. All data collection is transparent and disclosed in our Privacy Policy. We do NOT access your contacts, photos (except fishing photos you explicitly share), or any data unrelated to fishing.

Absolutely. Your waypoints are sacred and completely private - they are NEVER shared. Data syncing to our servers (for backup and multi-device access) is completely optional and disabled by default. If you enable syncing, your waypoint data is encrypted and stored securely. Your catch logs and Captain Brad conversations are also private. We do not share, sell, or use your fishing spots in any way.

Location data is used only to provide fishing recommendations, display your position on maps, and calculate distances to waypoints. Location data is processed securely and is not sold to third parties. You can disable location services at any time in your device settings, though this will limit Captain Brad's ability to provide location-specific recommendations.

Absolutely! You can export all your waypoints (fishing spots) in standard GPX format at any time. Exported waypoints include coordinates, waypoint names, custom colors, and associated tags - making it easy to share your favorite fishing spots or import them into other mapping software. Your data belongs to you, and we make it simple to take your waypoints with you wherever you fish.

No, never. Fish Fathom does NOT sell your personal fishing data, location history, or catch logs to third parties. Individual user data remains completely confidential and is never used to train AI models. Our business model is subscription-based, not data sales. Read our full Privacy Policy for details.

Fish Fathom uses official NOAA nautical charts and marine cartography, which are the same charts used by commercial vessels and the US Coast Guard. Map accuracy is typically within 3-10 meters depending on GPS signal quality. Depths, hazards, and navigational markers are sourced from official government surveys and updated regularly as NOAA releases new chart editions.

Yes. Premium includes offline downloads for maps, charts, and supported layers. Once downloaded, GPS navigation, routes, and waypoints remain available offline in those areas.

Storage requirements vary by area size and map detail. A typical 50-mile coastal region requires 100-300MB for NOAA charts, relief shading, and survey data. We use efficient compression to minimize storage while maintaining high visual quality. You can manage downloads in Settings to free up space when needed.

Fish Fathom natively supports NOAA ENC (Electronic Navigational Charts), NOAA RNC (Raster Navigational Charts), and custom bathymetric data. We also support GPX file import/export for waypoints, making it easy to transfer your fishing spots between Fish Fathom and other marine electronics or fishing apps.

Yes! You can export waypoints as GPX files and share them via email, text message, or AirDrop. Recipients can import your GPX file into Fish Fathom or any compatible navigation app. This is perfect for sharing your productive fishing spots with buddies - they'll get the coordinates, names, colors, and tags for each waypoint.

Yes. Free users can explore maps and pinned spots, use up to 5 requests in each supported AI feature, save 1 route, and store up to 5 waypoints. Premium unlocks offline downloads, advanced layers, full-precision coordinates and location information, plus unlimited AI, routes, and waypoints.

Premium unlocks offline downloads, advanced layers, full-precision coordinates and location information, unlimited AI requests, unlimited saved routes, and unlimited waypoints. Free users can still explore the map and evaluate the product without a time-limited trial.

Fish Fathom Premium is $18.99/month or $129/year. Fish Fathom uses a no-time-limit free exploration model, then offers Premium for precision features and unlimited use.

You can evaluate Fish Fathom on the free tier without a countdown clock. Free includes map exploration, up to 5 requests in each supported AI feature, 1 saved route, and up to 5 waypoints before Premium unlocks precision and unlimited use.

Subscriptions are managed through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). On iOS: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Fish Fathom > Cancel. On Android: Play Store > Menu > Subscriptions > Fish Fathom > Cancel. You'll retain premium access until the end of your current billing period. You can resubscribe anytime to restore premium features.

If Captain Brad isn't responding, first check your internet connection because AI features require connectivity. If you're connected but still having issues, try force-closing the app, reopening it, and updating to the latest version. If problems persist, contact support@fishfathom.com with details.

Map download issues are usually related to: (1) Insufficient storage space - free up at least 500MB on your device, (2) Weak WiFi connection - downloads pause on cellular to avoid data charges, (3) Download queue is full - cancel pending downloads and try again. Make sure you're on a stable WiFi connection and the app isn't in battery saver mode which can pause downloads.

GPS accuracy issues can be caused by: (1) Weak GPS signal - step outside or move away from buildings/trees for better satellite visibility, (2) Location services disabled - enable Location in device Settings for Fish Fathom, (3) Device GPS needs calibration - walk in a figure-8 pattern to recalibrate compass. If location is consistently off by 20+ meters, restart your device to reset GPS.

On iOS: Open App Store, tap your profile icon (top right), scroll to Available Updates, tap "Update" next to Fish Fathom. On Android: Open Play Store, tap Menu (three lines), select "My apps & games", find Fish Fathom in Updates, tap "Update". Enable automatic updates in store settings to always have the latest features and bug fixes.

We're here to help! Contact Fish Fathom support at support@fishfathom.com or use the Contact Support page. Include your device model, OS version, and a description of the issue for fastest resolution. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.