Customer Reviews (119)

wyattjhopkins • 2025-02-26T15:35:12-07:00

This app had me excited at first… the app literally gives you information that you can find for free online. Because that’s where it gets its information for free from. Government and private agencies that report stream flow data. Was hoping the info they could collect on the app was more than I could just find online by looking up the body of water I wanted to know about like water temperature, reservoir levels, or depth charts. With my knowledge of the area I fish too the overlays of fish habitat seemed off in many areas across the state. I use onX for my private land info and offline maps so I don’t need that feature either. For 49.99 a year it’s not worth what they give you. The only useful tool in my opinion is the offline private maps.

jeremyreger • 2025-02-07T14:37:17-07:00

You can tell the thought and intention that went into this app! Has all the information you need on the rivers you want… and unlike all the others this is a fishing app for fishermen.. not just species related.. thats a fantastic resource and makes it the go to resource for your trip planning. Get the subscription you won’t regret it!

jhancher • 2025-01-10T13:35:28-07:00

Powerful and accurate info. Amazing tools. Must have for fishing at any level

Summary of Key Insights

The onWater Fish app generally receives positive feedback, with users praising its comprehensive information, ease of use, and value in planning fishing trips. The app's strengths lie in its access to public land and water data, streamflow conditions, and the ability to find new fishing spots. However, some users express concerns about the accuracy of data in certain regions, the value proposition of the paid subscription compared to free alternatives, and occasional technical issues. There is also a desire for more detailed information on fish species and real-time fishing reports. The overall sentiment is positive, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews.

  • Overall Rating: High (significant number of 5-star reviews)
  • Key Strengths: Comprehensive fishing information, easy navigation, offline maps, access to public/private land boundaries, helpful for finding new fishing spots, responsive support team.
  • Key Weaknesses: Data accuracy issues in some regions, perceived lack of value in the free tier, subscription pricing compared to competitors, occasional technical glitches, missing data for some locations.
  • Sentiment: Predominantly positive, with users finding the app valuable for planning and executing fishing trips.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 67.2% (80/119)
    • 4-star: 9.2% (11/119)
    • 3-star: 4.2% (5/119)
    • 2-star: 7.6% (9/119)
    • 1-star: 11.8% (14/119)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 119 reviews from the Apple App Store.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but likely covers the period since the app's release.
  • Analysis Methods: Qualitative analysis of user reviews, identifying recurring themes, sentiment analysis (positive, negative, neutral), and frequency analysis of keywords and phrases.

Key User Pain Points

  • Data Accuracy/Completeness: Several users reported inaccurate or missing data for their specific regions (e.g., Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas). This includes missing boat ramps, inaccurate fish habitat overlays, and incomplete river coverage.
    • Impact: Reduces the app's usefulness and credibility in those areas, leading to user frustration.
  • Value of Free Tier: Many users found the free version to be effectively useless, lacking key features that would justify its use over free alternatives like Google Maps or state-specific fishing resources.
    • Impact: Hinders user acquisition and conversion to paid subscriptions.
  • Subscription Pricing: Some users felt that the subscription price was too high compared to competitors like Fishbrain, considering the features offered.
    • Impact: Reduces the app's competitiveness and limits its appeal to price-sensitive users.
  • Technical Issues: A few users reported technical glitches, such as the app freezing on the subscription page or difficulty logging in.
    • Impact: Creates a negative first impression and hinders the user experience.
  • Lack of Fish Species Detail: Some users desired more detailed information about the types of fish present in specific bodies of water and/or hatch information.
    • Impact: Limits the app's usefulness for anglers targeting specific species or fishing techniques.
  • Private/Public Land Identification Issues: Some users found the private/public land identification feature lacking or inaccurate.
    • Impact: Could lead to accidental trespassing and legal issues for users.
  • Subscription Login Issues: A few users reported difficulties logging into their accounts after subscribing.
    • Impact: Prevents users from accessing paid features and creates frustration.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Detailed Fish Species Information: Users want more specific information about the types of fish present in different bodies of water, including hatch information and targeted species data.
  • Real-Time Fishing Reports: A feature that allows users to share and view recent fishing reports for specific locations would be highly valuable.
  • Fishing Piers as Spots: Users have requested that fishing piers be added as a designated type of fishing spot.
  • Water Depth Information: Users are looking for water depth information to be included in the app.
  • Improved River Measuring Tool: Users are asking for a more automated and accurate river measuring tool.
  • Multiple Species Selection: Users who fish for various species at the same location want the ability to select multiple target species.
  • Offline Property Lines: Users want offline access to the private/public property lines.
  • Ability to Show Fish Locations and Weight: Users have requested a feature to show where fish are located, what they are biting, and their weight.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Information: Users appreciate the app's ability to consolidate various fishing-related information, such as streamflow conditions, weather forecasts, access points, and land ownership boundaries, into a single platform.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to navigate and use, even for those new to fishing apps.
  • Offline Maps: The ability to download offline maps is highly valued, especially for fishing in areas with limited or no cell service.
  • Public/Private Land Boundaries: The clear marking of land ownership boundaries is a significant benefit, helping users avoid trespassing and fish responsibly.
  • Finding New Fishing Spots: The app is praised for its effectiveness in helping users discover new fishing locations.
  • Responsive Support Team: Several users mentioned positive experiences with the app's customer support team, highlighting their responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues.
  • Proximity Alerts: The proximity alert feature is appreciated by anglers and rafters.
  • Distance Calculator: Users value the distance calculator for planning river trips.
  • Continuous Improvement: Users note the frequent updates and improvements to the app.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Improve Data Accuracy and Completeness: Conduct thorough data verification and expansion efforts, prioritizing regions with reported inaccuracies or missing information. Focus on boat ramps, river coverage, and fish habitat overlays.
  • Enhance Free Tier Value: Add more valuable features to the free tier to attract new users and encourage upgrades to paid subscriptions. Consider including limited access to streamflow data or a certain number of offline map downloads.
  • Address Technical Glitches: Prioritize fixing reported technical issues, such as freezing on the subscription page and login problems, to improve the user experience.

Medium Priority:

  • Refine Subscription Pricing: Evaluate the subscription pricing structure in comparison to competitors and consider offering more competitive pricing or tiered subscription options with varying feature sets.
  • Expand Fish Species Information: Incorporate more detailed information about the types of fish present in different bodies of water, including hatch information and targeted species data. Consider crowd-sourcing this information.
  • Improve Private/Public Land Identification: Improve the accuracy and reliability of the private/public land identification feature, ensuring that it reflects the most up-to-date information.

Low Priority:

  • Add Fishing Piers as Spots: Include fishing piers as a designated type of fishing spot.
  • Enhance River Measuring Tool: Develop a more automated and accurate river measuring tool.
  • Implement Multiple Species Selection: Allow users to select multiple target species for a given location.
  • Offer Offline Property Lines: Provide offline access to private/public property lines.
  • Implement Fish Location and Weight Sharing: Consider adding a feature to share fish locations and weight, with privacy controls to prevent spot burning.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyperlocal Fishing Report Platform: Develop a platform that aggregates real-time fishing reports from local anglers, guides, and fly shops, providing up-to-date information on fishing conditions and techniques. This could be integrated into an existing app or offered as a standalone service.
  • AI-Powered Fishing Recommendation Engine: Create an AI-powered engine that analyzes various data points, such as weather conditions, streamflow data, user preferences, and historical fishing reports, to provide personalized fishing recommendations.
  • Augmented Reality Fishing App: Develop an AR app that overlays fishing-related information onto the real-world view through a smartphone or tablet camera, providing real-time guidance on casting techniques, fish identification, and potential fishing spots.
  • Subscription Box for Fishing: Create a subscription box service that delivers curated fishing gear and supplies based on the user's location, target species, and fishing style.

Trends and Observations

  • Regional Data Gaps: A recurring theme is the lack of comprehensive data for certain regions, suggesting a need for targeted data acquisition efforts in those areas.
  • Comparison to Competitors: Users frequently compare onWater to other fishing apps like Fishbrain and OnX, highlighting the need to differentiate the app through unique features and competitive pricing.
  • Value of Offline Functionality: The offline map feature is consistently praised, indicating its importance for users who fish in remote areas.
  • Emphasis on User Experience: Users value ease of use and a clean interface, suggesting a need to prioritize user experience improvements.
  • Support from Veteran Community: The app appears to be well-received by the veteran community, likely due to its support of organizations like Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

Conclusion

The onWater Fish app is a valuable tool for anglers, offering comprehensive information and features that enhance the fishing experience. However, addressing data accuracy issues, improving the value of the free tier, refining subscription pricing, and incorporating requested features are crucial for continued growth and competitiveness. By focusing on these areas, onWater can solidify its position as a leading fishing app and attract a wider user base.

Overall, the app is recommended with the caveat that users should verify data accuracy in their specific regions and carefully consider the value proposition of the paid subscription before upgrading. The development team should focus on improving data coverage, enhancing the free tier, and addressing technical issues to improve user satisfaction and drive adoption.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onwater-fish-fishing-spots/id1551861363?uo=2