In 2026, one industry that is embracing AI in a variety of innovative ways is sports fishing. The commercial industry has stormed ahead with systems such as onboard electronic catch monitoring, predictive navigation, and fuel optimization. But the leisure sector is now catching up.
Apps that can be downloaded to smartphones are helping anglers instantly identify the species in their nets, the best places and times to set up their pitch on the riverbank, and to improve their techniques through personalized training programs.
In this growing sport, AI is becoming an invaluable tool. Fishbrain, which was actually developed by tech-savvy fishing enthusiasts, is one of the leading examples. The app uses AI to, for example, scout for new locations to find a target species.
It does this by analyzing over 15 million logged catches and running these through its proprietary AI algorithm, which looks at the sites where users have caught a particular fish as well as topographical structures and depth charts.
This is cross-referenced with its massive repository of crowdsourced data to identify places that are likely to produce a catch.
Other apps like Fish AI are solely driven by artificial intelligence. Its ability to analyse fishing conditions rapidly enables it to provide tailored guidance.
It is favored by anglers who want to know how, for instance, barometric pressure, water temperature, and tidal conditions might affect their success rate.
These apps, alongside FishAngler (a leader in understanding feeding windows) and FishVerify (for species identification), are becoming indispensable parts of an increasingly tech-led tackle box.
It’s Only the Beginning for AI in Sports Fishing
Software is moving at such a pace that every few months, we’re seeing additional features emerging and new products appearing.
The beginner market is one of the areas developers are currently targeting. The industry is expected to be worth more than $40 billion in less than 10 years.
To put that in perspective, it was worth around $23 billion in 2023. Retailers like Angling Direct in the UK are reporting record sales.
The growth of interest in leisure fishing is becoming more evident. Some of the biggest YouTube channels – like Fish with Carl – are devoted to the sport, while more people are watching Major League Fishing’s tournaments on TV than ever before.
Popular fishing-themed slots like Big Bass Splash and Big Bass Trophy Catch have earned their places amongst the favoured titles at Great Britain casino sites, too. And even the fashions of the riverbank have captured the public’s imagination through the utility-wear “anglercore” trend.
With newcomers picking up a rod for the first time, apps that can be easily accessed on smartphones provide convenience and easily accessible information.
Some developers have already sought to build in features to support the novice angler. Fish AI offers its “Fish Coach”, which provides personalised strategies, information on fish behaviour, and advice based on the location.
Go Catch Fish has its AI-powered fishing assistant known as Finley. It can answer the most basic questions, from choosing the right bait to how the current weather might affect success.
Elsewhere, Christopher Alonso’s Fishing AI has been specifically tailored to picking the best lures and is recommended for beginners, while FishGuide AI is aimed at those wanting to know what specific equipment is needed for a fishing trip.
With the appeal of sports fishing growing, not only will apps with AI built-in become familiar sights alongside rods, nets, and tackle boxes, but software developers are set to continue to harness artificial intelligence to make angling simpler, broaden accessibility, and, ultimately, make it more fulfilling for all skill levels.