You fish because you love it, not for bragging rights. Psych! Of course you can’t wait to post your catch to your favorite fishing app, and with mobile camera quality better than it’s ever been there’s nothing holding you back. Unless you just suck at taking pictures. But hey, no problem! The FishAngler app team’s got some pointers for a better shot at earning the coveted staff-picked post position on the app.

Catch a Fish

First things first! To even be considered for a staff-picked post, you’ll need to land a sweet fish! FishAngler has a myriad of tools to help you do exactly that. From the Fish Forecast on the Forecast menu, to tools to help you scout new fishing spots, connect with other anglers to glean intel, and MORE!

Crop is Key

Staff-picked posts highlight great catches, so cropping can be helpful! Focus your photo on the eye of the fish, and make sure there are a few inches below the fish and above the angler’s head before hitting the capture button. No time to orient the frame before getting the shot? Don’t sweat it. Simply edit the picture on your phone or computer cropping out the extra stuff. Keep the focus of the shot on the fish!

Eye on the Horizon

We can’t tell you how many times we shake our heads at pictures of great fish in anglers’ driveways! If you choose to take a shot of your catch while you’re fishing, make sure that the body of water in the background is even. Otherwise, be prepared to fix that eyesore in photo editing on your phone or in a program on your computer.

Check the Forecast

While the majesty of rolling hills or scaling cliffs can serve as gorgeous frames to any picture, clouds, rain or fog can easily thwart getting that staff-picked shot. Be sure to check the forecast before hitting the water. For more information on our suite of forecasting options, be sure to check out Exploring FishAngler’s Forecast Feature.

Back to Basics

We shove our phones in our pockets, waders, and fishing packs where a slew of sand, dirt and other grit tends to build up. Don’t be caught with a filthy lens when that trophy catch presents itself!

FishAngler Pro Tip: keep a Ziploc bag with Q-tips in your back pocket and if your phone’s donning a waterproof case, make sure to clean your lens before putting it on!

Get Creative

Speaking of waterproof cases, use yours to get creative with your shots! First off, make sure to test your case at home prior to using on the water to ensure no water seeps in. Depending on the type of waters you’re fishing, you may also want to consider a floating “lifejacket” for your case, a lanyard, or a floating strap, or your phone may end up sleeping with the fishes. Some of the best pictures that have been uploaded to the app are underwater shots! Consider mixing it up if you want to earn staff-picked status.

Image Quality

Instead of zooming in, try physically walking closer to your subject before taking a photo. While being on a boat can make it tricky, be sure to keep the camera steady when you take pictures. And use that HDR (High Dynamic Range) if your phone has it! It will capture better detail in areas that are bright and dark in your photo. Lastly, skip the flash and opt for brightening in an editing program instead.

Size Matters

Finally, hold the fish close to the camera to be sure all of the detail is captured. It also helps it look bigger.  When all else fails, have the smallest member of your fishing party hold the fish!

Log Your Catch

Finally, log your catch on the FishAngler app including gear used, the species caught, and the catch location to keep track of your success on the water! Posts that include additional insight to help educate and inform our fishing community are given preference when selecting Staff Picks!

Make sure to share your awesome shots with us on the app for a chance to get staff picked!

 

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