Top 6 Fishing Startups for Anglers

Fishing is a popular hobby in many parts of the world, and it’s also become an increasingly competitive sport too.

There are many different types of fishing, of course, from hardcore deep-sea fishing to peaceful flyfishing in picturesque lakes and serene mountain streams.

For some, the aim is to catch the biggest, most sought-after fish like a large Bluefin Tuna that comes with a hefty price tag. For others, it’s more about the experience of being out in nature, mastering the technicalities of the process and enjoying the great outdoors.

As technology has become increasingly advanced over the last decade, plenty of new tools and gadgets have been developed in the fishing industry to improve efficacy and efficiency for all types of fishing.

But first, what are the main types of fishing?

 

5 of the Most Popular Types of Fishing

 

There are plenty of different ways that you could talk about different types of fishing, from various techniques and different types of fish to where fishermen position themselves.

We’ve broken it down into the main styles of fishing, but bear in mind that this is but one means of classification and these five categories can be broken down further.

So, here are 5 of the most popular types of fishing.

Casting

 

Casting is probably the first thing that comes to mind when people think of fishing, and for good reason. Essentially, casting is the process whereby a flexible fishing rod is used to cast a fishing line out into the water with some kind of hook and possibly bait on the end

Depending on the location and type of fish you’re hoping to catch, you may use a hook with bait (from live worms or sand prawns to other types of fish) or a lure. A lure is a little gadget with hooks that mimics the appearance and movement of bait fish to attract the fish you’re hoping to catch.

 

Trolling

 

Trolling also uses fishing rods with either lures or hooks with bait, depending on the specific context. However, instead of casting the line out and holding it manually, trolling involves securing the rod to the back of a boat and moving slowly through the water with the line trailing behind.

This may be done using anything from a high-tech fishing speedboat to a yacht or even a kayak.

 

Fly Fishing

 

Fly fishing is generally considered one of the most complex styles of fishing as it requires very specific techniques and specialised, expensive equipment.

As one of the older methods of angling, it involves the continuous casting of a line that is drawn out and methodically collected, using an artificial fly on the end that attracts fish by means

Fly fishing is normally effective for catching trout, salmon, bass, carp and more depending on where you are. Fishermen tend to stand on the banks of rivers or streams or even in the water, and it’s known as a pretty relaxing and serene style of fishing that allows you to enjoy nature.

Netting

 

Netting, as the name suggests, involves throwing large nets into the water, sometimes filled with bait, in an attempt to catch large numbers of fish at once.

Depending on the location and objective, this may be done with a smaller net and thrown by hand, or nets can be attached to boats, covering a larger distance.

 

Spear Fishing

 

Spear fishing involves the use of a spear gun to shoot fish, so to speak, underwater. Spear fishermen dive under the water with their guns (basically a long mechanism with a sharp spear that shoots when the trigger is pulled) and aim at specific fish.

 

Top 6 Fishing Startups 

 

Here are some of the best and most exciting fishing startups to keep an eye on if you enjoy spending time on or near the water.

 

1. Captain Experiences 

 

 

Founded in Austin, Texas in 2019, Captain Experiences provides experienced and amateur fishermen alike with an easy way to book qualified fishing guides.

The idea is that fishermen travelling to new areas with little knowledge of the terrain or style of fishing will be able to quickly and easily make contact with local guides who have verified knowledge and expertise.

Captain Experiences was founded by Attison Barnes and Jonathan Newar, and so far, te startup has completed three funding rounds with the most recent one having closed at the end of 2023.

 

 

2. Guidesly

 

 

Guidesly allows anglers to find other like-minded fishermen, not only connecting people to experienced guides in specific areas but also helping recreational anglers become part of fishing communities.

App users are able to share their accomplishments with guides and other fishermen, allowing for a fun virtual space for passionate anglers.

Furthermore, Guidesly works as a booking and scheduling platform, making it easy for users to find the right guides for their needs and easily book expeditions and trips.

Guidesly was launched in 2019 in Boston and has received investment from more than five different contributed since then.

 

3. Sportsman’s Box

 

 

Sportsman’s Box is another US-based fishing equipment e-commerce store that allows anglers to improve their performance on the streams.

This startup’s website provides anglers with a way to view collections of new and exciting fishing tech, with the option to find out more about it, test it out and ultimately, purchase it.

Sportsman’s Box was founded in Dallas in 2015 and has since expanded into hunting and more.

 

4. Omnia Fishing

 

 

Omnia Fishing is a company designed by fishermen for fishermen, taking into account specific issues and difficulties they face and providing helpful solutions.

To this end, this Minneapolis-based startup provides anglers with a fishing e-commerce store with products organised by different types of locations and fishing environments.

Users can use the app’s “shop-by-lake” function to find equipment that is best suited to their needs, and it all works based on the opinions and recommendations of other fishermen and people with knowledge within the industry. Ultimately, the Omnia Fishing platform connects like-minded individuals, creating a virtual community managed by the website.

 

5. Outdoorsium 

 

 

Outdoorsium works on either a B2B or B2C basis, helping consumers find fishing adventure tours and allowing businesses to advertise their tours.

From a B2B perspective, the app allows businesses to advertise and manage their services from their smartphones, providing booking software and more.

Outdoorsium was founded in Virginia, USA in 2014 and

 

6. GoFish Cam

 

 

Founded in Austin, Texas, Go Fish Cam offers users a camera that is specifically designed for use in water and works in conjunction with a smartphone-enabled application.

Users can simply secure the camera to their fishing line and go about their business while viewing the footage recorded by means of the mobile platform. This allows passionate anglers to gain insight into what goes on below the surface of the water while they’re waiting for a bite.

This footage can be used for fun and entertainment purposes, to be shared on social media, or it can be further analysed for potential learning purposes.