This is quite an interesting topic and on so many people's mind, especially with everyone trying to get as much relevant information on the ocean contours, currents, weather etc to improve their fishing and catch rate. So, if you're looking to analyse ocean contours, currents, and related data for fishing, several software and apps can assist you. Here are some options, this is just an overview, not in detail:
🌊 Oceanographic & Satellite-Based Tools
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FishTrack
Offers cloud-free Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts, high-definition global satellite imagery, and marine weather forecasts. Ideal for locating temperature breaks and understanding ocean conditions. -
RipCharts
Provides real-time satellite imagery, including SST, chlorophyll, true colour, surface current, altimetry, and bathymetric maps. Useful for pinpointing favourable fishing conditions. -
SatFish
Combines high-definition satellite SST and chlorophyll maps with advanced planning tools to help locate productive offshore fishing grounds. -
PredictCurrent
Delivers ultra-high-resolution tidal current maps, covering 90% of global coastlines, aiding in coastal navigation and fishing planning.
🧭 Navigation & Bathymetry Software
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C-MAP App
Provides worldwide nautical charts with features like autorouting, bathymetry, waypoints, and weather overlays, suitable for both navigation and fishing. -
Navionics Boating App
Offers detailed charts, offline maps, and advanced features for cruising, fishing, sailing, and diving. -
OpenCPN
An open-source maritime chart plotter and navigation software, supporting various chart formats and data inputs.
📱 Mobile Apps for Fishing Forecasts
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Fishing Points
Allows saving and finding fishing locations, checking best fishing times, and accessing tide and weather forecasts. -
Fishbrain
Provides fishing maps, real-time weather forecasts, lake depth maps, and expert tips to help you catch more fish. -
FishAngler
Offers real-time NOAA marine buoy and USGS inland station monitoring with tidal prediction, water flow, and water level forecasts.
🧪 Specialised Marine Data Tools
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SeaView Pro & Sport Desktop Software
Delivers the latest satellite oceanographic and weather data ready for download and display via the SeaView software installed on your computer. -
Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE)
A free and open-source ecosystem modeling software suite, useful for understanding complex marine ecosystems.
Just a note on how the Apps get the Water Temperature readings:
FishTrack (and similar offshore fishing apps like RipCharts, Terrafin, Navionics overlays, etc.) don't send boats out with thermometers, the sea surface temperature (SST) data comes from satellites and buoys. Here’s how it works:
🌍 Satellite Remote Sensing
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Satellites such as NOAA, NASA, and ESA missions carry infrared and microwave sensors that detect the heat energy radiating from the ocean surface.
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The most common is infrared SST, which gives very fine detail but can be blocked by cloud cover.
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Microwave SST can read through clouds, but at lower resolution.
🌊 Buoy & Drifter Data
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Ocean buoys (like those from NOAA, Argo floats, or local monitoring programs) provide direct temperature readings at fixed points.
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These act as calibration points for the satellite imagery to make sure it’s accurate.
🛰️ Data Processing
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The satellite scans are combined, corrected, and updated (sometimes several times per day).
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Apps like FishTrack overlay this SST data onto maps so anglers can spot temperature breaks, current edges, and upwellings, the areas where pelagic fish often feed.
So, when you’re checking FishTrack far offshore, you’re actually looking at satellite-measured skin temperature of the ocean surface, often calibrated with buoy readings.
In closing, for South African waters, tools like FishTrack, RipCharts, and SatFish can provide valuable insights into ocean conditions from your phone, tablet or computer.
We sell both Navionics and C-Map mapping cards for both Lowrance and Garmin units. Contact us for more information on these options.
