Honest comparison
GilledIt vs FishAngler
Which Social Fishing App Wins?
Last updated: August 2026
FishAngler is a social fishing app that says it is used by millions of anglers worldwide (its own App Store listing). It has a decent social feed, fish ID for 300+ species, and maps with Garmin depth charts. However, like most competitors, it is US-focused with limited UK relevance. FishAngler has also drawn criticism for moving previously free features behind a VIP paywall. GilledIt offers a comparable social experience with better UK species coverage, a built-in marketplace, weekly challenges, and genuinely free core features.
Feature by feature
Side-by-Side Comparison
How GilledIt and FishAngler compare across every feature that matters to UK anglers.
| Feature | GilledIt | FishAngler |
|---|---|---|
| Catch Logging | Yes | Yes |
| Social Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Fish Species ID | 110 UK | 300+ global |
| Marketplace | Yes | No |
| Weekly Challenges | Yes | Partial |
| Leaderboards | Yes | No |
| 30+ Badges | Yes | No |
| Messaging / DMs | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive Map | Yes | Yes |
| Depth Charts | No | VIP only |
| Groups / Clubs | Planned | Yes |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Partial |
| UK Focus | Yes | No |
| Free Core Features | Yes | Partial |
| Price | Free | Free + VIP $6.99/mo |
Competitor pricing and claims checked August 2026 against: FishAngler on the App Store · FishAngler VIP. GilledIt feature data comes from our own app.
Advantages
Where GilledIt Wins
UK-Focused Species and Methods
FishAngler has 300+ species globally but lacks depth on UK coarse species and British fishing methods. GilledIt is purpose-built for UK anglers with 110 British species and support for float, feeder, ledgering, fly, lure, and sea fishing.
Built-In Marketplace
FishAngler has no marketplace. GilledIt lets anglers buy and sell fishing tackle directly within the app with secure Stripe payments. This replaces scattered Facebook groups and classified ads.
Gamification That Keeps You Fishing
FishAngler has no leaderboards, no XP system, and no badges. GilledIt offers weekly challenges, leaderboards across five metrics, 30+ achievement badges, and an XP levelling system that rewards consistent fishing.
Genuinely Free Core Features
FishAngler has been criticised by users for moving previously free features behind its VIP paywall ($6.99/month or $49.99/year on the US App Store, checked August 2026). Depth charts, exact catch locations, and 3D maps all require VIP. GilledIt keeps core features (logging, feed, map, challenges, messaging) free.
Being honest
Where FishAngler Wins
We believe in honest comparisons. Here is where the competition has an edge.
Larger Global Community (Millions of Anglers)
FishAngler describes itself as “rated #1 fishing app by millions of anglers worldwide” (App Store listing). If you want a large global social network for fishing, FishAngler has the bigger community, though it is heavily US-weighted.
Groups and Club Pages
FishAngler supports fishing groups and business pages, letting clubs and tackle shops create their own presence. GilledIt does not yet offer groups or club pages, though this is planned.
The verdict
Which Should You Choose?
Choose FishAngler if:
You want a large global fishing community with group and club features. You fish in the US and do not mind paying $6.99/month for VIP features.
Choose GilledIt if:
You are a UK angler who wants a social fishing app with a marketplace, weekly challenges, leaderboards, and genuinely free core features. You want an app built for British waters and species.
FishAngler has a bigger community and group features, but its VIP paywall and US focus limit its value for UK anglers. GilledIt offers better UK coverage, a marketplace, gamification, and free core features.
FAQ: GilledIt vs FishAngler
FishAngler has a free tier, but many features including depth charts, exact catch locations, and 3D maps require FishAngler VIP at $6.99/month or $49.99/year (US App Store, checked August 2026). Users have criticised the app for moving previously free features behind the paywall. GilledIt keeps core features free.
FishAngler is primarily designed for US anglers. While it has a large species database (300+), it lacks depth on UK coarse fishing methods and British-specific features. GilledIt is purpose-built for UK anglers with 110 British species and all UK fishing methods.
For UK anglers, GilledIt is the best FishAngler alternative. It offers a social feed, marketplace, weekly challenges, leaderboards, and 110 UK species. Core features are free with no VIP paywall.
No, FishAngler does not have a marketplace for buying and selling tackle or catches. GilledIt includes a built-in marketplace with Stripe-powered payments, offer negotiation, and seller dashboards.
Try GilledIt Free
The all-in-one UK fishing app. Catch logging, social feed, marketplace, challenges, and 110 British species. Switch in two minutes.
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