What Can I Use to Download United States Fishing and Marine Charts?
Share
What Can I Use to Download United States Fishing and Marine Charts?
For avid anglers, boaters, and marine enthusiasts, having access to detailed and accurate fishing and marine charts is essential for safe navigation and successful trips. These charts offer valuable information about water depths, navigational markers, fishing hotspots, underwater structures, currents, and tides. Fortunately, there are various resources available for downloading United States fishing and marine charts, both online and through specialized applications. In this article, we'll explore several tools and platforms you can use to download and access these charts.
1. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
The NOAA is the primary government agency responsible for providing accurate marine charts for the U.S. The NOAA's Office of Coast Survey offers free access to detailed official U.S. marine charts, including those for fishing, navigation, and other maritime activities.
How to Access NOAA Charts:
- NOAA ENC (Electronic Navigational Charts): These are digital charts available for download. The ENC is typically used by navigation systems and GPS devices, providing precise data for safe maritime travel.
- NOAA Raster Navigational Charts (RNC): These are scanned images of paper charts that can be downloaded directly from the NOAA website.
To download charts from NOAA:
- Visit the NOAA Office of Coast Survey website.
- Use the NOAA Chart Viewer to select the specific area or region you are interested in.
- Charts are available in PDF or GeoTIFF formats and can be easily downloaded for offline use.
Why Use NOAA Charts?
- They are the official source for marine navigation in the U.S.
- Regularly updated for accuracy.
- Free to download.
Link: NOAA Marine Charts
2. Navionics
Navionics is a popular provider of digital marine charts, well-known for its detailed nautical charts that are optimized for fishing, boating, and navigation. They offer chart data for both U.S. coastal waters and inland lakes.
How to Access Navionics Charts:
- Navionics Boating App: The Navionics Boating app allows users to download charts directly to their smartphones or tablets. The app provides charts for the U.S. coastline, Great Lakes, and inland waters and includes features like auto-routing, depth contours, and fishing hotspots.
- Navionics WebApp: You can access and view charts online via the Navionics WebApp. However, to download charts for offline use, you'll need to purchase a Navionics subscription for your device.
Why Use Navionics?
- Offers highly detailed fishing charts with depth contours.
- Provides real-time updates to charts via the mobile app.
- Fishing community insights, such as popular fishing spots and hotspots.
- Includes features like tide data, weather overlays, and marine traffic.
Link: Navionics
3. FishFinder Apps (e.g., Fishbrain, i-Boating)
Fishing-specific apps also provide access to marine charts and are tailored for anglers. Some of these apps integrate detailed fishing maps with GPS navigation and fishing reports.
Popular Apps to Download Marine Charts:
-
Fishbrain: This app not only provides fishing maps and hotspots but also integrates with satellite imagery and depth charts. Fishbrain users can also interact with other anglers to share tips and fishing reports.
-
i-Boating: Available for both iOS and Android, this app lets you download NOAA-based charts and gives you access to detailed bathymetric maps. It also includes trails, waypoints, and route planning for boating and fishing.
Why Use FishFinder Apps?
- Offers specialized fishing charts and hotspot maps.
- Many apps allow you to download maps for offline use while on the water.
- Real-time updates about weather and fishing conditions.
Links:
4. Garmin BlueChart Mobile App
Garmin is well-known for its high-quality marine electronics, and their BlueChart Mobile App offers a detailed map and charting service for boating, fishing, and navigation.
How to Access Garmin BlueChart:
- The Garmin BlueChart app provides access to US marine charts through their mobile app for iOS and Android. It includes high-definition charts for U.S. coastal waters, offshore areas, and lakes.
- You can download charts directly to your device for offline use or subscribe to Garmin’s BlueChart g3 and g3 Vision charts for full coverage.
Why Use Garmin BlueChart?
- Offers high-definition marine charts.
- Integrates seamlessly with Garmin GPS devices.
- Provides detailed fishing charts and waypoint management.
- Includes real-time weather overlays and bathymetric data.
Link: Garmin BlueChart
5. C-MAP Charts
C-MAP provides marine charts that cover U.S. waters along with many international locations. Their charts are used by professionals and recreational boaters alike for both navigation and fishing.
How to Access C-MAP Charts:
- C-MAP Genesis: This service allows you to access custom fishing maps, including depth contours, bottom structure, and wreck locations. You can download these maps via the C-MAP Genesis mobile app or on your chartplotter.
- C-MAP App: You can download the app to get access to detailed charts for fishing and boating, including fishing hotspots and tide data.
Why Use C-MAP?
- Provides customized maps based on real-time data.
- Includes detailed fishing information, such as bathymetry and underwater structures.
- Offers the ability to create custom charts for personalized fishing trips.
Link: C-MAP
6. US Lake Maps (For Inland Waters)
If you are fishing on inland lakes and rivers, there are specific platforms for downloading lake maps that include detailed information on water depths, fishing areas, and boat ramps.
How to Access US Lake Maps:
-
US Lake Maps provides free and paid maps for hundreds of inland lakes in the U.S. These maps are tailored to both boating and fishing needs.
-
Fishing Hot Spots: This platform offers detailed fishing maps of inland lakes across the U.S. and is a great resource for anglers looking for up-to-date water depth and fishing hotspot information.
Why Use US Lake Maps?
- Tailored for inland lakes and fishing conditions.
- Includes depth contours and structure information to help you locate fish.
- Provides fishing reports and lake updates.
Link: US Lake Maps
Conclusion
Having access to accurate and detailed fishing and marine charts is crucial for any boater or angler. Whether you're navigating the vast ocean waters or exploring inland lakes, the ability to download reliable charts enhances both safety and success. Tools like NOAA, Navionics, Garmin, and C-MAP offer fantastic resources for marine chart downloads, with options tailored to both recreational boaters and serious anglers.
For the best experience, make sure to choose the charting platform that best fits your needs—whether that’s GPS integration, fishing hotspot data, or detailed bathymetric information. Whichever option you choose, always ensure that you are prepared with the most accurate charts before heading out on the water!