Looking for a PC Fishing Journal

[Pat Dilling]

I have been keeping a journal of my fishing trips on paper for quite a few years.  I used to have a database on PC, but lost it when Windows advanced and it didn't. 

So, I would like to move my fishing journal to something digital.  Do any of you have any suggestions?  I would prefer something for a Windows PC, but an android phone app would be interesting too, if I can use audio for input. 

Thanks!

[SenkoSam]

Digital cameras are cheap and produce excellent detail. I've been keeping a digital photo log for over 15 years and storing it on my PC. Downloading is as easy as hooking the camera up to your PC with a USB wire. Photo storage sites on-line aren't reliable or organized.

If you fish different waters, have lures that did well and want dates fished on file, no better way than in folders. (right click desktop - new - folder). I label a folder [lake name, date fish caught and number of fish caught. In each folder, shots of fish with lures shown in their mouth keep a record of lures that worked, which I sometimes label. I may include a shot of where the fish was caught. (i.e. where in the lake and sonar photo).
example: Mo Magic grub - 2lb bass. This way you can easily find that image by putting the name in the search box.

There are many photo modifying programs to enhance each photo (ie. contrast, size, brightness, sharpness, color saturation, etc.) I use ArcSoft or a program that came with the camera.

To keep the log safe, I also store folders containing photos on a flash drive - each flash drive contains photos of a particular water. If you fished with someone and the day was memorable, keep those photos in a separate folder contained in the waters fished file. You could name it great days. I also have a scenic photo folder for beautiful shots of the lake.

[Pat Dilling]

Senko Sam,

That's a great idea!  Thanks!

[SenkoSam]

You're welcome Pat.

Amazing the amount of valuable stuff I would have forgotten if not for logs. At my age, I can't even remember where I put the d*** cell phone!~ 

Since I alter soft plastic lure using a candle flame to join different parts together, I need a photo record so I know which to reproduce them after they've caught fish. Plus, I post many of them on fishing forums to prove a point.

[EasyKasting]

Pat - Digitizing the journal? Smart move. Photos work for proof (Sam's point), but for usable data, you need structure. Dedicated fishing log apps are the direct path for PC/Android sync. Demand robust tagging (lure, conditions, location, components), mapping, and voice input if you need speed on the water. Database tools (Notion/Airtable) offer control if you invest setup time. Action: Search app stores – "fishing journal voice input," "fishing log PC sync." Find what fits your workflow.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Flats N Bays, posts about the program he uses once a year, and its called FishSwami. I used it for a little while too so I can attest to its efficacy. This application allows you to detail/journal basically every aspect  that's associated with your fishing trip. From lures, gear, weather, and conditions, just to name a few. The coolest feature I think, is you can analyze in great detail, your fishing season at the end of the year. Look up Flat's N' Bays end of the year fishing review threads, and you can see what I'm talking about Pat.