# FishAngler vs Boat HIN Decoder

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Boat HIN Decoder at 100% against FishAngler's 64%. Boat HIN Decoder also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). FishAngler's advantage is ratings volume (14K vs 4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FishAngler sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Boat HIN Decoder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Boat HIN Decoder holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FishAngler has 14K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of FishAngler's written reviews are positive against 100% of Boat HIN Decoder's.

FishAngler ships an update every 3 weeks, Boat HIN Decoder every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FishAngler | Boat HIN Decoder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (14K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishangler-fishing-app/id1073941118/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-hin-decoder/id6474098761/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 63.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 339 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FishAngler, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1073941117) | [Allytech LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1551622966) |

## What reviewers say

### FishAngler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishangler-fishing-app/id1073941118)

This app helps anglers discover, plan, and log fishing trips with powerful maps, forecasts, and community features. Identify fish, track your catches, and connect with other anglers to improve your success on the water.

**Highlights:** Fishing Maps & Spots, Private Waypoints, Bait & Lure Insights, Fishing Forecasts, HD Depth & Nautical Maps, Fishing Logbook, Fish ID Tool, Community & Groups

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FishAngler VIP - Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| FishAngler VIP - Yearly | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing for finding new fishing spots
- 👍 Great app with lots of useful information
- 👍 Provides a lot of helpful details about fish, where to find them, and what bait to use
- 👍 Awesome at the end of the day
- 👍 Has everything in one place for fishing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked key features behind paywall
- 🐛 Crashes or freezes occasionally
- 🔒 Too many features behind premium subscription
- 🔒 Used to be free but now charges for previously free features
- 🔒 Requires payment for external use

**Reported bugs**

- GPS coordinates sometimes inaccurate
- Equipment search function has issues with trailing spaces
- Notifications not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add ability to set timezone to EST
- Include topographical/bathymetric overlays for lakes
- Add direct messaging between users
- Improve feed navigation with 'back to top' button


### Boat HIN Decoder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-hin-decoder/id6474098761)

Decode any boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN) with this app. It provides comprehensive Coast Guard manufacturing details, including manufacturer, model year, and production dates. The app features intelligent error correction for accurate results.

**Highlights:** Decode all three HIN formats, Access Coast Guard manufacturing details, Intelligent error correction, User-friendly interface, Provides manufacturer information, Identifies boat model year

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FishAngler free?

FishAngler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Boat HIN Decoder free?

Boat HIN Decoder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, FishAngler or Boat HIN Decoder?

Boat HIN Decoder is rated higher. FishAngler averages 4.8 out of 5 from 14K ratings, while Boat HIN Decoder averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do FishAngler or Boat HIN Decoder have ads?

Neither FishAngler nor Boat HIN Decoder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FishAngler or Boat HIN Decoder?

FishAngler ships an update every 3 weeks, and Boat HIN Decoder every 9 days. Most recently, FishAngler was updated on November 12, 2026 and Boat HIN Decoder on November 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*