UTERFish Scouter vs Fish Rules
Fish Rules shows saltwater size and bag limits and seasons for where you stand, by GPS, and works offline. Fish Scouter is built around a forecast: every species scored 0–100 for the spot you are on, this hour, with the reasons. We make Fish Scouter; the Fish Rules facts below are from its own listing or site, checked 8 November 2026.
| Fish Scouter | Fish Rules | |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | A forecast: every species scored 0–100 for your spot, this hour, with the reasons | Saltwater regulations by GPS location |
| Free tier | No — free trial, then a plan | Yes, with ads |
| Paid price | Angler $9.99, Captain $19.99 and Guide $39.99 a month; yearly 20% off | ProStaff $29.99 (App Store; period not shown) |
| Platforms | Web app on any phone or computer; native iPhone and Android apps in preparation | iPhone (iOS 15.5+); web app; Android |
| Coverage | US only: every coast, the Great Lakes, fresh water in all 50 states | Maine to Texas state and federal waters, plus CA, HI and the Caribbean |
| Where spots come from | Public sources: NOAA-charted wrecks and obstructions, state artificial reefs, ramps, piers, bridges, jetties, kayak launches | Artificial reefs |
| Depth | NOAA bathymetry shading and contours (not for navigation) | Not stated |
| Regulations | Short summary per fish, linked to the state agency for the current rules | The whole product: limits, seasons, closures |
| GPX waypoints | Import on every plan; export on Captain and Guide | Not stated |
| Offline | Up to five saved map areas; catches queued without signal | Works offline |
Where Fish Rules is stronger
- Regulations are its whole job — use it for limits
- Free, and works offline
Where Fish Scouter is stronger
- What is biting and where
- Tides, water temperature and a wind and sea outlook
- GPX spots for your plotter
What is the difference between Fish Scouter and Fish Rules?
Fish Rules shows saltwater size and bag limits and seasons for where you stand, by GPS, and works offline. Fish Scouter is built around a forecast: every species scored 0–100 for the spot you are on, this hour, with the reasons, plus charted public spots and season calendars for US waters.
Is Fish Rules free?
Fish Rules: Yes, with ads. Fish Scouter has no free tier; every plan starts with a free trial.
How much does Fish Rules cost compared with Fish Scouter?
Fish Rules: ProStaff $29.99 (App Store; period not shown), as listed on 8 November 2026. Fish Scouter: Angler $9.99, Captain $19.99 and Guide $39.99 a month, yearly 20% off.
Can I use Fish Scouter and Fish Rules together?
Different jobs: Fish Scouter for where and when to fish, Fish Rules or your state agency for what you may keep.
Sources
- Fish Rules — App Store listing
- Fish Rules and Fishbrain
- Fish Scouter: the plans and features in the app, About.