Whether you enjoy fishing or developing apps, the creation of this fishing app, involving Toptal experts, might pique your interest.

Fieldgate Media specializes in creating user-friendly educational apps and websites. Their portfolio includes work for small businesses, educational institutions, and even some Fortune 500 companies. They developed the Fatsack Outdoors Fishing App for Fatsack Outdoors, a company founded by tech-savvy competitive fishing enthusiasts.

Here’s a summary of Toptal’s contribution to the project:

• Two developers, one technical lead and one Android developer, collaborated on the project.
• Thanks in part to the developers’ commitment, the project was completed within a tight, months-long deadline.
• The clients were thrilled with the outcome, and the project helped them gain new business opportunities.

The Idea, Objectives, and Obstacles

Fieldgate Media, based in South Carolina, was approached by Fatsack Outdoors, a local startup, to develop a unique app tailored for professional tournament anglers. The app’s concept originated from these anglers, who recognized the need for a specialized mobile application catering to their niche.

The objective was to create a practical app for professional fishing while adhering to a strict deadline. With Fatsack Outdoors planning to unveil the app at a major fishing trade show, the deadline was non-negotiable.

Fieldgate Media realized they needed to bolster their team to meet the deadline, so they turned to Toptal. They required additional developers and a skilled technical lead proficient in both Android and iOS to develop both app versions. Hans Haskell of Fieldgate Media emphasized the “very short timeline” and the importance of launching both Android and iOS versions simultaneously, making the tight deadline the primary challenge.

Haskell stated, “While we had experience with corporate and educational apps, commercial apps were relatively new territory. However, our UI and UX expertise is robust.” He added, “This app targets the vast North American angler market and streamlines the fishing log process.”

Toptal’s Contributions

Fieldgate Media, through Toptal, brought in a technical lead who began developing the iOS app. Once the iOS version served as a “proof of concept,” an Android specialist joined to replicate the functionality for Google’s platform.

Haskell’s team, with 15 years of experience in web and app development, had encountered challenges with contract developers in the past.

He cited issues like:

• Language differences
• Misaligned expectations
• A lack of urgency

“It’s challenging to instill the same level of urgency in external talent. However, my long-time web team and the Toptal developers have been exceptions. I highly recommend Toptal for those seeking vetted and seamlessly integrated developers," Haskell shared.

Haskell emphasized the pivotal role played by Toptal’s software engineers, who went beyond assistance and actively steered the team.

According to Haskell, Toptal developers:

• Transformed UI layouts and app requirements into a technical specification.
• Swiftly implemented changes based on tester feedback (using the Ubertesters platform).
• Collaborated with in-house UI designers to refine the interface.
• Coordinated the development team and ensured adherence to deadlines.
• Consistently contributed innovative ideas for improvement.

Let’s examine each point more closely.

The project’s unique nature, focused on professional angling, provided limited precedents. The client sought an original app designed specifically for competitive fishing, distinct from generic counterparts.

The app enables users to research lakes beforehand, schedule fishing trips, record catches, monitor weather conditions, mark catch locations on a map, and even boast about their successes through the Bragboard feature.

Cloud backup enhances security and facilitates device migration (like using rugged outdoor phones or avoiding roaming charges while abroad). Importantly, all data remains private, safeguarding anglers’ prized fishing spots. This app, designed for serious competitors, includes analytics for tracking catch details like time, temperature, depth, and lures used.

With a strong UI/UX team already in place, Toptal’s contribution focused on implementation. The app boasts a simple and intuitive interface optimized for one-handed use, characteristic of outdoor apps. The high-contrast display enhances outdoor visibility and conserves battery life by reducing the need for high brightness—a crucial factor when fishing far from power sources.

Crucially, Toptalers coordinated the development team, ensuring the project met its strict deadline. This allowed Fatsack Outdoors to launch the app at a major trade show, earning positive feedback from professional anglers.

The Outcome

The project was delivered on time and within budget. The result was a successful launch and a highly satisfied client. Haskell mentioned that several new clients approached the company for app development, with one project already underway.

Haskell explained:

Eight months later, the initial app version launched successfully on both the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store. The Android developer worked with us for about three months, and the technical lead continues to contribute to the project.

The client was extremely happy with the initial version of the app, and Fieldgate Media is planning future updates.

Haskell commended the Toptal developers, stating:

The technical expertise, particularly from the technical lead, surpassed our in-house capabilities. We’ll definitely consider Toptal first for any future native development needs.