The most common ones, answered upfront. Anything else, just ask in the form notes or DM Matthew on LinkedIn.
Is it really free?
Yes. The beta is completely free. No payment, no subscription, no app-store fees, no ads, no upsells. When the app moves out of beta we may add a one-time premium tier, but beta testers get to keep everything they earned at no cost.
How does the install work? There's no app store.
Hooked is a Progressive Web App — you open a link in your phone's browser, then add it to your home screen and it acts like a real app. Three taps, no app store, no waiting on approvals.
Once you're approved as a beta tester, I'll email you the link with simple step-by-step instructions. Works on both iPhone (Safari) and Android (Chrome).
Does my kid need to create an account?
No. No login. No password. No email collected from your kid. Catches and progress save directly on the device. The only email we have is the parent's, captured in the signup form above so we can email the install link and check in occasionally.
What's the time commitment?
A few fishing trips over the next month or so. We're not asking for daily use — that's not how kids fish. Whatever fits your real fishing schedule. Log a few catches, poke around the app, tell us what works and what doesn't.
What if I find a bug or have an idea?
Email me at [email protected] or use the in-app feedback button (there's a Telegram channel for fast pings). I read every message personally and usually reply same day.
What happens to my catches when the beta ends?
Nothing changes. Your catches stay on your device forever. The app keeps working. When we launch a public paid version, beta testers get free lifetime access — your XP, badges, certificates, and journal all carry over.
Does it work offline?
Yes once installed. Log catches on the lake even when you have no signal. The app stores everything locally and syncs nothing to a server. The only thing that needs internet is weather auto-fill (nice-to-have, not required) when you log a real-time catch.
What states does the app cover?
Currently Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, including NC + FL saltwater (surf, pier, offshore, reef). 120 species total with state-specific keeper sizes, daily limits, monthly challenges, and regional badges baked in. Other states get the curated USA Inland or USA Coastal species pools plus universal badges, so the app works fully for everyone.
I run a brand, camp, or fishing channel — can we work together?
Maybe, down the line. There's a separate program in development called Sponsored Months, where brands and creators get a custom-branded version of Hooked for their audience. Recipe unlocks, custom challenges, limited-edition badges, the whole thing carrying your brand for 30 days and your audience keeping everything forever.
Mention it in the application notes below, or DM Matthew directly. Beta testers are first in line for those conversations.
How do you pick beta testers?
We're looking for fishing families with kids who actually fish. TN, NC, FL, and TX families are highest priority because the app's data is most complete there. If you're outside those states, you can still install and use the app fully — you'll just get the USA Inland or USA Coastal species pool instead of state-specific data.
