Quick answers for parents and testers.
Is it free?
Yes. The app is completely free. No payment, no subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. We're in open beta and would love your feedback.
How do the AI features (fish ID + Coach) work?
The two AI features (📸 fish photo ID and ⚓ Captain Splash chat) are powered by Anthropic's Claude. To enable them, paste a free Claude API key into the app's Settings page. It takes about 2 minutes to set up:
1. Go to console.anthropic.com and create a free account.
2. Click "API keys" and create a new key.
3. Copy the key, open the app, tap the gear icon (top right), and paste it in.
Anthropic gives new accounts a free credit to start. After that, usage is pennies per chat or photo. Both AI features are completely optional. The app works perfectly without a key, you'll just pick species manually instead of using the photo ID, and Coach chat will be unavailable.
Does my child need an account?
No. Catches and progress save directly to the device. No login, no email, no data sent to anyone unless they tap Share on a catch card.
Where does the data live?
On the device, in the browser's local storage. Don't clear browser data or it will be lost. We recommend installing to home screen so it acts like a real app.
What about the video clips? Are they uploaded anywhere?
No. Highlight Reel clips are stored locally on the device, just like photos and catches. Nothing is uploaded to a server or shared automatically. The only way a video leaves the device is if your child taps Share and chooses where to send it. Clips are limited to 30 seconds to keep storage reasonable, kids can either record in-app or upload from their camera roll.
How do the printable certificates work?
There are exactly five lifetime certificates a kid can earn:
🎣 First Catch · 💪 First Lunker (5+ lb) · 🏆 First Trophy (10+ lb) · 💎 First Rare Catch · 🌟 First Legendary Catch
Each fires once ever. When earned, a beautiful certificate auto-generates with the kid's name, signed by Captain Splash. They can save it as an image or print it at home. The collection lives under the Badges page and can be reprinted anytime.
Does the app teach safe and sustainable fishing?
Yes. Every species page shows the state-specific minimum keeper size and daily limit. When a kid logs a catch that's below the keeper size, the app shows a friendly "still growing" message encouraging release. The app links directly to TWRA and NCWRC official regulations. We don't lecture, we frame catch & release as a way to grow trophy fish for next year.
What states does it cover?
Currently Tennessee and North Carolina, including NC saltwater (surf, pier, offshore). 80 species total. More states coming.
Does it work offline?
Yes once installed. AI photo ID and Coach need internet (they call Claude). Logging catches, browsing the Journal, and playing games all work offline.
Is the AI coach safe for kids?
Captain Splash is configured with a kid-appropriate system prompt focused only on fishing topics. No personal data is collected. Parents are encouraged to spot-check conversations.
