Software suite is at the forefront of fishing maps technology
“With our GPS units and the 2011 updated edition of our print fishing maps, it is our hope that fly and sport fishermen will no longer have to spend their time searching the Internet looking for directions to the nearest trout-stocked or bass fishing waters,” says Mike Gogal, co-founder and CEO of Gogal Publishing. “We’ve done the work, gathered the data, and created a GPS software suite that puts directions, official stocking information, and all other pertinent regulations at a fisherman’s fingertips.”
Gogal Publishing first produced print trout fishing maps in region-specific editions for trout waters across Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1993. Mike Gogal ceased publication of the maps in 1996 following a personal tragedy. Thirteen years later, Gogal joined forces with neighbor Mark Burdack, and the men spent more than a year gathering and verifying data, and designing and creating the software program that is now Ultimate Fishing Maps.
The Ultimate Fishing Maps software provides mapping and directions for more than 5,000 miles of Pennsylvania trout-stocked waters, more than 2,000 miles of class A and wilderness trout waters, and more than 3,200 miles of the state’s bass fishing areas. In addition to providing detailed driving directions to these rivers, streams, and lakes from any starting location, all navigation points have been verified using satellite data. Each navigation point includes fishing regulations, fish species available, seasons, size and creel limits, along with general information such as the nearest town and county associated with each navigation point. For boaters, the software also provides boat launch and access locations, access names, parking information, and boating size limitations where applicable.
“When we created this software, we did so first and foremost with ease of use in mind,” Gogal says. “But what makes Ultimate Fishing Maps stand out is that users will have access at their fingertips to all the information they’ll need, from current stocking information and tackle restrictions, to boat-size limits and any special regulations that apply to specific waters.”
For trout fishermen specifically, the software highlights the exact section of each stream, lake, and pond stocked in 2011 by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. For bass anglers, the GPS maps detail the specific rivers, lakes, and streams that have been surveyed by fisheries’ biologists and hold quality populations of largemouth or smallmouth bass. The GPS product also guides fishermen to walleye, muskie, pike, and crappie fishing.
Serving as a perfect complement and supplement to the GPS software are the 2011 Ultimate Fishing print maps. The original maps for trout waters were treasured by fishing guides and outdoorsmen alike who have kept the original versions.
Gogal Publishing has partnered with Franklin Maps, King of Prussia, PA, to introduce the 2011 maps. The first edition of these maps will be printed in three large-scale, two-sided maps covering specific regions – Eastern PA, Central PA, and Western, PA. The 36- x 48-inch maps fold for easy storage. Featuring the quality draftsmanship offered by Franklin, the maps are designed to be functional as well as works of art.
Each map features color coded and flagged fishing regulations specific to streams, lakes or ponds, and separate indexes for trout and bass waters, with keyed grid coordinates and detailed road information. Designed for both function and artistic quality, the maps can be thrown in the tackle box or framed and hung on a wall.
All Ultimate Fishing Maps products can be purchased online at www.ultimatefishingmaps.com. The GPS software can be downloaded directly into compatible Garmin devices or can be shipped on preloaded Garmin GPS units or on MicroSD cards with SD adapters included. Both the GPS software and printed maps can also be purchased at select retailers, tackle shops, and convenience stores throughout the state. For more information, visit the Ultimate Fishing Maps website.
About Ultimate Fishing Maps™
Ultimate Fishing Maps™ is a product of Gogal Publishing Company. The Warrington, PA, mapping company specializes in fishing maps for print and GPS software. Incorporated in 2009 by Mike Gogal and Mark Burdack, the company designs and creates GPS software and updated print maps, both of which are available beginning February 1, 2011, at select retail locations and at www.ultimatefishingmaps.com.
