About
Reel Time Apps is an all-in-one software platform built specifically for fishing tournament organizers. It eliminates the need for spreadsheets, disconnected apps, and manual calculations by providing every tool needed to run a professional tournament from start to finish. Tournament directors can set up online registration, manage participant communications via two-way chat and broadcast SMS, and monitor live catch submissions with photo verification. The platform automatically updates real-time leaderboards visible to spectators and participants through both the web and mobile apps. Prize payout management supports complex multi-category purse structures, and built-in reporting makes awards night seamless. For participants, free iOS and Android apps offer offline mode with automatic syncing, push notifications for leaderboard changes, and a direct line to tournament staff. On the broadcast side, Reel Time Apps includes live streaming tools, GoPro integration for syncing footage to catch reports, and auto-generated branded graphics and social media posts. Tournament organizers can launch SEO-optimized websites under custom domains, complete with live results and embedded streams. Printable certificates, results sheets, and branded templates round out the feature set. With over 20 years in the industry, 800+ tournaments managed, 500K+ app downloads, and 136K+ fish logged, Reel Time Apps is the go-to platform for tournament directors who want a professional, reliable, and fully branded experience for their events.
Key Features
- Live Scoring & Leaderboards: Real-time leaderboards auto-update as catches are submitted and verified, visible to participants and spectators across web and mobile.
- Photo-Verified Catch Submissions: Participants submit catches via the mobile app with photos and GPS timestamps; directors can approve, deny, or flag entries instantly.
- Prize Payout Management: Supports complex multi-category purse structures with automated payout summaries, reducing manual errors on awards night.
- Live Streaming & Social Media: Built-in live streaming with GoPro integration, auto-generated branded graphics, and one-click social media posts keep audiences engaged in real time.
- Custom Tournament Websites & Messaging: Launch SEO-optimized tournament websites on custom domains, and communicate with all participants via two-way chat, push notifications, and broadcast SMS.
Use Cases
- Running large-scale offshore fishing tournaments with hundreds of participants across multiple categories and prize pools
- Managing real-time catch verification and leaderboard updates during a multi-day tournament event
- Distributing complex prize payouts across multiple divisions (e.g., heaviest fish, release points, overall standings) without manual spreadsheet work
- Launching a branded tournament website with live results, registration, and an embedded live stream
- Keeping all 189+ participants informed with broadcast SMS, push notifications, and two-way messaging throughout tournament day
Pros
- Truly All-in-One: Covers every stage of a tournament — registration, scoring, payouts, streaming, and communications — eliminating the need for multiple disconnected tools.
- Free Participant App: The iOS and Android apps are free for all participants and work offline, lowering the barrier to adoption and improving the competitor experience.
- Proven Industry Track Record: Over 20 years in business, 800+ tournaments managed, and $168M+ in prize money distributed demonstrate deep domain expertise and reliability.
Cons
- Highly Niche Use Case: The platform is purpose-built for fishing tournaments only, making it irrelevant for other types of sporting or competitive events.
- Opaque Pricing: Detailed pricing is not publicly listed on the website; prospective directors must navigate to a pricing page or contact sales to understand costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Reel Time Apps mobile app free for tournament participants?
Yes, the iOS and Android apps are completely free for all participants to download and use. Costs are borne by the tournament director/organizer.
Does the app work without cell service on the water?
Yes. The mobile app includes an offline mode that stores data locally and automatically syncs catch submissions and updates when a connection is restored.
Can I use my own domain for the tournament website?
Yes. Reel Time Apps supports custom domain names so you can host your tournament website under your own branded URL.
How long has Reel Time Apps been operating?
Reel Time Apps has been in business since 2005 — over 20 years — and has managed more than 800 tournaments and distributed over $168 million in prize money.
What streaming and social media tools are included?
The platform includes live streaming capabilities with live chat, GoPro integration that auto-attaches footage to catch reports, and auto-generated branded graphics and posts for Instagram and Facebook.
