Why AngelStratege Is Not Free

AngelStratege is an independent project – developed by an angler, for anglers.

I often hear the question: "Why does the app cost money?"

That's a completely fair question. So I want to explain openly here why I deliberately chose a subscription model.

Try first, then decide

AngelStratege can be tested for 14 days completely free – no restrictions, no ads, no hidden features.

There is currently also a starter offer with 2 free months for both monthly and annual subscriptions in both stores.

This means you can try the app over a longer period during the actual fishing season before your first payment is due.

Only then do you decide whether AngelStratege is worth it to you.

Why the app appears as "free" in the store

The "free" label is automatically assigned by the app stores and only refers to the free download of the app.

As a developer, I have no influence on how this is displayed.

The stores already indicate in-app purchases or subscriptions.

AngelStratege can be tested for free initially. Ongoing use requires a subscription.

No ads. No data sharing.

I deliberately chose not to include ads in the app.

As an angler, I know: when you're sitting by the water, you want to focus on the catch – not on flashing banners on a small phone screen.

I also don't want to pass on user data to advertising networks or engage in tracking.

Many seemingly free apps are financed through ads, tracking, or the sale of usage data. I deliberately don't want to go down that path.

That's why AngelStratege is financed exclusively through subscriptions. It's my deliberate choice for quality over reach at any price.

What are the actual costs?

Even a small app incurs ongoing costs.

The main items:

In addition, Apple and Google take 15% of revenue as a store fee. On what's left, VAT also applies.

So significantly less of the actual subscription price reaches me than most people assume.

Development takes time

AngelStratege is actively developed: new analyses, bug fixes, improvements to the bite index, adaptations to new devices and operating systems, and new features requested by other anglers.

Every one of these tasks takes time – my time, alongside everyday life.

The subscription covers the ongoing costs. Without income, the project would only produce losses – and I can't keep subsidising it indefinitely alongside my own working time.

Why a subscription – and not a one-time purchase?

With a one-time purchase, you'd pay once and I'd still have to maintain and develop the app indefinitely: weather data, new features, new Android and iOS versions, bug fixes – all of that continues running.

Long-term, that only works with regular income.

With a subscription, you only pay for as long as you actually use the app. In return, you always get the latest version with all features.

I've tried to keep the price fair:

With AngelStratege, the subscription unlocks the complete app:

Thank you

Every subscription helps to further develop AngelStratege and keep it alive long-term.

Thank you to everyone who supports this project. 🎣

If you have any questions, you can reach me at any time: support@catjump.de

Tight lines,
Axel