Wooden Minnow
H()LLOW LAKE on your taskbar: a tiny window that sits above your clock, always on top, and plays the lake while you work. When something bites it glows, chimes and taps you on the shoulder.
Download for WindowsDownload for Mac
Free. Windows 10 and 11; macOS on Intel or Apple silicon. Every version is on the releases page. Not ready to install? Try it in this tab.
First time opening it
These builds are not signed yet, so your computer will be suspicious once:
- WindowsSmartScreen says "Windows protected your PC". Click More info, then Run anyway. It installs for you alone, no admin needed.
- MacDrag it to Applications. The first time, macOS says it cannot check it: open System Settings > Privacy & Security, click Open Anyway, and open it again.
Playing it
- New or already fishing?The first screen asks. New: type a name. Already fishing: it shows a code to send as
MINNOWand the code from your phone. - KeysArrows or A and D, Space to cast and hook, Backspace to go back, M for the menu, T to type any command.
- Make it yoursHover for the grip, the menu and close. Five sizes, a choice of screen while you wait, and it starts when you log in.
- UpdatesWindows updates itself when the Minnow closes. A Mac tells you when there is a new version.
The Wooden Minnow keychain
The desktop app is the screen of a real thing: a wooden lure on your keys with a little color screen, five buttons, and a motor that buzzes when a fish bites. It runs the whole game itself, even out of signal, and catches up when it is back in range.
It is a prototype. Not for sale yet.