Geographic information systems (GIS) are essential for the analysis and interpretation of spatial data in fisheries science, although the cost of traditional GIS software has been a limiting factor for widespread adoption. This article highlights free or open-source GIS alternatives that are powerful and capable of performing various spatial analyses, making them accessible options for fisheries managers. The authors, Ben C. Neely and Brandon L. Eder, encourage managers who are unable to afford proprietary software to explore these free GIS solutions.