Packing Charter Fishing Trip

Packing for any trip can be difficult, we have all either overpacked or under packed at some point at our live making the stress of a traveling just that much more exhausting. Here we have some suggestions that make prepping for your amazing charter fishing trip as easy and smooth sailing as possible. And don’t worry, most of the items you’ll need you most likely have around the home.

Clothing

Wherever the destination that you’re heading, it’s important to keep in mind that the temperature offshore can be drastically different from the temperature on land, so clothing and layering of clothing is crucial. Sometimes it may be freezing in the morning and by the time you get offshore it may warm up significantly, or vice versa. So, it is important to bring plenty of layers because you can always take them off if it gets too hot.

  • Windbreaker – This piece of clothing is almost essential, not only will it help protect against harsh winds it helps protect against spray and keep you warm on an early morning.
  • Shorts and/or pants – Shorts if travelling somewhere tropical or a warm climate, pants if cooler temperatures are expected.
  • Lightweight shirt – A shirt will help protect your arms and shoulders from direct sunlight and work as a perfect undergarment if heavier coats are needed. Linen is an ideal choice for its breathability and helps keep heat away from your skin.
  • Light-colored clothing – Light colors reflect sunlight much better than darker toned clothing so lighter colors are always best for helping stay cool.
  • Gloves – Not only will they help protect your hands in general gloves serve to help block the sun from the hands, if you must grab a line, and just safer to have in general.
  • Non-skid rubber-soled shoes – Sneakers generally work fine in the slick environment, flip flops not recommended.

Weather Protection

There are certain items you need to bring with you to practically every environment, hot or cold, dry or wet, certain things are just a must when it comes to weather protection with charter fishing. Not only is there a lack of shade on the open seas, making the sun very uncomfortable for the unprepared angler, but also, the weather can change at a moment’s notice so you must be prepared for a variety of scenarios.


  • Sunscreen – Make sure you have one that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Lip balm – Lip balm will help protect you from the sun’s rays. Lips can be come very chapped very quickly in direct sunlight.
  • Hat – Hats with brims help protect you from heat and provides a little shade to the skin helping in preventing heat related problems.
  • Polarized sunglasses – These help cut through the sun rays and decreases glare from the water that not only protects the eyes but helps you to see your target fish better.
  • Waterproof jacket and rain pants – These are a must if you happen to come across bad weather while out at sea.

Pharmaceuticals

Going to a foreign pharmacy can be unsettling, not only is the language barrier make things more difficult, but they may have medicines that are very different than what you are used to. It is safer and easier to stock up on your own medical equipment and bring it with you before starting your fishing journey.

  • Seasickness medication – If you are prone to seasickness or have not been on the waves in a long time it is better to be safe than sorry and go ahead and pack several types of seasickness medications in case one is ineffective.
  • Bug spray – There are going to be some sorts of bugs no matter where you travel to so it a good bug spray is a must.
  • Small first aid kit – There will most likely be first aid equipment on your boat, but it never hurts to have a back up for emergencies and for times when you are away from the boat.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes – These come in hand for quick cleaning and disinfecting all those fun fish smells
  • Prescription medicines (in their original bottles) – If you are prescribed any medication that you need to have on hand it is important to bring it with you and alert the captain of your condition so he will know how to handle the situation if an emergency happens.

Storage

It is always best to bring a variety of bags and watertight storage containers for fishing on a charter. This allows you to bring a variety of items without worrying about them getting water damaged.

  • Backpack - They have a range of backpacks, from those designed for professional anglers all the way down to basic backpack with no bells or whistle. Decide what works best for you, but just about any backpack will work.
  • Collapsible cooler – This should be easily able to fit into your hold luggage and will make for a convenient way to keep food and drinks fresh and cool while out on the water.
  • Drinking bottle – Having a little extra source of freshwater or energy drinks on hand is always a good idea at sea.
  • Waterproof bag – It is smart to also a bring a bag that is waterproof and airtight that can help protect papers or electronic equipment.

Storage

  • Camera – a camera or smartphone is a must for you to record all the action of catching you trophy fish
  • Hand towel – (Or towels!) are always a good idea to have on hand. Fish can get messy fast.
  • Swimsuit – always good to have a backup plan on a slow day of fishing.

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