What to Bring on a Fishing Charter: The Complete Packing List

Knowing what to bring on a fishing charter is the difference between a great day and a miserable, sunburned, seasick one. The good news is that the boat handles the fishing gear; your job is to look after your own comfort, protection and stomach. This complete packing list covers exactly what to pack, what to leave at home, and what the boat already provides, so you arrive at the dock ready to fish and nothing more.

Before you overpack, understand that a reputable charter supplies almost all the fishing essentials. On a standard guided trip, the captain provides:

• Rods, reels and all terminal tackle
• Bait and lures suited to the day's target species
• Fishing licenses (covered under the boat's charter license)
• Ice and a fish box for your catch
• Basic safety equipment, life jackets and a first-aid kit

That means you rarely need to bring any tackle at all. If you have a favorite light rod for inshore work, ask the captain first, but for offshore fishing the boat's heavy gear is purpose-built and yours will not compare.

Sun on the water is relentless because it reflects off the surface and hits you from every angle. Pack this first:

• Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours
• Polarized sunglasses, which cut glare and let you see fish
• A wide-brim or long-billed hat with a chin strap so it survives the wind
• A lightweight long-sleeve UPF shirt and a buff or neck gaiter
• Lip balm with SPF, an often-forgotten essential

Covering up beats slathering on sunscreen alone. Long sleeves and a buff keep you comfortable through a full day in a way that no amount of lotion can match.

Motion sickness ruins more charters than bad weather. If you are even slightly prone to it, treat prevention as non-negotiable:

• Take a non-drowsy medication (meclizine or Bonine) the night before and again the morning of the trip.
• Consider a scopolamine patch from your doctor for longer offshore trips.
• Eat a light, bland breakfast, and stay hydrated, but avoid greasy food and alcohol.
• On the water, watch the horizon, stay in fresh air, and speak up early if you feel queasy.

Ginger chews and acupressure wristbands help some people as a backup, but medication is the reliable line of defense.

Dress in layers you can shed as the day warms up. Bring:

• Quick-dry shorts or pants and the UPF shirt above
• A light waterproof jacket or windbreaker for spray and early runs
• Closed-toe, non-marking shoes or deck sandals; black soles scuff the deck
• A change of dry clothes to leave in the car for the ride home

Most boats let you bring your own cooler. Pack:

• Plenty of water (more than you think) and electrolyte drinks
• Easy, non-messy snacks and a light lunch
• Any personal medications
• A dry bag or zip-lock bags for your phone, wallet and keys
• Cash for the crew tip, since card readers are rare at the dock

Running late? Grab these and you will be fine: sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, long-sleeve shirt, seasickness meds, water, snacks, non-marking shoes, a dry bag for valuables, and cash for the tip. Confirm the boat's food and cooler policy when you book, and check the weather the night before so you can add a jacket if needed.