What to Bring on a Fishing Charter: The Complete Packing List
Last updated: March 2026
Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+), polarized sunglasses, a hat, non-marking shoes, motion sickness medication (take 30 minutes before departure), food and drinks, and a cooler if you want to take fish home. The charter provides all fishing gear, bait, tackle, and licenses.
Essential Packing List
Must-Have
- ☑Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reapply every 2 hours
- ☑Polarized sunglasses — see fish + reduce glare
- ☑Hat — wide brim or baseball cap
- ☑Non-marking shoes — deck shoes, sneakers — no flip-flops offshore
- ☑Motion sickness medicine — Dramamine or Bonine — take 30–60 min before
- ☑Water and snacks
- ☑Light rain jacket — especially for offshore trips
Nice-to-Have
- ☐Cooler for taking fish home
- ☐Camera / waterproof phone case
- ☐Cash for tip — 15–20% of charter price
- ☐Change of clothes — you'll get wet and fishy
- ☐Light layers for early morning
- ☐Ziploc bags — for phone and wallet
What the Charter Provides
You don't need to bring any fishing equipment. Here's what's included on virtually every charter.
Inclusions vary by charter. Always confirm with your captain before the trip. Some charters also include drinks, snacks, and photos.
What NOT to Bring
Bananas
Yes, seriously. The "no bananas on a boat" superstition is one of the oldest in fishing. The origin is debated — old sailing ships carrying bananas attracted insects and spoiled other cargo — but many captains enforce it. Leave the bananas in the car.
Black-soled shoes
Black rubber soles leave scuff marks on the deck that are almost impossible to remove. Wear white or light-soled sneakers, deck shoes, or go barefoot if the captain allows it.
Too much stuff
Boat space is limited. One soft bag per person is plenty. Leave hard-sided luggage, oversized coolers, and anything you don't need at the dock or in your car.
Glass bottles
Broken glass on a rocking boat is a safety hazard. Bring cans or plastic bottles instead. Most captains will ask you to leave glass behind.
A bad attitude
Fishing is unpredictable. Some days the fish bite non-stop, other days they don't. Your captain is working hard to put you on fish. Stay positive, enjoy the water, and remember — a bad day fishing beats a good day at the office.
Packing by Trip Type
What you need depends on how long you'll be out and where you're going. Here's a quick comparison.
| Item | Inshore (4hr) | Offshore (8hr) | Night Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen (SPF 50+) | Essential | Essential | Not needed |
| Polarized sunglasses | Essential | Essential | Not needed |
| Hat | Essential | Essential | Optional |
| Non-marking shoes | Sneakers OK | Deck shoes best | Deck shoes best |
| Motion sickness meds | Optional | Strongly recommended | Strongly recommended |
| Rain jacket | Optional | Bring one | Bring one |
| Light layers | Early AM only | Yes (gets cool offshore) | Essential |
| Extra water/snacks | Light snacks | Full lunch + drinks | Dinner + snacks |
| Cooler for fish | Small cooler | Large cooler | Large cooler |
| Headlamp/flashlight | Not needed | Not needed | Essential |
| Cash for tip | 15-20% | 15-20% | 15-20% |
Motion Sickness Tips
Seasickness is the number one trip-ruiner. Even experienced boaters can get queasy on the wrong day. Here's how to avoid it.
- 1. Take medication BEFORE you board. Dramamine or Bonine works best when taken 30–60 minutes before departure. Once you feel sick, it's too late for pills to help.
- 2. Stay on deck, not below. Fresh air and a clear view of the horizon are the best natural remedies. If you go into the cabin, symptoms get worse fast.
- 3. Watch the horizon. Your brain gets confused when your inner ear senses motion but your eyes don't see it. Watching the horizon syncs them up.
- 4. Avoid staring at your phone. Looking at a screen is the fastest way to trigger seasickness. Take your photos and put it away.
- 5. Eat a light breakfast. An empty stomach makes nausea worse. Eat something bland (toast, crackers, a banana — wait, not on the boat) before you go.
- 6. Skip alcohol the night before. A hangover plus boat rocking is a guaranteed bad time. Save the drinks for after the trip.
Fishing Charter Packing FAQ
What does the charter provide?
Most charters provide all fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle, bait), fishing licenses, ice, and safety equipment. Some include drinks and snacks. Fish cleaning is usually included. Confirm specifics with your captain before the trip.
What should I wear on a fishing charter?
Light, moisture-wicking clothing. Non-marking shoes with good grip (no black-soled shoes). Layers for early morning trips. Rain jacket for offshore. Hat and polarized sunglasses are essential.
Should I bring my own fishing gear?
Optional. Charter gear is included and suited for the trip type. Experienced anglers may prefer their own rods. If bringing specialty gear (fly rods, jigging setups), let your captain know in advance.
Can I bring alcohol on a fishing charter?
Most charters allow you to bring your own food and drinks including alcohol. Some captains prefer no glass bottles for safety. Hard coolers may not be allowed on smaller boats. Check with your captain.
What should I NOT bring on a charter?
Bananas (fishing superstition, many captains take it seriously), black-soled shoes (they mark the deck), hard-sided luggage, too many bags, illegal substances. Keep it minimal.
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