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Family Fishing Charter Checklist: What to Pack, Plan, and Ask Before You Go

By Angler School

A day-before checklist for families booking their first fishing charter. Print it, run through it the night before, and you’ll board the boat with everything covered.

What to Pack

Bring these for every person in your group. Items marked with a note vary by charter. Confirm at booking.

  • Sunscreen. Reef-safe SPF 30 or higher; some captains restrict chemical sunscreens, ask when booking
  • Hat with a full brim. A baseball cap works; a wide-brim hat is better for kids
  • Polarized sunglasses with UV protection. Reduces glare off the water and eye strain
  • Non-slip, closed-toe shoes. Most captains require them; flip-flops are a deck hazard
  • Light layers or a windbreaker. Mornings on the water are cold even in summer; bring one per person
  • Motion sickness medication. If anyone in your group is prone, take it the night before, not the morning of
  • Snacks for kids. Some charters provide light snacks or lunch on full-day trips; verify at booking
  • Reusable water bottles. Most charters provide bottled water; personal bottles make hydration easier
  • Camera or phone in a waterproof bag or case. Spray and splashing happen on any trip
  • Valid ID for all adults. Some marinas require ID at check-in
  • Cash for tip. 15 to 20% of the trip cost is standard; captains and mates rarely have card readers on board
  • Prescription medications. If anyone takes daily medication, bring it; trips run 4 to 10 hours
  • Small first-aid essentials. Band-aids, antacid, hand sanitizer; most boats have basic first aid but personal backups help

Optional:

  • Bug spray for estuary or backcountry trips. Mosquitoes can be heavy in mangrove and backwater areas
  • Seasickness bands (Sea-Bands). Acupressure wristbands; low-risk but some people find them helpful alongside medication
  • Cooler for keeping your catch. Many charters provide ice and bags; confirm before bringing your own
  • Light rain jacket. Afternoon storms develop quickly in Florida from June through September

What to Ask Before Booking

Ask these questions before you pay the deposit. A good captain answers them directly.

  • Is the vessel Coast Guard licensed and insured?
  • Are guests covered under your charter fishing license for saltwater species?
  • What trip type is best for kids under [your child’s age]. Inshore, nearshore, or offshore?
  • Is the trip entirely in protected water (bay/estuary/flats), or does it go offshore?
  • What is the minimum age you take on your boat?
  • How do you handle cancellations if weather makes the trip unsafe?
  • Do you clean and fillet fish we keep. And is there an extra charge?
  • What is your tipping policy? (Some charters bundle gratuity; most don’t)
  • Does the trip include any food or drinks beyond water?
  • How many other parties will be on the boat? (Private vs shared)
  • What time does the trip depart and return?
  • Is there shade or a covered area on the boat for kids?
  • What do you do if someone gets seasick?

Day-Of Checklist

Run through this the morning of the trip, before you leave for the marina.

  • Apply sunscreen before boarding. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to absorb; applying it on the boat in full sun is too late
  • Give kids motion sickness medication if using. It must be taken before boarding, not after symptoms start
  • Confirm you have tip cash. ATMs at marinas charge high fees; get cash the night before
  • Charge your phone and camera
  • Review the departure time and marina address. Fishing charters leave on schedule; late arrivals can mean a missed trip
  • Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
  • Dress everyone in their full sun kit before arriving. Hat, sunglasses, light layers
  • Eat a light breakfast. An empty stomach increases nausea risk; avoid heavy or greasy food
  • Hydrate before and during the trip. Seasickness and heat both worsen with dehydration
  • Leave fragile or expensive gear in the car. Saltwater and phone screens are a bad combination without a case

Plan Your Trip

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Private charters are the best fit for most families — your group, your pace, kid-friendly captain.
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