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What to Bring on a Fishing Charter

What to Bring on a Fishing Charter

By Angler School
Quick Answer
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, water, and any seasickness medication. The boat provides rods, tackle, bait, and ice for fish. You don’t need to bring fishing gear. Dress in layers if you’re going offshore. Bring cash for the tip. Leave jewelry, loose items, and anything you’d be upset to lose at the hotel.

What the Boat Provides

Most licensed charter boats include:

  • Fishing rods and reels
  • Tackle (hooks, sinkers, leaders)
  • Bait (cut bait, live bait, or lures depending on trip type)
  • Life jackets (required aboard, captain is responsible for compliance)
  • Ice for fish you keep
  • A bathroom (on most boats, confirm before booking if this matters)

Some provide water or soft drinks; most don’t. Don’t plan around it.

The Essentials. Bring These

Sun protection

  • High-SPF sunscreen (30+). Apply before you leave the hotel. Florida sun reflects off water and you will burn faster than on land.
  • A hat with a brim. Baseball cap minimum. A wide-brim hat is better for full-day trips.
  • Polarized sunglasses. They cut glare, protect your eyes, and make it easier to see fish under the surface.

Food and water

  • At least one bottle of water per person, more in summer
  • Light snacks, crackers, granola bars, fruit. Avoid heavy or greasy food if anyone is prone to seasickness.
  • A small soft cooler fits under most bench seats

Medication

  • If anyone in the group has a history of motion sickness, take medication the night before and again the morning of the trip. Over-the-counter options (Dramamine, Bonine) work better when taken early. See how to avoid seasickness on a fishing charter.

Cash for the tip

What to Wear

  • Light, long-sleeve shirt, sun protection without overheating
  • Quick-dry pants or shorts, you may get wet
  • Closed-toe shoes with grip, boat decks are slippery when wet. No flip flops on offshore trips.
  • A light layer or windbreaker for offshore, wind at speed feels much colder than standing on shore

See what to wear on a fishing charter for more detail by trip type.

If You’re Keeping Fish

  • Bring a large cooler with ice if you plan to keep your catch. Many docks have ice available for purchase.
  • Confirm whether the charter includes fish cleaning. Some operations fillet at the dock for $1 to $2 per fish. Others send you home with whole fish.
  • For drives home over 4 hours, use a quality cooler with enough ice to keep fish cold.

Kids Checklist

  • Sunscreen, applied before boarding, kids burn faster
  • Snacks and water, more than you think you’ll need
  • Motion sickness medication if your child has any history of car or boat sickness
  • A change of clothes in the car for after
  • A small distraction (book, game) for the ride to and from the fishing grounds on longer offshore trips

What to Leave Behind

  • Expensive jewelry or watches
  • Good shoes you don’t want fish guts on
  • Large bags, storage on most charter boats is limited to under-seat cubbies
  • Open-toed sandals on offshore or rough-water trips
  • Fishing gear you own (it won’t be better calibrated for local conditions than what the captain provides)
Find Beginner-Friendly Trips
Look for captains who describe their trips as beginner-friendly. Gear and instruction are usually included.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on our site, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own rod?
You can ask, but there’s no reason to. The captain’s gear is set up for local conditions and target species. Your rod may not be legal for certain tournament rules, and rigging it on a moving boat is a hassle. Leave it home.
Do I need to bring food for a half-day trip?
Light snacks and water, yes. A full meal, no. Half-day trips are 4 to 5 hours. Most people snack rather than eat a full meal on the water.
What if someone gets seasick and needs to leave early?
The captain won’t turn the boat around for one sick passenger on a shared trip. For private charters, it depends on the captain and how far out you are. This is one reason to take medication before the trip if there’s any doubt. See what happens if weather cancels your trip for related trip interruption questions.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Most full-size charter boats have a head (marine toilet). Smaller inshore skiffs often don’t, expect a bucket or plan to handle it before boarding. If this matters, confirm with the operator before booking.

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