Wondering what to bring on a fishing charter? This fishing trip packing list covers the essentials so you can spend less time worrying about what to pack and more time looking forward to your day on the water.
Heading out on a deep sea fishing charter is exciting… until the night before when you suddenly realize you have no idea what to bring.
After years of fishing trips, coastal harvesting, and spending long days on the water, I can say the most common fishing trip question is:
“What should I pack for a fishing charter?”
And honestly, packing correctly can completely change your experience offshore.
Whether you're heading out on your first fishing charter, a deep sea fishing trip, or a full-day offshore excursion, having a simple fishing trip packing list makes the day far more enjoyable.
This fishing trip packing list keeps you:
- comfortable
- dry
- warm
- protected from the sun
- prepared for rough water
- and focused on fishing instead of counting down the hours until you get back to land
If you're wondering what to bring on a fishing trip, this fishing charter checklist covers the essentials without overcomplicating things.
This guide covers exactly what to bring on a deep-sea fishing charter, what you can leave at home, and the small things most first-timers forget.
Whether you're planning a private charter, shared charter, or your first deep sea fishing trip, these are the items I never leave home without.
If you love catching your own seafood, be sure to check out Blackened Fish Tacos, this versatile Salmon Rub, Crab Tacos, and for a last-minute dinner, keep this How to Cook Frozen Fish recipe handy.
Table of Contents
Fishing Charter Packing List (Quick Checklist)
The most important things to bring on a fishing charter are polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, non-slip shoes, layers, motion sickness medication, water, snacks, fish license, tips, and a cooler for your fish. Most charter boats provide rods, reels, bait, and tackle, so anglers typically only need to pack personal items and weather-appropriate clothing.
1. Fishing License
Stop at your local small sporting good store or hardware store and purchase a 1-Day Fishing License. Inquire more from the charter company. Sometimes you can buy the fishing permit from them as well.
2. What to Wear on a Fishing Charter
One of the biggest mistakes people make before a fishing charter is dressing for land temperatures instead of ocean conditions.
Even on warm summer days, offshore fishing can get cold fast once the boat starts moving. The last thing you want is to be miserably cold for hours!
Clothing Suggestions: DRESS in LAYERS! I suggest a moisture-wicking Tee, a Sweatshirt, and a light Waterproof Fishing Jacket to top it off.
3. Non-Slip Shoes
Boat decks get slippery quickly from saltwater, bait, and fish on the deck.
Good shoes make a huge difference. The best shoes for fishing charters are:
- old sneakers with grip
- rubber deck boots
- non-slip fishing shoes
Our favorites are these Grudens Deck Boots.
4. Budget-friendly Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are one of the most important things you can bring offshore.
I usually recommend bringing an affordable polarized pair for fishing trips, rather than risking expensive sunglasses on the boat.
These are my favorite Sunglasses for Ladies, and these Sunglasses for Men.
5. Motion Sickness Medication *Super Important*
Even people who “never get seasick” can struggle offshore once waves pick up.
If you’re unsure, take motion sickness medication BEFORE boarding the boat, not after symptoms start.
Popular options include:
- Motion sickness wristbands
- Dramamine Less-Drowsy
- Dramamine Non-Drowsy With Ginger
- Bonine Non-Drowsy
- Ginger chews
6. Water And Other Drink Options
I always recommend bringing:
- big water bottle plenty of water
- electrolyte packets or drinks
- Coffee
- Your favorite soda or sparkling water
Avoid alcohol if you're prone to sea sickness.
7. Lunch And Snacks
Grab a mini cooler and pack a quick sandwich for breakfast and one for lunch, and your favorite snacks. I pack these three snacks with me absolutely everywhere I go.
Other good fishing boat snacks are:
- Chomps meat sticks
- trail mix
- fresh fruit
- crackers
- protein bars (these are our favorite)
- mint gum ($4 and great for your teeth as well)
Avoid super greasy foods if you’re prone to seasickness.
8. Hat (Beanie)
Hats are essential when you're on a charter. The type of hat to bring will depend heavily on where and when you're fishing.
You will want to start with a beanie early in the morning. Keep in mind you will be showing up to a charter before sunrise and heading out to sea when it's dark, cold, and sometimes wet.
If you're fishing in the afternoon or in a warmer area, like California or Florida, bring a baseball hat to protect yourself from the sun. My husband is obsessed with this crab Grundens cap.
9. Sunscreen
Depending on the time of year and where you're fishing, sunscreen can be one of the most important items to pack on a fishing trip.
Again, keeping in mind the location, for instance, in the springtime in the PNW, you'll be ok without it. Florida or SoCal fishing charter trips will definitely need to have it in tow.
10. Cooler for Your Fish
Most Charters send you off with the fish fillets in a plastic bag, so, you'll need a cooler to keep them cold for your drive home. I recommend stopping at a local gas station or store for a bag of ice if you have a far drive home.
11. Should You Bring Your Own Fishing Gear?
Charters typically pack all the fishing gear you will need, rods, bait, tackle, etc. But it's always a good idea to call and double-check if it's your first time out.
12. TIPS For Deckhands
Tipping the deckhands is super important, not required, but a standard practice. There are usually 1 or 2 deckhands. I suggest bringing $20-60 to tip your preferred amount. They are working extremely hard the entire trip, from running bait, checking lines, reeling in fish, then filleting everyone's catch at the end of the trip.
13. Look For Fun Cuts Or Whole Fish
Before your trip look up recipes below and throughout our site to get an idea if you want to save any of your fish whole, or would like to request specialty cuts.
I like presenting a whole fish recipe for special guests or making these grilled salmon steaks. They're a fun way to celebrate your successful adventure!
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