Blog Details

Packing for your next fishing charter might be exciting or stressful. If this is your first charter, you may be nervous about what sort of food or drinks to bring, or if you should bring that enormous beach bag at all. If you’ve gone on a Sarasota fishing charter before, you’re probably very excited and believe you already know the fundamentals. Whether it’s your first or seventeenth charter, here’s everything you need to know about packing for your next fishing trip.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing for the trip, think “layers” and “extra.” During a long day of fishing, you’re likely to spill or get water on your clothes, and you may want to have a backup.

Make sure to carry waterproof windbreakers and coats that will keep you warm. Remember that the temperature on land is likely to be higher than on the sea. It’s preferable to be somewhat warm and lose a layer than to be too cold to fish. If you’re fishing during the hot months, avoid wearing dark-colored clothes since it absorbs and retains heat. Choose bright hues that will reflect heat instead.

Here are some suggestions on things to carry on your inshore/nearshore Sarasota fishing charter:

Windbreaker: This will protect you from the spray and keep you warm during early morning starts.

Shorts: During late spring and summer, wear shorts; otherwise, long pants.

Light-colored clothes:  This reflects the sun, keeping you cool during hot weather.

Lightweight shirt:  Wearing a shirt protects your arms and shoulders from sunburn. Linen is ideal for keeping heat away from your skin.

Gloves: These will protect your hands from sunburn, harsh weather, and line cuts.

Shoes with non-skid rubber soles: Sneakers are ideal; flip-flops are not advised!

Toiletries

If you’re going to be outside all day, you’ll likely need a tube of sunscreen. And if you have motion sickness, bring some anti-nausea medications with you just in case. Bug spray is usually a smart idea, and we recommend carrying  lip balm and a first-aid box.

Gear

Don’t be so distracted by your outfit selections that you neglect your equipment! Before you go, consult with the captain of the boat to determine what sort of fishing rods and gear you should carry, and then pack it up.

Pharmaceuticals

You may think that the only items you should pack on an inshore/nearshore Sarasota fishing trip are clothes and weather protection. It’s also a good idea to pack any medical equipment you believe you’ll need on your vacation. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

You do not need to pack the entire medical cabinet, but you may want to bring the following goods on your  fishing charter:

Seasickness medicine:

If you’re prone to seasickness, stock up on OTC treatments like Bonine and Dramamine. These are effective but should be taken a few hours before the fishing expedition. It’s usually advisable to avoid mixing anti-nausea medications and coffee. If you want to avoid puking on your trip, don’t drink too much the night before!

Bug spray:

Bring along bandages and antibacterial cream. We carry them on every inshore/nearshore fishing excursion, but it’s always a good idea to have a plan for dealing with small cuts and grazes.

Hand sanitizer:

No one wants to eat a sandwich when his or her hands are covered in fish slime.

Food

Many charter boats located in or near the Sarasota beach areas will offer everything you need, including rods and reels and bait, but they will most likely not feed your crew. So carry food and drink, and do some meal preparation before arriving at the pier.

Storage

You should pack a variety of bags and containers on your fishing charter, just like you would if you were going on a local fishing expedition. This allows you to carry your belongings on board without worrying about them being destroyed by sea salt.

Make sure to bring the following items on your inshore/nearshore Sarasota fishing charter:

Backpack: A fishing backpack is not necessary any strong bag can usually suffice.

Collapsible cooler: This fits effortlessly into your luggage and keeps any food and drink you wish to bring with you fresh and chilled. A double zip lock bag loaded with ice from your hotel is a better option for packing gel ice.

A drinking bottle: Keeping water or an energy drink in a sports bottle keeps you hydrated and prevents leaks and spills.

Waterproof bag: Bring a compact waterproof zip lock bag to store your electronics and crucial documents like your driver’s license and fishing license.

Bring a Snack

During your expedition, your charter skipper may make a light meal depending on the day’s catch. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some munchies. It will be a long day after all.

Water and other refreshments will most likely be available for purchase on the boat, but depending on the number of passengers and the size of the vessel, they may run out. It’s essential to have a thermos or water bottle for your water.

Sandwiches are simple to bring along and keep nicely in a cooler. Granola bars and jerky are also high in protein, which will provide you with energy all day.

Other essentials

Finally, you’ll want to carry the following necessary supplies for your fishing charter:

Camera. To capture your trophy catch, you’ll need a camera or smartphone. Consider purchasing a chest harness to record the excitement of a battle without having to release the grip of the rod to operate the controls.

Hand towel. Fishing can be dirty!

Swimsuit. You never know, the fishing could slow down, and you could swim off the island’s shoreline.

For serious anglers: Don’t leave home without your favorite rod and reel.

Final Thoughts

Planning a fishing charter excursion is more comprehensive than simply reserving a ticket aboard. Don’t go out on the ocean unprepared, or you can wind up regretting it. Simply keep these pointers in mind before embarking on your next beach vacation to ensure that nothing is overlooked.