Knowing what to pack for your Destin fishing charter can make the experience that much more enjoyable. Here are some things that will help to ensure a great trip:
What to Wear
- Think layers. Many fishing charters leave at first light when it is cooler. Out on the water, it can be up to 10 degrees cooler than on land and there will be a breeze. As the weather warms up during your trip, a light sweatshirt or windbreaker is nice to have and you can adjust according to the weather.
- Non-slip shoes are a must. Think deck boots/shoes or tennis shoes. The deck can be slippery when wet and with the motion of the boat added to that, it’s a good idea to have good shoes to prevent slipping.
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the Florida sun.
- Hat to protect your head and face from the sun.
What to pack
- A cooler with water and snacks. It’s important to stay hydrated in the sun, and you’ll need snacks to help keep your energy level up, especially on longer fishing trips. Bonus: you can use the cooler to cart home all the fish you’ll catch!
- Sunblock. The sun reflects off the water and can be very hard on your skin. Make sure to bring sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. We have some for sale in our marina store, but you are welcome to bring your own.
- A hand towel to wipe your hands or face.
- Sea sickness medication. Better safe than sorry. If you’re not sure how you will do on a boat, or if it’s been a while, bring some Dramamine or other anti-sea sickness medication.
- If you have little kids, a change of clothes in case they get wet.
- Camera to take pictures during and after your trip.
- Cash to tip the mate. Tipping is optional, but our mates work hard for your business, so tips are always appreciated!
Nice to Have
(These are completely optional but they all have that “cool factor” that makes them worth mentioning. These items may be a little over-the-top for a single fishing trip, but if you have them, by all means, bring them along!)
- Sun Shield
. These are wildly popular here in Destin and are pretty inexpensive. They look like a scarf but are very breathable and protect your neck, face, and ears (depending on how you wear them) from the sun. - Lifeproof iPhone case with LifeJacket float. If you’re like me, you take your iPhone with you everywhere you go. A Lifeproof case is awesome if you’re going to be on the water because it protects your phone from the water. Of course, that doesn’t help much if you drop your phone overboard and it sinks to the bottom! That’s why the Life Jacket is so brilliant: it’s bright orange and buoyant so your phone won’t sink if you drop it in the water. Genius!
- GoPro camera with waterproof housing and chest or head mount. I’m in love with the GoPro camera. Strap one to your head or chest during your fishing trip, and record those thrilling, action-packed moments so you can relive them again and again!
. These are wildly popular here in Destin and are pretty inexpensive. They look like a scarf but are very breathable and protect your neck, face, and ears (depending on how you wear them) from the sun.
with LifeJacket float
. If you’re like me, you take your iPhone with you everywhere you go. A Lifeproof case is awesome if you’re going to be on the water because it protects your phone from the water. Of course, that doesn’t help much if you drop your phone overboard and it sinks to the bottom! That’s why the Life Jacket is so brilliant: it’s bright orange and buoyant so your phone won’t sink if you drop it in the water. Genius!
camera with waterproof housing and chest or head mount. I’m in love with the GoPro camera. Strap one to your head or chest during your fishing trip, and record those thrilling, action-packed moments so you can relive them again and again!
This is a great list. You even mentioned some things that i would have forgotten like a hand towel to wipe my hands and face. I have never heard of a sun shield so that is something I could look into more. If we have everything on your list I am sure we would be super prepared. Thanks for sharing this with me.
It’s good to know that non-slip shoes can prevent slipping while walking on the deck. My brother and I want to do a fishing charter this weekend while we’re in Florida since we’ve never done one before. We’ll try to find the best package for a good experience for both of us.
I like your idea to bring a change of clothes for our kids in case they get wet. My husband and I think it would be fun to book a fishing charter trip with our two sons in the late spring. We’ll use your advice to make sure everyone stays comfortable and enjoys the fishing charter!
I appreciate that you included a reminder in your blog to bring a sunblock when on a fishing trip since the sun’s rays can be very hard on your skin. One of my plans is to go on fishing trips next weekend to spend some quality time with my son. Since I don’t want us to suffer from painful sunburns, I will do your tips and find a reliable fishing trip guide.