What To Bring

WHAT ITEMS TO TAKE DEEP SEA FISHING

There’s nothing worse than heading out to sea only to have conditions change and you are not prepared. This could mean something to do with your clothing, health, food or fishing tackle. Being comfortable and well equipped at sea can help contribute to the success of your fishing trip.

Here is a list of items you should bring party boat fishing:

• An extra Sweatshirt (Hoodie / Hoody) Even in the early days’ summer, if the water is still cold a stiff breeze could chill things down to the point where you are uncomfortable.
• A vented wide-brimmed hat with chin straps for the summer, spring or fall to help protect your head from sunburn.
• A Trooper Hat for winter months. These hats especially the ones with the vinyl outside will keep your head and ears warm by sealing out the wind and rain.
• A decent Wheeled Cooler with ice to keep your catch and lunch fresh. The wheeled one pictured in the link is great for that long walk down the dock.
• Don’t forget your Sunscreen. Nothing like coming home looking like a cooked lobster and someday developing melanoma.
• A set of basic rain gear especially if you know that rain is in the forecast. Staying dry also means staying warm. There is much more professional-grade Foul Weather Gear searchable on Amazon.com.
• Motion sickness remedies if needed like Anti-nausea Wristbands, Dramamine® or Equate® are a must for those prone to seasickness. With over the counter remedies it is best to start using them 12 hours prior to making your voyage as they are most effective upon building up in your system for a bit.
• Plenty of water and Gatorade is a good idea to bring along especially on those hot summer days. Alcoholic beverages are not recommended as they can lead to dehydration. Remember that dehydration can help bring on seasickness.
• Food that is suitable for your dietary needs as you will not find healthy food in a party boat’s galley. Avoid greasy foods if you are prone to seasickness.
• See your local tackle dealers like Scotts Bait -n- Tackle, or Fishermans Headquarters to stock up on rigs, hooks, and sinkers (especially bank sinkers from 3 to 12 ounces). Having a well-stocked tackle box will keep you fishing longer.
  An extra spool of line or a spare reel is a good choice to bring as one hookup with a shark or other large fish could strip your reel bare.
• A decent pair of fishing pliers with cutters or multitool, once again see your local tackle dealer for those.
  Rags! Old towels or t-shirts will help keep your hands clean and dry. Dry means warm, especially in the colder months.
• You may want to consider a Basic First Aid Medical Kit in case of any minor injuries especially if you bring children. Cuts, scratches, abrasions or even bee stings are common when fishing. Being prepared to treat a minor wound quickly can be the difference between normal healing or lasting infection.
• Lastly, some home remedies like aspirin, Tylenol, immodium, Pepto bismal, or Maalox can help keep a good day from going bad should you develop a headache or diarrhea. Avoid allergy meds if you could as they could help bring on seasickness.