If you’re getting ready for your first inshore fishing charter, you might be wondering what to bring on a fishing charter so you’re comfortable and ready to have fun. Good news! Packing for a day on the water is a lot simpler than it sounds, and most of what you need is probably already around your house.
The equipment, the guidance, and the thrill of the catch are all taken care of for you. All that’s left is making sure your bag has the small stuff so you can focus on the big stuff: the moment your line goes tight and the real excitement begins. Save this post for when you’re packing your bags on fishing charter day.
Table of Contents:
- Your “What To Bring On A Fishing Charter” Checklist
- What to Wear on Your First Inshore Fishing Charter
- What to Bring on a Fishing Charter for Sun and Bug Protection
- What to Pack for Food and Drinks on Your Charter
- Other Handy Items for Your First Fishing Charter
- What Gear You Don’t Need to Bring on Your Charter
- Why Anglers Trust Captain Brenden Mora
- Book Your New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charter Today
Your “What To Bring On A Fishing Charter” Checklist
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
Long-sleeve fishing shirt
Closed-toe shoes with good grip
Wide-brim hat
Polarized sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen
Light jacket or windbreaker
Bug spray
Water (more than you think you’ll need)
Easy, one-handed snacks
Small dry bag or waterproof phone case
Hand towel
Motion sickness remedy (if needed)
Change of clothes (left in the car)
What to Wear on Your First Inshore Fishing Charter
Comfort is the name of the game out on the water. Loose, lightweight clothing works best, especially something that dries fast if it gets a little splashed. Florida sun is strong, so a long-sleeve fishing shirt can actually keep you cooler than short sleeves while also protecting your skin.
For your feet, closed-toe shoes with good grip are the safest bet. Boat decks can get wet and a little slippery, so flip-flops aren’t the move here. A hat with a wide brim keeps the sun off your face and neck, and a pair of polarized sunglasses does double duty — they cut the glare off the water AND help you (and your captain) spot fish swimming below the surface. Seeing a redfish or snook cruising by before you even cast is one of the coolest parts of inshore fishing, and the right sunglasses make it possible.
What to Bring on a Fishing Charter for Sun and Bug Protection
Florida sun doesn’t play around, even on a cloudy day. Bring a reef-safe sunscreen (this just means it won’t harm the ocean life around you) and plan to reapply it every couple of hours, especially after your hands get wet from handling gear or fish. A light jacket or windbreaker is smart too, since it can feel breezier once the boat gets moving.
Bug spray is worth tossing in your bag, particularly on early morning or evening trips when the marshes wake up. A little prep here means less time swatting at bugs and more time fully locked in for the moment your rod bends and the fight begins.
What to Pack for Food and Drinks on Your Charter
Fishing works up an appetite, so pack snacks that are easy to eat one-handed — you’ll want the other hand ready for your rod. Granola bars, chips, or sandwiches are great go-to options. Water is a must, and it’s smart to bring more than you think you’ll need, since sun and salt air can dehydrate you faster than you’d expect.
If you’d like to bring a cooler with drinks or extra food, just give us a call ahead of time to check on space. One quick question before your trip means no surprises on the day, and one less thing to think about while you’re watching your line for that first bite.
Other Handy Items for Your First Fishing Charter
A few extra items can make your day even smoother. A small dry bag or waterproof phone case keeps your phone safe if you want to snap photos of your big catch — and trust us, you’ll want proof. A hand towel comes in handy for wiping off sunscreen, bug spray, or a little fish slime, which is honestly just part of the fun.
If you tend to get seasick, it doesn’t hurt to bring a motion sickness remedy just in case, even though inshore waters tend to stay calmer than open ocean trips. Leaving a dry change of clothes in the car for after your trip is a nice touch too, especially if an excited fish splashes you on the way into the boat.
What Gear You Don’t Need to Bring on Your Charter
Here’s the best part of packing for your first inshore fishing charter: the gear is already handled. Rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided, so you don’t need to buy or borrow a thing. Your captain also brings years of local knowledge about where redfish, snook, and trout like to hide, so all you really need to bring is yourself and a little excitement for what’s about to happen.
That means less stress about gear you might be missing and more time picturing the moment your line goes tight. Whether it’s your first cast or your fiftieth, there’s a rush that comes with feeling a fish strike, and that part of the day is 100% included.
Why Anglers Trust Captain Brenden Mora
Captain Brenden Mora has spent years learning the waters around New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet, and Daytona Beach, from the grass flats of Mosquito Lagoon to the winding channels near Spruce Creek. That kind of local knowledge means your trip is guided by someone who knows where fish are actually biting that day, not just where they were biting last season.
Families, first-timers, and experienced anglers alike trust Captain Brenden to make the day both easy and exciting. Whether you’re hoping to land your very first fish or chase a personal best, every trip is built around helping you enjoy the water and walk away with a story worth telling.
Book Your New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charter Today
Now that you know exactly what to bring on a fishing charter, packing for your first trip should feel simple, and honestly, a little exciting. All that’s left is picking a date and showing up ready to enjoy the water. Whatever you reel in, you’re in for a day full of sunshine, fresh air, and the kind of fun that’s hard to put into words until you’re out there living it.
Contact Addicted Fishing Charters today and let Captain Brenden help you plan the perfect first inshore fishing charter.