Fishin' Days Sportfishing - Preparing For Your Fishing Charter

A.    Sea-Sickness: Probably the most important preparation is determining whether or not you might have a problem with motion sickness. Nothing will ruin a day on the water more quickly then getting seasick. If you suffer from this particular inner ear affliction, an offshore fishing boat just seems to bring it out even if you have never gotten seasick before. In other words, if you have never been offshore fishing it is probably best not to take chances. Check out this article on how to avoid getting seasick or tell your family doctor of your trip and ask him or her about his suggestions. If this was a last minute trip, you might want to ask a pharmacist for his thoughts on what is available over-the-counter. I prefer a medicine that is effective enough that it can be taken after you begin to feel the symptoms rather then something you have to take before you even leave the dock.

B.    Clothing:  The secret word here is “layer.” The water in the Gulf Stream warms the Outer Banks during all seasons. Sometimes when you leave the dock on a chilly day, you might actually be surprised at how comfortable it is in the Gulf Stream. Try to plan your clothing by layering. Even on a hot sunny day don’t forget to bring along lightweight loose fitting long pants and long sleeve shirts that will protect you from the sun. Unless you are very familiar with spending long hours in the sun it is also a wise choice to bring a hat sufficient to protect your head. These things need to be planned because they sometimes need to be available during hectic times of great fishing action.

C.    Shoes: Please remember that virtually all boats have decks that are finished in a light colored fiberglass. Although some boats don’t discourage it, going barefoot is actually a terrible idea on any offshore boat because of hooks, gaffs, and toothy fish. Captains want their customers to wear sneakers that won’t scuff the finish. If available the best choice is a “boat shoe.”  Boat shoes with their squeegee type bottoms are designed to not slip easily on wet surfaces. Check out this article about Sperry's great selection of boat shoes.

D.    Sunglasses: Although you will find many articles and advice about which sunglasses to wear offshore one thing is for sure, you will need sunglasses offshore. The sun reflecting off the water is like being attacked from a thousand different angles by the sun’s rays. The Gulf Stream tends to be very clear water and its depths are even more visible with good quality “polarized” sunglasses. Most fashion sunglasses are not polarized but they will help somewhat. However, if you have polarized sunglasses available, they are by far the better choice to help more fully enjoy your day offshore. Please visit this article on polarized fishing sunglasses.

E.    Camera: There is going to lots of action with many opportunities for some great pictures but you need to beware that you will be bringing along your expensive camera at your own risk. Boats are wet and cameras are not friendly to getting wet. Boats can get very bumpy and good cameras don’t seem to like getting slammed on the floor. If you take along your high quality camera, you definitely need to take it in a protective travel case of some sort and keep it stored safely in the salon until you are ready to use it.

F.    Sunscreen: This should go without saying but sunscreen is no longer just a suggestion. It is an absolute necessity for most all of us.

G.    Gear Bag: The best way to keep this all organized is in a carrying bag of some sort like a gym bag or duffle bag which is large enough to transport and hold all of your possessions.

H.    Cooler/Food/Drink: All guests need to remember to bring along coolers with their food and drinks. We are not going to make suggestions about exactly what to bring. However, light sandwiches with pretzels and crackers can be good for an upset stomach and a cold clear soda can also be somewhat soothing. I have also found that ginger snaps can be effective for mildly upset motion sickness. 

Hopefully this will give you some idea of a few things to remember that will help make your charter the most enjoyable fishing experience of your life. If you have any questions that we might have missed please don’t hesitate to ask your captain when you call.