What to Bring on a Fishing Charter Trip: The Complete Packing Guide

Right, let's get one thing straight — I provide all the fishing gear. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, the lot. You don't need to spend a penny on equipment. But there are a few things you absolutely should bring to make sure your day on the water is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Here's the definitive list.

What We Provide

First, let me be clear about what's included so you don't bring stuff you don't need:

— **All fishing rods and reels** — quality gear, properly set up - **All bait and terminal tackle** — hooks, weights, traces, the works - **Tea and coffee** — free-flowing all day from the galley - **Safety equipment** — lifejackets, flares, VHF radio, first aid kit — full MCA coding - **Toilet** — flushing heads onboard - **Expert tuition** — that's me. I'll show you what to do, whether it's your first time or your fiftieth.

Clothing — The Most Important Bit

If you get one thing right, make it your clothing. I've seen too many people turn up in shorts and a t-shirt and spend the day shivering. It's always colder at sea. Always.

Essential layers: - **Base layer:** A thermal top in spring/autumn/winter. Even in summer, a light long-sleeved top beats bare arms when the wind picks up. - **Mid layer:** A fleece or thick jumper. You'll be glad of it even on a summer morning. - **Outer layer:** A waterproof jacket. Not water-resistant — waterproof. Spray comes over the side, and if it rains, you want to stay dry. Trousers optional but recommended in colder months. - **Trousers:** Jeans get cold and heavy when wet. Joggers, walking trousers, or proper fishing trousers are much better. Avoid jeans if you can. - **Footwear:** Trainers with decent grip are fine for summer. In wet weather, boots or wellies are much better. White-soled deck shoes are ideal — they don't mark the boat. - **Hat:** A beanie in winter, a cap in summer. The sun reflecting off the water will burn your face faster than you think. - **Gloves:** Optional, but neoprene fishing gloves keep your hands warm and protect against fish spines and sharp gill plates.

For summer days: Don't forget sunglasses (polarised if you have them) and sun cream. The combination of sun and water reflection will cook you in hours. SPF 30 minimum on exposed skin.

Food and Drink

I provide tea and coffee all day. For everything else:

— **Water:** Bring at least a litre, more if it's hot. Dehydration makes seasickness worse. - **Food:** Bring a packed lunch or snacks. Sandwiches, pasties, sausage rolls — proper fuel. Nothing too greasy if you're worried about seasickness. - **Fizzy drinks and alcohol:** Avoid. Fizzy drinks slosh about and alcohol and boats don't mix. Danny Boy 2 operates a zero-alcohol policy. - **Ginger biscuits:** Top tip for dodgy stomachs. Ginger's a natural anti-nauseant and they taste decent with a cuppa.

Seasickness — Be Prepared

Even experienced anglers get caught out sometimes. Here's my battle-tested advice:

1. **Take tablets the night before.** Stugeron or Kwells — take one before bed and another in the morning. They work best with time to get in your system. 2. **Eat something.** An empty stomach makes sickness worse. Dry toast, a banana, or ginger biscuits — something light. 3. **Stay on deck.** Fresh air and a view of the horizon are your best defence. Don't go below deck if you're feeling queasy. 4. **Keep busy.** Focusing on fishing — watching the rod tip, feeling for bites — takes your mind off your stomach. 5. **If you're sick, don't worry.** Happens to the best of us. Over the side, have some water, and get back to fishing. It usually passes.

Other Useful Bits

— **Camera or phone:** For those trophy shots. Make sure it's charged. A waterproof case or bag is a good idea. - **Small towel:** For wiping hands after baiting up. - **Spare layer:** Even in summer. I've seen August days turn cold in an hour. - **Bin bag:** For wet/dirty clothes on the way home. - **Cash:** Some anglers like to tip the skipper for a good day. Never expected, always appreciated. - **Sense of humour:** Fishing is unpredictable. Some days you'll bag up, some days the fish won't cooperate. Either way, you're on a boat in the fresh air with good company. Enjoy it.

What NOT to Bring

— **Bananas.** Superstition, I know. But I've been fishing long enough to respect it. No bananas on my boat. - **Your own fishing gear.** Unless we've specifically discussed it, leave it at home. My gear is set up for the fishing we'll be doing. - **Valuables.** Leave the expensive watch and jewellery at home. Salt water, fish slime, and baited hands don't mix well with nice things. - **A bad attitude.** We're here to catch fish and have a laugh. That's the deal.

Got questions? Give me a bell on **07773 376473** or drop me a message through the contact form. See you on the water.