So, you’ve gone and booked your very first deep sea fishing trip and the big day is fast approaching – the only thing to think about now it’s what you plan to take along for the ride. It’s probably fair to say that the very last thing you want to do is find yourself 30 minutes into a day-long fishing trip only to realise you’ve forgotten something rather important and are now up the proverbial creek without a paddle. And while the vast majority of top-end fishing excursion providers will tick most of the more crucial boxes, there are still some bits and pieces that come down to you and you alone.
So, if you’re about to set sail for some seriously fishy fun on the high seas, be sure to take into account the following checklist:
1 – Sunscreen
So, right off the bat, it’s of the utmost importance to protect your skin from the sun’s rays which you may well be exposed to for the whole day. Lathering on a ton of sunscreen before setting off is of course important, but so too is bringing the bottle along with you to keep reapplying throughout the day. It’s sometimes provided by the trip’s organisers, but just in case there isn’t enough to go around, it’s wise to bring your own.
2 – Sleeves
Depending on where and when you head out for your trip, you might find that the last thing on your mind given the glorious weather is piling on the clothes. However, if you’re in a region where the sun is particularly strong and relentless, it’s important to cover up from time to time as there’s only so much sunscreen can do to protect you.
3 – Sunglasses
Without a good pair of sunglasses, your chances of really enjoying the day take a huge tumble. The reason being that not only will the sun be doing its business to harm your eyes for the whole day, but those blindingly bright reflections bouncing off the sea’s surface will make it nigh-on impossible for you to see what you’re doing. Chances are you’ll need your shades for the whole day, so bring them along.
4 – Something Warm
And just to contradict everything mentioned so far, it’s worth remembering that it can be a good deal cooler out at sea than it is on land, which in the case of a sudden cloud covering can put a real nip in the air. As such, in order to ensure you enjoy in full no matter what the elements throw your way, it’s a good idea to pack something at least a little on the warm side, just in case you need it.
5 – Sea Sickness Meds
If you’ve never been out on a trip like this in your life, you have no idea at all as to how well you will cope with sea sickness. Chances are you’ll be fine, but for the sake of peace of mind for the whole group it’s a good idea to bring along a pack of sea sickness meds to whip out if you start feeling a little green. And what’s more, even if you don’t need them, there’s a good chance somebody on-board will…you’ll be extremely popular when you save a fellow passenger from a rather unpleasant afternoon!
6 – Fishing License
Rules with regard to permits and fishing licenses vary in accordance with where you are and the kind of fishing you plan to carry out. As such, it’s important to look into the specifics of your own trip and the area in which you’ll be taking it to avoid breaking any laws. If you don’t have the necessary permits with you at the time, chances are you’ll be denied access to the boat.
7 – Towels
Chances are there will be bits and pieces on board to dry yourself with when you get wet…and you WILL get wet…but it’s still a good idea to bring your own. After all, you never know who’s been using the shared towel before you!
8 – Camera
Last but not least, do not even think about setting sail without a good camera – this might end up being your biggest regret of all. It’s fairly likely that this will be the kind of day you’ll want to remember for life and when it comes to showing off those genuine whoppers you landed, chances are you’ll need to arm yourself with photographic proof for anyone to believe you!