Your Packing List for Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Published August 19th, 2025 by Tampa Fishing Charters

Show up unprepared in Tampa Bay and you’ll pay for it. The weather changes fast, the sun is relentless, and the fish don’t wait for anyone. You need the right gear, the right clothes, and a plan. This list comes from real days on the water. No filler, just what actually matters for a solid trip.

Clothes That Handle Anything

Sun beats down. Clouds roll in. Wind picks up. Tampa Bay throws it all at you, sometimes in a single morning. The right clothes keep you fishing, not fidgeting. Skip the heavy cotton. It soaks up sweat, holds water, and never dries. Go with:

Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts that breathe and block sun
Quick-dry shorts or pants. No jeans, no sweatpants
Non-slip boat shoes. Bare feet slip, sandals catch hooks
Rain jacket. Pack it even if the sky looks clear
Wide-brim hat. Baseball caps leave ears and neck exposed
Polarized sunglasses. See through glare, spot fish, protect your eyes

Layer up. Mornings start cool, afternoons heat up fast. A light jacket comes off as the sun climbs. On our inshore fishing trips, I’ve seen guests shiver at sunrise and sweat by noon. The ones who pack smart stay comfortable and focused.

Sun Protection That Actually Works

Sunburn sneaks up fast on the water. Reflection doubles the damage. Miss a spot, and you’ll feel it for days. I’ve watched first-timers turn red before lunch. Don’t be that person. Bring:

Waterproof sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. Apply before you board, reapply every couple hours
Neck gaiter. Pull it up over ears, nose, and neck when the sun gets high
Lip balm with SPF. Cracked lips ruin a good day
Light gloves. Backs of hands burn fast, especially when handling fish
Cooling towel. Drape it around your neck, dip it in the ice chest, beat the heat

Florida sun doesn’t care if you’re a local or a visitor. It burns everyone the same. Our Tampa fishing resources hammer this point for a reason. Show up protected, and you’ll fish longer and harder.

Personal Items That Save the Day

Every trip, someone forgets something small that turns into a big deal. I’ve seen phones ruined by spray, headaches from missed meds, and great catches missed because the camera stayed at home. Pack these in a small, waterproof bag:

Camera or phone (in a waterproof case or dry bag)
Any daily medications. Don’t count on finding a pharmacy near the dock
Motion sickness tablets or wristbands. Tampa Bay can get choppy, even for experienced anglers
Snacks. Energy bars, nuts, or fruit keep you sharp between bites
Reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated keeps you in the game
Hand sanitizer and a small towel. Fish slime and bait stink linger

Our knowledgeable charter captains have seen it all. The guests who pack a dry bag never scramble when a wave splashes over the rail or a sudden rain hits.

Don’t Get Stuck Without the Right Paperwork

Fishing licenses trip up more guests than you’d think. On our charters, we handle the permits. You just need a valid photo ID. No ID, no fishing. Simple as that. Keep it in a zippered pocket or waterproof pouch. Our professional guides handle the rest. No paperwork headaches, no last-minute runs to the bait shop.

Food and Drinks That Keep You Going

Hunger and dehydration end more trips than bad weather. Tampa Bay sun drains you. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Skip the sugary sodas. They dehydrate. Pack:

Plenty of cold water. Freeze a few bottles the night before
Sports drinks for electrolytes
Easy snacks. Jerky, trail mix, fruit, granola bars
Lunch if you’re out for a full day. Sandwiches, wraps, nothing that spoils in the heat

Keep everything in a small cooler or insulated bag. Don’t count on the captain’s cooler for your personal stash. When the bite is on, you don’t want to leave the rail to hunt for food.

Extras That Make a Difference

Small details separate a good trip from a great one. I always pack:

Small first aid kit. Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers for hooks
Multi-tool or small knife. Cut line, open snacks, fix gear
Ziplock bags. Keep your wallet, phone, and fishing license dry
Notebook and pen. Jot down catches, conditions, or new spots
Spare contact lenses or glasses. Salt spray and wind knock them out

These extras don’t take up much space, but they solve problems before they start. I’ve handed out more bandages and spare sunglasses than I can count. If you ever need something unexpected, chances are we have it tucked away on the boat. Just ask.

What You Can Leave at Home

Don’t overpack. The boat isn’t a storage locker. Leave behind:

Heavy tackle. Your captain provides rods, reels, and bait
Large coolers. Space is tight, use the boat’s fish box
Valuables. Jewelry, expensive watches, anything you can’t afford to lose
Speakers or loud music. Tampa Bay’s best moments come in the quiet

Travel light, move fast, and keep your focus on the water. The less you bring, the less you worry about. We want you to enjoy every minute on the water, not stress about extra gear.