What to Bring on a Florida Keys Fishing Charter: Complete Packing List

You’ve booked your Florida Keys fishing charter.

Now comes the next question:

What should you bring?

The good news is that you probably need much less fishing gear than you think.

Most established Florida Keys charters provide the rods, reels, tackle and bait needed for the trip. If you’re fishing aboard a properly licensed saltwater charter vessel, you generally don’t need to purchase your own Florida recreational saltwater fishing license for that charter trip either.

That leaves you responsible for the things that keep you comfortable, protected from the sun and ready for several hours on the water.

Here’s what I’d pack.

Florida Keys Fishing Charter Packing List

If you just want the quick version, bring:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
• Comfortable shorts or fishing pants
• Non-slip shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Water
• Snacks or lunch
• Phone or camera
• Waterproof bag or phone case
• Seasickness medication if needed
• Light jacket during cooler months
• Cash or another way to tip the crew

That’s enough for most people.

Before packing anything large, ask your captain what’s already aboard.

1. Polarized Sunglasses

If I could choose only one piece of fishing-specific clothing to bring, polarized sunglasses would be high on the list.

They serve two purposes.

First, they protect your eyes from intense sunlight reflecting off the water.

Second, polarization reduces glare and can help you see into the water.

That can be especially useful when:

• Flats fishing
• Looking for bait
• Watching fish near the boat
• Sight-fishing for bonefish or permit
• Looking for weed lines offshore

You don’t need the most expensive sunglasses in the tackle shop.

But polarized lenses are worth having.

Consider adding a sunglass strap too.

The Atlantic Ocean has collected plenty of expensive sunglasses over the years.

2. Sunscreen

Do not underestimate the Florida Keys sun.

You’re getting direct sunlight from above plus reflected light from the water.

Even on a day that doesn’t feel particularly hot, several hours aboard a boat can leave you badly burned.

Apply sunscreen before leaving the dock and bring enough to reapply during the day.

Pay attention to easily forgotten areas such as:

• Ears
• Nose
• Neck
• Back of hands
• Tops of feet

A bad sunburn can ruin the rest of your Keys vacation.

3. A Good Hat

Bring a hat.

A baseball cap works.

A wide-brimmed fishing hat provides even more coverage.

The goal is simple:

Keep the sun off your face and head.

Make sure the hat fits securely.

Running offshore at speed creates enough wind to send a loose hat flying.

4. Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt

Long sleeves may sound strange when you’re going somewhere hot.

They’re actually extremely useful.

A lightweight fishing shirt can protect your arms from hours of direct sunlight without making you excessively hot.

Sun-protective performance shirts are particularly popular among anglers.

You’ll see plenty of Florida Keys captains wearing long sleeves in the middle of summer.

There’s a reason for that.

5. Shorts or Lightweight Fishing Pants

Wear something comfortable that can get wet.

Fishing isn’t a formal activity.

You may encounter:

• Salt spray
• Fish slime
• Bait
• Blood
• Rain

This isn’t the day for your nicest outfit.

Lightweight shorts work well during warm weather.

Lightweight fishing pants provide additional sun protection.

6. Non-Slip Shoes

Boat decks get wet.

Wear shoes that give you decent traction.

Good options may include:

• Boat shoes
• Fishing shoes
• Athletic shoes with suitable grip
• Secure sandals if the captain allows them

Avoid footwear that slides easily.

Also avoid wearing shoes with dark soles that might mark the deck unless the captain says they’re okay.

If you’re unsure, ask.

Some boats have specific footwear preferences.

7. A Light Rain Jacket

Florida weather changes quickly.

A sunny morning can turn into a rain shower.

A lightweight waterproof jacket takes up very little space and can make an unexpected shower much more comfortable.

It’s also useful during boat rides.

Even without rain, spray coming over the side of a boat can get you wet.

8. Water

Bring water unless your charter specifically says it’s provided.

You can get dehydrated quickly on a hot boat.

This becomes even more important on:

• Full-day trips
• Summer charters
• Offshore trips
• Trips with children

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Drink throughout the day.

Ask the captain whether the boat supplies bottled water or has a cooler available.

9. Snacks

Fishing makes people hungry.

For a shorter trip, simple snacks may be enough.

Good choices include:

• Granola bars
• Crackers
• Sandwiches
• Fruit
• Trail mix
• Chips

Avoid bringing food that becomes a mess when it gets warm.

Also avoid packing an enormous cooler unless the captain tells you to.

Boat storage space can be limited.

10. Lunch for Longer Trips

If you’re taking a six-hour or eight-hour trip, bring enough food.

A sandwich and snacks can go a long way toward keeping everyone happy.

This is especially true with children.

Ask whether the boat has:

• Cooler space
• Refrigerator
• Ice
• Food storage

A large offshore sportfishing boat may have considerably more storage than a small flats skiff.

11. Your Phone or Camera

You’ll probably want pictures.

Bring your phone or camera, but protect it.

Saltwater and electronics don’t get along.

A waterproof phone case or dry bag is cheap protection.

You may want photos of:

• Your first fish
• A child’s catch
• Sailfish
• Tarpon
• Mahi-mahi
• Sunset
• Wildlife
• The Florida Keys coastline

Ask the crew for help taking pictures.

They do this all the time.

12. A Waterproof Bag

You don’t need a giant dry bag.

A small waterproof bag is useful for things such as:

• Phone
• Wallet
• Keys
• Medication
• Extra clothing

It also helps keep everything organized.

The fewer loose objects rolling around the boat, the better.

13. Seasickness Medication

If you’re prone to motion sickness, think about this before you’re already offshore.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about an appropriate seasickness option for you and follow the product directions.

Some people make the mistake of waiting until they’re sick before doing anything.

That’s not always the best approach.

Also tell the captain if someone in your group is concerned about seasickness.

That information can affect the recommended trip.

For example, a shorter reef or backcountry trip may be a better first experience than a full day far offshore.

If you’re deciding how long to stay on the water, read our guide to half-day vs full-day Florida Keys fishing charters.

14. A Light Jacket During Winter

Yes, Florida gets cool.

Not usually northern-winter cold.

But a January morning on a moving boat can feel surprisingly chilly.

Wind plus spray makes the temperature feel colder.

From roughly late fall through early spring, consider bringing:

• Light jacket
• Sweatshirt
• Windbreaker

Dress in layers.

You can take clothing off when the day warms up.

15. Cash or Another Way to Tip

Gratuity is commonly separate from your charter price.

Many Florida Keys operations consider around 15% to 20% an appropriate range for good service.

That can be a significant amount on a private charter.

For example:

$1,000 charter at 20% = $200

$1,500 charter at 20% = $300

$2,000 charter at 20% = $400

Build this into your budget before leaving the marina.

See our complete guide to how much to tip a Florida Keys fishing charter for more information.

Do You Need to Bring Fishing Rods?

Usually not.

Most professional charter operations supply rods and reels appropriate for the type of fishing you’re doing.

That could mean:

• Heavy offshore tackle
• Trolling rods
• Spinning rods
• Conventional reels
• Light-tackle setups
• Fly rods

Ask the captain what’s included.

Unless you’re an experienced angler who strongly prefers personal equipment, using the charter’s gear can make traveling much easier.

Should Experienced Anglers Bring Their Own Rods?

Maybe.

If you’re particular about your equipment, talk to the captain.

For example, a fly angler might prefer a familiar rod.

But don’t simply arrive with six rods without asking.

The captain may already have exactly what you need.

And storage space may be limited.

Do You Need to Bring Fishing Tackle?

Usually not.

Professional charters commonly provide the tackle required for their fishing style.

That can include:

• Hooks
• Leaders
• Weights
• Lures
• Rigs
• Terminal tackle

The captain knows what has been working locally.

That’s one advantage of hiring someone rather than trying to assemble everything yourself.

Our guide to whether a Florida Keys fishing charter is worth it discusses how supplied equipment and local knowledge factor into the value of a charter.

Do You Need to Bring Bait?

Usually not.

Many charters provide bait.

Depending on the fishing style, that might include:

• Ballyhoo
• Pilchards
• Shrimp
• Crabs
• Squid
• Cut bait
• Other live baitfish

Some captains may catch bait before your trip.

Others may stop to catch bait after leaving the marina.

Ask what’s included.

Do You Need a Fishing License?

Usually not when you’re fishing aboard a properly licensed saltwater charter boat.

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that charter, headboat and saltwater guide operations with the proper FWC charter license cover their fishing passengers.

That means customers fishing under that vessel license don’t need their own recreational saltwater fishing license.

You can check the current requirements directly on the FWC charter fishing license page.

Don’t assume the charter license covers other fishing you do during your vacation.

If you later fish independently from shore, a bridge, kayak or private vessel, different requirements can apply.

Do You Need to Bring a Cooler?

Ask first.

Many charter boats already have coolers or refrigerated storage.

Bringing a large personal cooler can consume valuable deck space.

You may want a cooler waiting in your vehicle for:

• Drinks after the trip
• Transporting cleaned fish
• Taking food back to your accommodations

Ask the crew what they recommend.

Can You Bring Alcohol?

Maybe.

Every charter has its own policy.

Some permit beer or certain alcoholic beverages.

Others restrict alcohol.

Glass bottles may be prohibited because broken glass and bare feet on a boat are a terrible combination.

Ask before bringing alcohol aboard.

And remember that drinking heavily during a fishing trip can make seasickness, dehydration and poor footing worse.

Should You Bring Your Own Life Jacket?

Normally, the charter provides required safety equipment.

If your child has a personal life jacket that fits particularly well, ask the captain whether you should bring it.

Make sure the captain knows the ages of any children fishing before the trip.

What Should Kids Bring?

For children, I’d add:

• Extra snacks
• Extra water
• Extra sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight sun shirt
• Extra dry shirt
• Small entertainment item for slow periods

Don’t overpack toys.

Fishing itself should be the main activity.

But having something small available during a long boat ride can help.

What Should You Wear for an Offshore Charter?

For offshore fishing, wear:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Long-sleeve sun shirt
• Shorts or lightweight pants
• Non-slip shoes
• Sunscreen

Bring:

• Rain jacket
• Water
• Food
• Seasickness supplies
• Waterproof bag

Expect wind and spray.

Even on a warm day, the boat ride may feel considerably cooler than standing at the marina.

What Should You Wear for a Reef Charter?

The basic list is similar.

Sun protection matters because you may spend several hours sitting or standing in direct sunlight.

Wear clothing that can get dirty.

Snapper fishing can involve chum, bait and fish slime.

You’re fishing.

Dress accordingly.

What Should You Bring on a Flats Charter?

Flats boats are smaller than many offshore boats.

Pack light.

Bring:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight sun clothing
• Water
• Small bag

Polarized glasses become particularly useful on the flats because spotting fish may be a major part of the experience.

Avoid bringing huge bags or coolers onto a small skiff.

What Should You Bring on a Backcountry Charter?

Again, pack light.

Backcountry trips can involve plenty of sun exposure, even though the water may be calmer than offshore.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sun shirt
• Water
• Snacks
• Phone
• Rain jacket

If you’re fishing with children, bring enough food and drinks to keep everyone comfortable.

Half-Day Charter Packing List

For a four-hour trip, you can keep things very simple.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Small snack
• Phone
• Rain jacket
• Tip

That’s probably all most people need.

Full-Day Charter Packing List

For eight hours, add:

• More water
• Lunch
• Additional snacks
• Extra sunscreen
• Extra clothing
• Medication
• Larger waterproof bag

Don’t underestimate how much food and water a group can go through during an entire day on the water.

What NOT to Bring on a Florida Keys Fishing Charter

Just as important as what you bring is what you leave behind.

Avoid showing up with:

• Huge hard-sided luggage
• Giant tackle boxes
• Unnecessary fishing rods
• Oversized coolers
• Expensive jewelry
• Loose valuables
• Shoes with slippery soles

Ask before bringing:

• Glass containers
• Alcohol
• Large coolers
• Drones
• Specialized fishing equipment
• Large camera setups

Boat space is valuable.

A smaller bag almost always beats a giant one.

Don’t Bring Bananas?

You’re going to hear this one.

Fishing has a long-running superstition about bananas being bad luck aboard boats.

Some captains take it as a joke.

Some take it surprisingly seriously.

Whether you believe the superstition or not, there’s an easy solution:

Ask before bringing bananas.

If the captain says no bananas, leave them at the hotel.

There are plenty of other fruits.

Check the Weather Before You Pack

What you bring should change with the forecast.

Look at:

• Temperature
• Wind
• Rain
• Marine conditions

Your captain is the best source for deciding whether the trip itself should go forward.

A forecast that looks unpleasant to you may still produce perfectly fishable conditions in a protected area.

The opposite can also be true.

Pack for the Boat, Not the Hotel

This is an easy mistake.

It might be 75 degrees and calm when you’re drinking coffee at the hotel.

Then the boat starts running at 30 mph.

Suddenly you’ve got wind and salt spray hitting you.

That’s why a light jacket or rain shell can be useful even when the forecast looks warm.

Ask the Captain the Night Before

The easiest way to avoid packing mistakes is to send a simple message:

“Anything special you’d like us to bring tomorrow?”

The captain knows:

• Current weather
• Boat storage
• Fishing plan
• What equipment is aboard
• How much food you’ll need
• Whether you’ll likely get wet

That answer is more valuable than any generic packing list.

How Much Does Everything Else Cost?

Most of what you need is relatively inexpensive compared with the charter itself.

The biggest additional expense is often gratuity.

If you’re still figuring out the overall budget, see How Much Does a Florida Keys Fishing Charter Cost?.

That guide covers charter rates, deposits, fuel, bait, gratuity and other possible expenses.

What Happens Once You Get to the Boat?

If this is your first charter, don’t worry.

You’ll meet the captain, talk about the fishing plan, load your belongings and head out.

The crew can show beginners how to use the tackle and help throughout the trip.

The idea is not that you arrive knowing everything.

That’s part of what you’re paying the captain for.

Florida Keys Fishing Charter Packing FAQ

Do I need to bring fishing rods?

Usually not. Most professional charter operators provide the rods and reels required for the trip.

Do I need fishing tackle?

Usually not. Ask the captain what equipment is included.

Do I need to bring bait?

Most charters provide bait, although policies vary.

Do I need a fishing license?

Passengers fishing aboard a properly licensed Florida saltwater charter boat generally don’t need their own recreational saltwater license for that charter trip.

Should I bring sunscreen?

Yes. You’ll spend several hours exposed to strong sun and reflected light from the water.

Should I bring polarized sunglasses?

Yes. They reduce glare and can help you see into the water.

Should I bring food?

Bring snacks for shorter trips and enough food for longer trips unless the charter tells you food is provided.

Should I bring water?

Yes, unless the charter specifically provides it.

Should I bring a jacket?

During cooler months, yes. A light rain jacket can also be useful throughout the year.

Should I bring a cooler?

Ask first. The boat may already have cooler space.

Can I bring beer?

Policies vary by charter. Ask before bringing alcohol, and don’t bring glass unless the captain specifically permits it.

What shoes should I wear?

Comfortable shoes with good traction are best. Ask the captain if the boat has specific footwear requirements.

Should I bring seasickness medicine?

If you’re prone to motion sickness, discuss suitable options with your doctor or pharmacist before the trip.

How much stuff should I bring?

As little as reasonably possible. Boat storage space can be limited.

The Simplest Florida Keys Fishing Charter Packing List

You don’t need to show up looking like you’re leaving on a month-long expedition.

For most fishing charters, bring:

Sunglasses.

Hat.

Sunscreen.

Comfortable fishing clothes.

Water.

Food.

Rain protection.

Your phone.

Any medication you need.

Money for the crew gratuity.

The captain usually handles the fishing equipment.

Pack light, protect yourself from the sun and ask the captain if there’s anything specific you need for that day’s trip.

Then spend less time worrying about your bag and more time thinking about what’s going to be on the other end of the line.