What to Bring on a Fishing Charter: Complete Packing List

Wondering what to pack for your charter fishing trip? We provide all the fishing tackle and safety equipment, but there are personal items you'll want to bring for comfort and convenience. Here's your complete packing list based on 45 years of running charters off Charleston.

What We Provide

First, let's clarify what you DON'T need to bring. Pacific Charter Services provides:

• All fishing rods, reels, and tackle
• Bait and lures
• Safety equipment (life jackets, first aid, flares, etc.)
• Fish cleaning service at the dock
• Navigation and fish-finding electronics

You don't need fishing experience or your own gear. Just show up legal (valid Oregon fishing license) and ready to fish.

Essential Personal Items

Oregon Fishing License

Required by law. You can purchase licenses online, at sporting goods stores, or via the MyODFW app. Bring your physical license or have it accessible on your phone.

Food and Drinks

Bring enough for the duration of your trip. For a 6-8 hour trip, pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Avoid alcohol before or during the trip—it increases seasickness risk and impairs safety.

Cooler with Ice

For storing your catch. We'll clean and fillet your fish at the dock, but you need a cooler to transport them home. Bring plenty of ice to keep fish cold.

Clothing and Weather Protection

Layered Clothing

Ocean temperatures are cooler than land, even in summer. Dress in layers you can add or remove as conditions change. Avoid cotton—once wet, it stays wet and makes you cold. Choose synthetic or wool materials.

Waterproof Rain Jacket

Even on sunny days, ocean spray can soak you. A quality rain jacket keeps you dry and cuts the wind. Bring waterproof pants for offshore trips or rough conditions.

Non-Slip Footwear

Boat decks get wet and slippery. Wear non-slip shoes or boots. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or smooth-soled shoes. Your safety depends on good footing.

Hat and Sunglasses

Sun reflecting off water is intense. A hat with a brim protects your face and neck. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and help you see fish in the water. Bring a strap or lanyard to prevent losing them overboard.

Sun and Sea Protection

Sunscreen

Apply before the trip and reapply throughout the day. Ocean sun burns quickly. Use water-resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Don't forget ears, neck, and the backs of hands.

Lip Balm with SPF

Chapped lips from wind and sun are no fun. Bring SPF-rated lip balm and use it frequently.

Seasickness Medication

If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication the night before and again the morning of your trip. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Bonine work well when taken preventatively. Natural remedies include ginger candies or wristbands. Don't wait until you feel sick—it's too late then.

Nice-to-Have Items

• Camera or smartphone: For trophy shots and memories
• Waterproof phone case: Protects your device from spray
• Gloves: Fingerless fishing gloves protect hands without losing dexterity
• Hand towel: For drying hands between fish
• Extra plastic bags: For separating different species or organizing fish
• Cash: For tipping the captain (customary for good service)

What NOT to Bring

• Bananas: Seriously—it's a fishing superstition, and we respect it
• Glass bottles: They break and create hazards. Use plastic or cans.
• Expensive jewelry or watches: Saltwater and fishing line don't mix well with valuables
• Pets: Leave them home unless you've arranged it in advance

Season-Specific Additions

Summer Trips

Extra sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve shirt (sun protection), hat with neck flap, more water than you think you need.

Winter Trips

Insulated layers (fleece or synthetic), warm hat/beanie, waterproof gloves, waterproof bib pants, hand warmers.

Offshore Trips (Tuna, Halibut)

More food and water (8-10 hour trips), extra layers for cool mornings, larger cooler for bigger catches, seasickness medication even if you don't usually need it.

First-Time Charter Fishing?

If this is your first charter fishing experience, check out our first-time charter guide for what to expect on the water.