A fishing charter is a terrific way to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation. If you’re keen on fishing but have never fished in anything bigger than a river, taking a chartered trip into a bay or into the ocean will help you learn and increase your joy.
1. Know What’s Included
Many fishing charters offer a lot of tools and gear. If you’re not sure what to bring, consider calling the person offering the charter and reviewing what’s included and why. Look for recommended gear or tools to bring. Make sure you bring cash as well as cards so you can buy what you need once you arrive.
2. Pack Smart
It’s nearly always cooler on land than on shore. Make sure you pack wisely for cooler temps, even if you’re traveling in high summer. You’ll need sunblock if you’re going fishing in Alaska, but you’ll also need rain gear, fleece, and warm footwear.
Pack multi-purpose garments. A warm hoodie can keep you comfortable in a cool breeze. It can also be layered with a raincoat to serve as a raincoat. If you’re planning on doing some camping, a hoodie can serve as part of your pajamas to keep your head and neck warm.
3. Plan for Down Days
If you’re planning a multi-day fishing charter, make sure you plan for down days. Fishing is fun, but fishing in the rain will be cold. If storms come up, your captain will likely take you to shore.
Phone service may not be available. Bring that book you can never finish. Ask your charter guide for recommendations on guidebooks to learn more about the area.
4. Choose a Time Frame
If you’ve never spent hours on a boat on a large body of water, don’t book a 5-day fishing charter. Seasickness can come and go; if the time of your visit includes a lot of choppy water, your vacation may be really uncomfortable.
Book a short trip interspersed with other activities on shore. If you find that the weather is perfect, you may be able to book time with a private guide or smaller boat to get in plenty of fishing time.
5. Large Group, Solo or Friends?
If you tend to enjoy meeting new people, a large group fishing charter may be ideal. If you’re a bit more introverted, you might prefer a private booking. You may just choose to travel with friends, stay together, and fish as much as possible.
Your fishing charter host may be able to help you find an ideal group to fish with. Remember that boats are compact; even your best friends can become a bit tiresome after several days in a small space. For this reason, scheduling some down days for other activities is a wise choice.
The right planning can help you enjoy a remarkable fishing charter vacation. Book your downtime with care. Do your best to bring only the gear you need; carefully review what your host offers in terms of gear and consumables before you plan your trip.
Published by: Khy Talara
