Captain Trey Croft
Rising Son Expeditions · Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Over 40 years on the water, I've seen guests show up with everything from full tackle boxes to nothing but a swimsuit and a smile. The good news is that on a guided charter, you don't need to bring much — we provide all the fishing gear. But what you do bring can make the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable trip and a miserable one.
Here's the definitive packing list for an inshore fishing charter near Santa Rosa Beach and 30A, Florida — organized by category, with notes on why each item matters.
The Short Version: Essential Items
Sun Protection (The Most Important Category)
The sun on the water is significantly more intense than on land. The water reflects UV rays upward while the sun hits you from above, meaning you're getting double the exposure. Even on overcast days, UV penetrates cloud cover and reflects off the water. Sunburn is the most common complaint I hear from guests after a trip — and it's 100% preventable.
| Item | Recommendation | Captain's Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen | SPF 50+ mineral/reef-safe lotion | Apply before boarding; reapply every 2 hours. Avoid spray — it gets on fishing line. |
| Sunglasses | Polarized lenses | Essential for seeing fish on the flats and protecting eyes from hooks. Non-negotiable. |
| Hat | Wide-brim (3+ inch brim) or baseball cap | A buff or sun gaiter is even better — covers face, neck, and ears. |
| Shirt | Long-sleeve UPF 30+ moisture-wicking | Counterintuitive but true: long sleeves are cooler than bare skin on the water. |
| Lip balm | SPF 30+ lip balm | Often forgotten. Lips burn fast on the water. |
What to Wear on a Fishing Charter
The goal is to stay cool, protected, and comfortable for several hours on the water. Here's the breakdown:
Shirt: A lightweight, long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt is ideal. UPF-rated fishing shirts from brands like Columbia, Huk, or Pelagic are designed exactly for this purpose. A regular cotton t-shirt works but will get heavy with sweat and spray. Avoid dark colors in summer — they absorb heat.
Pants/Shorts: Quick-dry fishing shorts or lightweight pants. Avoid jeans — they're heavy, slow to dry, and uncomfortable when wet.
Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with rubber non-slip soles. Boat shoes, sneakers, or water shoes all work well. No flip-flops, sandals, or open-toe shoes — they're a safety hazard on a wet deck and offer no protection if a hook ends up on the floor.
Rain layer: For early morning or fall/winter trips, bring a light rain jacket or windbreaker. The bay can get cool and breezy even on warm days, and a cold wind on a wet shirt is miserable.
Food, Drinks, and Snacks
We don't have a galley on the boat, so bring whatever you need to stay fueled and hydrated. For a 2-hour trip, a water bottle and a light snack is plenty. For 3-4 hour trips, especially with kids, bring more.
Water: At least 16 oz per person per hour on the water, more in summer. Dehydration is a real risk in the Florida heat. Insulated bottles or a small cooler work well.
Snacks: Easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks work best. Granola bars, crackers, fruit, trail mix. Avoid anything that requires two hands or makes a mess — you'll want your hands free for fishing.
Beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages are always fine. If you'd like to bring beer or other beverages, ask in advance — we want everyone to have a safe trip.
Camera and Electronics
You're going to want photos. Here's how to protect your gear:
Phone: A waterproof case or a zip-lock bag is essential. Phones get wet on boats — from spray, rain, or a fish flopping at the wrong moment. A phone in a waterproof case can also be used to take underwater photos of fish before release.
Camera: If you're bringing a dedicated camera, bring a waterproof bag or case. A GoPro or similar action camera is ideal for fishing trips.
Charging: Bring a portable battery pack if you're planning to use your phone heavily. There's no outlet on the boat.
Motion Sickness
Inshore fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay is generally very calm — we're in protected bay water, not offshore. Motion sickness is rare on our trips. But if you're prone to motion sickness, it's worth taking precautions.
Dramamine or Bonine taken the night before and morning of the trip is the most reliable option. Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands) work for some people. Ginger chews are a natural option. The key is to take any medication before you feel sick — it doesn't work well once nausea starts.
What NOT to Bring
A few things that commonly cause problems on charters:
| Don't Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Flip-flops or open-toe shoes | Safety hazard on a wet deck; hooks on the floor are a real risk |
| Spray sunscreen | Gets on fishing line and degrades it; also hard to control in wind |
| Your own fishing gear (unless discussed) | We provide everything; extra gear takes up space and can tangle |
| Expensive jewelry | Salt water and fish slime are hard on jewelry; leave it at the hotel |
| Large bags or backpacks | Space on the boat is limited; a small dry bag or fanny pack is better |
| Strong perfume or cologne | Fish are sensitive to smell; strong scents can reduce your catch rate |
What We Provide
Just to be clear on what you don't need to bring:
Ready to Book Your Charter?
Now that you know what to bring, all that's left is picking your date. 2-hour trips from $500 for up to 4 guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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