You should wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes, non-slip shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on a fishing charter. Dress in layers if the weather might change, and avoid anything that you don’t want to get wet or dirty.
Why Does What You Wear on a Fishing Charter Matter?
What you wear affects your comfort, safety, and experience while fishing. The sun, wind, water, and even fish slime can all play a part in your day, so it’s important to dress with functionality in mind. The right outfit helps protect you from sunburn, slipping, and getting cold or wet unexpectedly.
What Kind of Shirt Should You Wear on a Fishing Charter?
Wear a lightweight, long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt with UV protection. These shirts keep you cool while protecting your skin from the sun and drying quickly if you get splashed. Avoid cotton t-shirts—they get heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
What Type of Pants or Shorts Are Best for a Fishing Trip?
Quick-dry fishing pants or shorts made from nylon or polyester are ideal. These materials are breathable, resist stains, and dry fast. If you’re fishing offshore or in cooler weather, long pants offer more protection. For inshore or hot conditions, shorts with UV protection are a good choice.
What Shoes Should You Wear on a Fishing Charter?
Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes with good grip that can get wet. Boat shoes, water shoes, or rubber-soled sandals are popular choices. Flip-flops aren’t recommended—they slide easily and offer little protection.
Should You Wear a Hat and Sunglasses?
Yes, wear a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and polarized sunglasses. A hat helps protect your face and neck from sunburn, while polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the water so you can see fish more easily and protect your eyes.
Do You Need a Jacket or Rain Gear on a Fishing Charter?
Bring a light windbreaker or waterproof jacket just in case. Even on warm days, wind and sudden rain can make you cold and uncomfortable. Offshore charters in particular can have unexpected weather changes, so it’s better to have a jacket and not need it than the other way around.
What Should You Avoid Wearing on a Fishing Trip?
Avoid wearing jeans, flip-flops, and anything white or difficult to clean. Jeans stay wet for hours and restrict movement. Flip-flops are slippery and unsafe. White clothes can easily get stained with fish blood or bait.
What Accessories Should You Bring on a Fishing Charter?
Bring sunscreen, a neck gaiter or buff, lip balm with SPF, and a dry bag for valuables. Sunscreen should be reef-safe and sweat-resistant. A neck gaiter offers extra sun protection for your face and neck. A dry bag helps keep your phone, wallet, and other items dry in case of splashes or rain.
Can You Wear a Swimsuit on a Fishing Charter?
Yes, you can wear a swimsuit, especially on inshore or warm-weather charters. Just be sure to wear something over it like a UV shirt or cover-up. Keep in mind that sun exposure is strong on the water, and sitting in a wet suit can be uncomfortable after a few hours.
Example Fishing Charter Outfit (Men & Women)
Here’s a simple packing guide to help you dress right:
For Men:
- Long-sleeve performance fishing shirt
- Quick-dry shorts or pants
- Non-slip boat shoes or water shoes
- Hat and polarized sunglasses
- Lightweight windbreaker
- Sunscreen and buff
For Women:
- UPF-rated fishing shirt or hoodie
- Quick-dry leggings or shorts
- Non-slip sandals or closed-toe shoes
- Hat with neck flap
- Polarized sunglasses
- SPF lip balm and dry bag
FAQ:
What to Wear on a Fishing Charter
Do I need special fishing clothes?
No, but quick-dry, breathable clothes with UV protection are highly recommended. Regular workout gear can also work if it’s light and moisture-wicking.
Should I wear different clothes for offshore vs inshore fishing?
Yes. Offshore trips are windier and cooler, so bring a jacket and consider long sleeves and pants. Inshore trips are usually warmer, so shorts and lightweight shirts are fine.
Can I wear sandals on a fishing charter?
You can wear sandals if they have a secure strap and non-slip soles. Avoid flip-flops—they’re not safe on a moving boat.Do charter boats provide rain gear?
Most do not. Always check with your charter in advance. It’s safest to bring your own light rain jacket or poncho just in case.
What should kids wear on a fishing charter?
Kids should wear comfortable clothes, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes. Apply sunscreen before the trip and bring a backup outfit in case they get wet.