For a deep sea fishing trip, wear a lightweight shirt, comfortable shorts or pants, and shoes that grip a wet deck. Bring a hat, sunglasses, rub-on sunscreen, and a jacket. In cooler weather, add long pants and a sweatshirt or fleece you can take off as the day warms up. You don’t need to buy a whole new fishing wardrobe to come out with us. Wear something you can move around in and won’t mind getting bait or saltwater on. For fishing out of Port Canaveral, I’d pay more attention to the weather for your trip than the name on your shirt.
What to Wear Fishing in Summer
Florida can be brutally hot during the summer, but it often feels cooler on the water than in the concrete jungles of the theme parks. A breeze helps, especially while the boat is moving. You’re still spending several hours outside, though, so bring plenty to drink and dress for the sun. A lightweight shirt and quick-drying shorts are a good place to start. I like the idea of a thin, long-sleeved sun shirt if you want more coverage without piling on heavy clothes. Lightweight pants work for the same reason, and a UPF label is worth looking for if you’re buying something specifically for sun protection.
A regular T-shirt is fine, too. Cotton just holds moisture longer, so a quick-drying shirt is more comfortable when you get sweaty or catch some spray. I’d leave heavy jeans at the hotel on a hot day. Once they’re wet, you’re wearing them wet for a while. Throw a light rain jacket in your bag as well. Summer forecasts commonly show a chance of rain, and a brief afternoon shower is part of living here. A jacket that folds up small is handy when you need it and easy to put away when you don’t.
What Changes on a Winter Fishing Trip?
Florida winters can feel cooler than you expect. With our humidity, it can be that damp, wet cold, and the wind on the ride offshore makes an extra layer worth having. I’d start with long pants, a shirt, and a sweatshirt or fleece, then bring a jacket that blocks the wind. Some winter days feel like you need jeans and a jacket in the morning and shorts and a T-shirt by the afternoon. That’s why layers are your best bet. You can peel something off when it warms up, but the sweatshirt back at your hotel isn’t going to help you out on the boat.
Florida can be a little bipolar during spring and fall, too. Check the forecast close to your trip rather than packing entirely around the time of year. If you’re unsure, ask us what to bring. I’d rather you have an extra layer in your bag than spend the ride out wishing you’d brought one.
Choose Shoes That Grip a Wet Deck
Comfortable boat shoes or closed-toe sneakers with suitable non-slip soles work well. Check the bottoms before you pack them, because a comfortable old pair can still have worn, slippery tread. You’ll be stepping around the boat and changing position while fishing, so wear something that stays securely on your feet. I’d skip loose flip-flops, but there’s no need to go buy offshore boots for a charter. Bring suitable shoes you’ve worn before and know will be comfortable for several hours. If you wear socks, a spare dry pair is easy to tuck into your bag.
Bring Your Own Sun Protection
Pack a hat that fits securely and sunglasses with UV protection. Polarized lenses also help cut the glare off the water. A strap is useful for keeping your hat or glasses with you during the ride out, particularly if you’re bringing prescription sunglasses.
At Sea Leveler, we ask you to bring rub-on sunscreen rather than spray. Apply it before the trip and reapply according to the product directions. Keep it where you can reach it while we’re fishing, and remember your ears, neck, hands, and any skin exposed when you take a layer off. The boat you choose also makes a difference in how much shade you’ll have. Our larger sportfishing boats offer more shade and weather protection than Sea Trident’s open center-console layout. Sea Bite, which runs our Family Fun trips, has limited shade as well, so bring sun coverage for the kids even if you’re only coming out for a shorter trip.
What to Pack Along With Your Clothes
A small towel and a spare shirt are useful additions. For kids, I’d bring a complete change of clothes, especially if you have plans after fishing. Keep the dry clothes and your phone in a bag or pouch that protects them from spray. Here’s a simple packing list:
- A hat and sunglasses.
- Rub-on sunscreen.
- A lightweight jacket, plus warmer layers when needed.
- A towel and spare clothes.
- Food, drinks, and snacks.
- A protective pouch or bag for your phone.
We provide the rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, fishing license coverage, and fish cleaning. There is cooler space aboard for your food and drinks, so you can keep your own cooler reasonably sized if you bring one. If you plan to take fish home, bring zip-top bags and a cooler for after you leave the boat.
Our fishing charter FAQ has more details on what to bring. If you’re still debating what to wear, tell us when you’re coming. We can help you decide whether to pack an extra sweatshirt or keep things light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a bathing suit on a deep sea fishing trip?
Swim trunks work well as quick-drying shorts. Bring a shirt, secure shoes with good traction, and sun protection, too. You’ll be spending several hours fishing and riding on the boat.
Are shorts or pants better for fishing?
Shorts are comfortable in warm weather, while lightweight pants give you more sun coverage. For winter or a cool spell, I’d choose long pants and bring layers you can take off later.
Can I wear jeans on a fishing charter?
You can, but jeans get heavy when wet and take longer to dry. I’d choose lightweight shorts or pants for summer fishing and save the jeans for cooler weather.
Do I need special fishing shoes?
No, comfortable boat shoes or closed-toe shoes with suitable non-slip soles are practical choices. Good traction and a secure fit matter more than buying specialized footwear.
Should I bring a jacket even in Florida?
Yes, bring a light jacket for wind, spray, or a passing shower. During winter or a cold spell, add a sweatshirt or fleece underneath it, because the ride offshore can feel cooler than standing at the dock.
What should children wear on a fishing trip?
Comfortable clothes, secure shoes, a hat, and sun protection are a good start. Add warmer layers when needed and pack a dry change of clothes for afterward.
