How to Get Ready for a Private Key West Fishing Charter

Published October 15th, 2025 by Reel Fresh Fishing

Forget luck. A good day on a Key West fishing charter comes down to what you bring and how you show up. Miss the basics and you’ll pay for it. Sunburn, headaches, or gear that lets you down. The right prep means more time fishing and less time fixing problems. Here’s what actually matters before you step on board.

How to Get Ready for a Private Fishing Charter in Key West

Dial in Your Clothing and Gear

The ocean doesn't care what you wear. Bad gear ruins fishing trips. Good gear lets you focus on catching fish instead of fighting sunburn and wet clothes.

Synthetic shirts and shorts dry fast. Cotton gets heavy and causes rashes.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses help you spot fish and dodge hooks.
Grip-sole shoes stay put. No bare feet, no flip-flops, no black marks on the deck.
Light jacket blocks wind and rain. Weather changes fast on the water.
Full-brim hat beats the sun. Baseball caps leave your neck exposed.
Spare clothes keep you comfy. Salt and sweat make a miserable ride home.

Pack smart for changing weather. A Key West offshore trip means sun, wind, and spray. Dress in layers. Skip the jeans - they never dry. Keep phones and wallets in waterproof bags. The sea claims anything loose.

Fuel Up the Right Way

Hunger and dehydration sneak up fast on the water. The sun drains you. The excitement keeps you moving. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. Smart anglers pack more than they think they’ll need.

At least one gallon of water per person. No exceptions.
Sports drinks. Replace what sweat takes out.
Light snacks. Granola bars, fruit, jerky. Heavy meals sit in your gut and slow you down.
Small cooler. Keep your stash cold and separate from the boat’s main supply.
No glass containers or red drinks. Broken glass is a hazard, and red stains never come out of fiberglass.

Pack your own drinks and snacks. Boats stock basics, but you'll want your favorites. Skip anything that turns to goo in the sun. Fishing the reef takes energy. Pack light, strong snacks that work in the heat. A small cooler slides under your seat and keeps everything fresh.

Protect Your Skin and Eyes

The Keys sun shows no mercy. One bad burn ends your trip. Clouds won't save you - UV rays cut right through. Even locals get cooked some days. Buy quality reef-safe SPF 50+. Put it on before you step aboard. Hit those easy-to-miss spots: feet tops, ears, neck back. Keep applying through the day.

High-grade reef-safe sunblock (SPF 50+)
SPF lip protection - salt air cracks lips fast
Sun-blocking clothes - full sleeves, neck covers, face shields
Full-coverage hat - your neck needs shade too

The sun hits hard at the Dry Tortugas. Cover your neck and face with a gaiter or shield. Quality sunglasses matter - they spot fish better, block glare, and stop hooks. Buy two pairs. Salt ruins cheap ones fast. Need gear advice? Our crew knows what works in these waters.

Stay Ahead of Seasickness

Even the toughest anglers get caught by motion sickness. It doesn’t matter how many trips you’ve done. One rough day can knock you out. Don’t gamble. Take motion sickness meds the night before and again in the morning. Bring extras. Ginger chews, wristbands, and crackers help, but nothing beats real medication.

Start meds before you feel sick. Waiting until you’re queasy is too late
Pack ginger candy or gum for backup
Eat a light breakfast. Empty stomachs and heavy meals both make it worse
Stay hydrated. Dehydration makes symptoms hit harder

Motion sickness ruins fishing trips. Watch the waves, breathe fresh air, and stay out of enclosed spaces. Smart prep beats spending the day sick. Don't tough it out - ask our captains what works. They've helped hundreds of guests beat seasickness and catch fish instead.

What to Leave Behind

Not everything belongs on a fishing charter. Leave valuables at home. Expensive watches, jewelry, and anything you can’t afford to lose will only distract you. Drones, speakers, and big cameras get in the way and annoy the crew. Pack light, keep it simple, and focus on the experience.

No glass bottles. Dangerous and banned on most boats
No hard coolers. Take up too much space
No spray sunscreen. Slippery decks and angry captains
No bananas. Old superstition, but most crews won’t allow them

Stick to the essentials. The crew handles the rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You bring the attitude, the energy, and the right prep. That’s what makes the day run smooth. When you fish with us, we provide all the fishing equipment you’ll need, so you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about gear.

Final Checks Before You Board

Arrive early. Rushing leads to forgotten gear and missed instructions. Double-check your bag before you leave the house. Confirm the dock location, parking, and any last-minute details with your captain. Bring your fishing license if required. Some charters handle it, others don’t. Ask about what’s provided and what’s not. Don’t assume anything.

Photo ID and fishing license (if needed)
Cash for tips. Crew works hard, and tips are expected
Charged phone in a waterproof case
List of emergency contacts

Show up ready, and you’ll get more out of your day. The crew notices who’s prepared. You’ll spend less time scrambling and more time fishing. If you have any last-minute questions, we’re always available to help you get set for a smooth start.