What to Bring on an Overnight Fishing Trip

Written By: Pete Robbins

Once you’ve caught the angling bug in a big way, you might want to expand your horizons by taking an overnight fishing trip. Whether you’re going on a private boat, a small charter, or a larger head boat, these overnight or multi-day fishing trips allow you to go further, cover more water, and embark on a special type of adventure. You’ll expand your horizons while testing your mettle – and ideally hoisting some fish over the rails.

These overnight and multi-day charter fishing trips head out from the east and west coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico. They target different species – everything from giant bluefin tuna to swordfish to mahi mahi and various reef fish like Red Snapper and grouper. Sometimes, you can chase multiple species and engage in different types of fishing, and that highlights another thing that’s special and distinct about these types of fishing trips: You need to take care to prepare even more than you would for a four-hour, eight hour, or full day 12-hour fishing trip because once you push away from the dock, you’ll have no more chances to restock on the essential items that make a fishing trip successful.

Pick the Right Boat

Before you commit your time and money to a specific boat or trip, ensure you understand what you’re getting into. How long will you be away? What type or types of fishing equipment will you need? Are there bunks and showers to get refreshed? Is food available or provided, or do you have to bring everything yourself?

If you’re an old hand at this, you probably know the answers to those questions, but double-checking never hurts. If you’re new, get a comprehensive list from a boat rep and perhaps another from someone who’s been on the trip – they’re not hard to find on social media. You won’t want to overpack because space will be limited, but you want to ensure you won’t be uncomfortable or underprepared.

When you talk to them, also check if you’ll need a particular fishing license or even documents for entering foreign waters. At the very least, you should take a form of ID like a driver’s license for any identification need. Finally, get a sense of how much cash you’ll need and bring quite a bit more – all sorts of extra expenses may pop up, most notably tips to the captain and crew.

Also, find out your limit or limits of fish so you can prepare with the proper cooler and freezer space and arrange processing if necessary.

Pack the Right Fishing Gear

Since this is a fishing trip, you’ll want the proper gear for success – rods, reels, line, lures, and terminal tackle. Make sure it’s tough enough – no one wants to bring a knife to a gunfight – and bring extras, within reason. If it’s a type of fishing you have never tried and may never try again, see if there are rental options on the boat or from a nearby tackle store. Most quality deep-sea fishing operations provide a detailed fishing equipment list, and they’ll also have an opportunity to purchase some extras on board if you run out of a particular item.

Next, make an overnight fishing trip checklist. You’ll want to have the right fishing clothing. Whether it’s summer or winter, a cold-water destination, or the tropics, you’re likely to have greater swings in temperatures and conditions than you would have on land. Temperature swings, wind, and rain can all be dealt with, but if you don’t, you will be ineffective and uncomfortable, ruining even wide-open fishing.

Start with your fishing outerwear. Even if you don’t see heavy downpours in the forecast, a quality fishing rain suit is a good insurance. Furthermore, you can layer it up to protect against a chilly breeze. One of the most versatile is the AFTCO Barricade Jacket and waterproof fishing bibs. They pack up tightly so as not to take up much space. The Reaper Windproof Jacket or windproof pullover will complement the suit well and can stand alone as a barrier against nasty gusts.

Depending on the conditions, bring at least one extra set of clothes, including shorts or pants. Ideally, they’ll be made for fishing, with appropriate tool pockets, quick-drying materials, and stain-resistant fabric. Similarly, quality fishing shirts will help you stay layered and protected without being prone to ruin under the weight of the elements.

Don’t forget your extremities. A pair of quality polarized sunglasses will help you in bright sunlight, while a small battery-powered headlamp excels in darkness. In cold weather, you’ll need warm, insulated fishing gloves as the spray comes off your reel, and in hot weather, you’ll want fishing sun gloves to protect you from harmful rays. They’ll also prevent you from getting blisters as you winch in big fish from the depths.

Finally, a fishing hat will protect your head from the sun or the cold. The Breakwater Waterproof Beanie is exceptional for cool, foul weather, and the Cast Boonie is helpful in blocking the sun or shielding light rain. Place all this gear in a quality boat bag or waterproof duffle bag, and you can carry it over your shoulder or back. Whether you're packing for a freshwater or saltwater destination trip, AFTCO has you covered. 

Creature Comforts Matter

Because an overnight trip, by design, keeps you out longer, you need to guard against letdowns in health, comfort, or safety. That starts with seasickness prevention. You may encounter rough seas and be unable to see the shoreline when it happens, with no opportunity to go in. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who’s never been ill on the water, but you don’t want it to happen now. Consider an over the counter or prescription medication to allow you to enjoy the entire trip.

Next, there’s the matter of hygiene for you and your fellow boatmates. If showers are on board, bring a towel, a bar of soap, and shampoo. Besides helping you clean up, a quick shower will make you feel better and ready to battle big gamefish. Of course, a toothbrush and toothpaste are critical but don’t forget other toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medications you’ll need.

If you need to bring food, especially perishables, you'll need a cooler. You'll also need one to take home your expected catch. Sometimes, this can be the same cooler; other times, you'll need more than one. Sometimes, the extra can be stored in your vehicle on land. An insulated water bottle also goes a long way. It's easy to get caught up in these trips' excitement and forget to hydrate. On top of that, bring snacks. They'll keep you stoked and ready during moves, and you can loan them out to your friends who forgot their own.

Most importantly, bring a great attitude and an abundance of cautious optimism. You’re venturing farther and pushing boundaries beyond the Average Joe, but the payoff almost always outweighs the minimal risk.

Author's Profile: Pete Robbins

Pete Robbins is a one of the most trusted and heavily published scribes in the world of bass fishing. He is a Senior Writer for Bassmaster and has blogged for Yamamoto’s Inside Line for well over a decade. He has also been published in outlets as varied as Texas Monthly and Goat Rancher Magazine. He and his wife run a website called Half Past First Cast that’s dedicated to promoting and simplifying fishing travel. Robbins received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in 1992, and a JD from Columbia Law School in 1995. In his “day job” he specializes in Federal administrative law.