The salty breeze, the thrill of the chase, and the wide-open waters of the Gulf — there’s nothing quite like a day of fishing with Up Above Adventures. Whether you’re heading deep offshore or cruising the nearshore hotspots, the right gear and a little preparation can set you up for an unforgettable trip.
This guide breaks down exactly what to bring on a fishing charter, what to wear, and a few pro tips to make sure you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to reel in memories that’ll last a lifetime. Let’s get you ready to fish!
At Up Above Adventures, we make it easy to enjoy a hassle-free fishing experience. Here’s what we provide on every charter:
Rods and reels matched to the species you’ll target
All bait and tackle needed for a successful day
Ice to keep your catch fresh
Fish cleaning services at the end of the trip
Expert guidance and friendly service to help you have the best day possible
With the essentials covered, all you need to focus on is bringing a few personal comfort items — and getting ready for some serious fishing fun.
Dress for Comfort and Success on Your Fishing Charter
A day on the water can throw all kinds of weather at you — cool mornings, warm afternoons, bright sun, and the occasional salty spray. Dressing smart will keep you comfortable from the first cast to the last fish in the cooler.
The key is to focus on lightweight, quick-drying clothing that offers plenty of sun protection. Whether you’re headed offshore or staying nearshore, here are the essentials:
Long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt: Look for shirts rated for UV protection (UPF 30+). They keep you cool, dry, and protected from the sun.
Lightweight fishing pants or shorts: Quick-dry materials are ideal. Some anglers prefer pants even in summer to protect against the sun.
Closed-toe, non-slip shoes: Boat decks get wet and can be slippery, especially offshore. Choose shoes designed for boating or fishing.
Windbreaker or lightweight jacket: Especially important for deep sea trips where the morning air can be cool and ocean breezes stronger.
Hat and polarized sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat offers the best protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare and help you spot fish in the water.
Reef-safe sunscreen: High SPF (30 or higher) and water-resistant. Choose no spray sunscreen because it causes slipping hazards and discolors the vessel’s fiberglass.
Pro Tip: Choose light-colored clothing to help you stay cooler under the Texas sun.
Deep Sea vs. Nearshore: Adjusting for Your Adventure
While the basics of dressing smart stay the same, a few small adjustments can make your trip even more comfortable depending on whether you’re heading far offshore or staying closer to shore.
Deep Sea Fishing
When you’re heading miles offshore into open water, conditions can change quickly. You’ll likely face stronger winds, cooler morning temperatures, and more exposure to the sun and salt spray.
Layer up: Wear a lightweight base layer and bring a windbreaker or light jacket. It can feel cool in the morning and warm up fast later.
Stick with closed-toe shoes: Offshore decks can get slick, especially when landing big fish.
Extra sun protection: The open water reflects sunlight, making a wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen even more important. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day — even if it’s cloudy!
Dry bag for valuables: Salt spray is almost guaranteed offshore. Keep your phone, wallet, and dry clothes protected.
Nearshore Fishing
Fishing the bays, jetties, or close-to-shore waters usually means slightly calmer conditions and less exposure to strong winds and waves.
Breathable clothing: Lightweight shirts and shorts work well, though long sleeves are still a smart move for sun protection.
Footwear flexibility: Closed-toe shoes are still safest, but for nearshore trips, sturdy waterproof sandals can sometimes be acceptable (ask your captain if you’re unsure).
Light jacket optional: You probably won’t need it during warm months, but it’s a good idea for spring and fall mornings.
Pro Tip: Even if the forecast looks perfect, it’s better to pack one extra layer and not need it than to wish you had it!
Now that you know what to wear, let’s talk about how much to bring. Whether you’re heading out for a single-day adventure or a multiday offshore trip, a little smart packing will keep you comfortable and ready for action.
How Much Clothing Should You Pack?
How much you need to pack depends on the length of your trip. For most fishing charters, a little planning goes a long way toward keeping you comfortable.
Single-Day Fishing Trips
For a typical half-day or full-day trip (whether nearshore or offshore):
One set of clothes to fish in: Lightweight, sun-protective gear is a must.
One backup set of dry clothes: A dry shirt, shorts, and shoes make the ride home more comfortable, especially if you get wet or sweaty.
Small towel: Useful for drying off or wiping your hands.
Dry bag or waterproof backpack: Keeps spare clothes and valuables safe from water.
Overnight and Multiday Deep Sea Trips
If you’re heading out on a longer offshore adventure (24+ hours), you’ll want to plan for changing conditions and comfort over multiple days.
Pack at least one full change of clothes per day: Salt, sweat, and fish can soak through gear faster than you think.
Bring extra shirts and socks: These get wet and dirty quickly offshore.
Layering is key: Include a base layer, mid-layer (like a lightweight hoodie), and waterproof outer layer.
Multiple towels: One for showers and one for general use on the boat.
Comfort items: Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing during downtime, plus a small pillow and blanket if sleeping onboard.
Extra dry bags: Space can be tight — waterproof bags help keep clean and dirty clothes separate.
Pro Tip: Even on multiday trips, space is limited on boats. Pack smart and compact — think practical, not bulky.
Other Essentials to Bring on Your Fishing Trip
Up Above Adventures provides all the fishing gear you’ll need — but as far as personal essentials, here’s what to bring on a fishing charter to make your trip even more comfortable, safe, and fun.
Here’s a checklist of smart items to pack:
Drinks and Snacks: Staying hydrated and energized is key, especially on longer trips. We provide ice for your catch, but you’ll want your own cooler for personal drinks and snacks.
Motion Sickness Prevention: Even if you don’t usually get seasick, the open Gulf waters can surprise you. Bring Dramamine, seasickness wristbands, or patches — and for best results, start taking them the night before your trip.
Personal Medications: Bring anything you might need, such as inhalers, EpiPens, allergy meds, or prescriptions.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: High SPF, water-resistant, and reef-friendly formulas are best. Reapply often, especially after sweating or getting wet.
Lip Balm with SPF: Salt and sun can dry out your lips fast.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: Handy for quick cleanups after baiting hooks or handling fish.
Small Towel: Great for wiping down or drying off during and after the trip.
Waterproof Phone Case or Camera: Protect your electronics while still getting those brag-worthy catch photos.
Dry Bag: Keep valuables like your phone, wallet, dry clothes, and towels protected from spray and splashes.
Cash for Tipping: It’s customary to tip your crew 15–20% based on your experience.
Pro Tip: Packing these small extras can turn a good day on the water into a great one — and you’ll be prepared for whatever the Gulf throws at you!
Quick Packing Tips for a Smoother Trip
A little smart packing goes a long way toward making your fishing adventure even better. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
Pack light but smart: Space is limited on boats. Bring what you need, but leave bulky extras behind.
Label your gear: If you bring a cooler, dry bag, or personal rods (for custom trips), mark them with your name.
Dress in light colors: They reflect the sun better and help keep you cooler during those hot Gulf days.
Start motion sickness prevention early: Take Dramamine or other meds the night before your trip for the best results.
Bring more sunscreen than you think: Reapplying is key — one coat at the dock won’t cut it offshore.
Pack a dry set of clothes: Even if you don’t get soaked, changing after a long day feels amazing.
Stay flexible: Weather can change fast on the Gulf. A jacket you don’t need is better than needing one you didn’t bring.
Pro Tip: No glass bottles! And when in doubt, ask your captain — the crew at Up Above Adventures is always happy to offer last-minute packing advice!
Fishing Made Easy with Up Above Adventures
At Up Above Adventures, we believe your fishing trip should be all about the fun — not stressing over gear or guessing what to bring. That’s why we provide everything you need for a successful day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning. Our experienced, friendly crew is here to make sure you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to reel in memories that’ll last a lifetime.
With just a little smart packing, you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure — whether you’re heading deep offshore or sticking closer to shore.
Galveston is only about an hour southeast of downtown Houston, Texas, and is a charming island city on the Gulf Coast that allows for fishing for many different species of fish.
Galveston is a Texas city located on Galveston Island that is surrounded by the West Bay, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to finding the right yacht, another important element of a charter will be its crew. A crew will know your cruising area better than anybody else.
The official federal Red Snapper dates for 2023 have been released! Anglers will be able to fish in the federal waters as of June 1 through August 25th. Let’s discuss the difference between State vs. Federal waters seasons. In the Gulf of Mexico, every state oversees the first nine nautical miles of sea. After that, you…
Often when you hear Galveston fishing, people think bay fishing, fishing near the jetties, fishing on the peer, or on the beach. Deep Sea fishing out of Galveston is overlooked by so many. There is no need to travel across state lines or even out of the country. Believe it or not, you can catch…
