The Ultimate Deep Sea Fishing Packing Checklist (SoCal Edition)

Spirit Sportfishing Blog · Updated October 2026

The difference between a great day on the water and a miserable one usually isn't the fishing — it's the preparation. Here's the complete checklist I give every first-timer, refined over years of Southern California charters.

The Non-Negotiables

• Sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and burns you twice as fast. SPF 30+, applied before you board and reapplied every two hours. The number-one regret on every trip.
• Layers. Mornings on the water are cold even in August — it can be 58°F at the dock and 78°F by noon. Bring a warm layer you can peel off. A windbreaker or light jacket is mandatory.
• Non-slip, closed-toe shoes. Decks get wet and slippery. No flip-flops, no bare feet. Old sneakers or deck boots are perfect.
• Sunglasses (polarized if you have them). You'll spot fish and bait schools better, and your eyes will thank you after 8 hours of glare.
• Hat. A brimmed hat or cap. Sun protection and it keeps your hair out of your face when the wind picks up.
• Motion sickness prevention. If you've ever felt queasy in a car, take Dramamine or Bonine the night before and the morning of — once you're sick, it's too late. The patch (scopolamine) needs a prescription; ginger chews help as backup. Don't be a hero. Half the miserable trips I've seen were preventable seasickness.

Food & Drink

• More water than you think. A gallon per person for a full day. Dehydration sneaks up fast with sun, wind, and excitement.
• Food. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks — whatever you'll actually eat. The boat may have a galley, but don't count on it for a private six-pack. Avoid greasy heavy food if you're prone to seasickness.
• A cooler. Most private charters let you bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Confirm with the operator — and ask about their alcohol policy before you pack the beer.

Smart Extras

• A small dry bag or ziplock for your phone. Phones and saltwater spray are enemies. A $5 dry pouch saves a $1,000 phone.
• Camera / GoPro. You'll want proof of the big one. A rail mount for a GoPro gets great fight footage.
• Chapstick with SPF. Burned lips ruin the next three days.
• A towel. Small one. You'll use it.
• Cash for the crew tip. 15–20% of the charter price — see our price and tipping guide. ATMs at the landing charge fees; bring cash.
• California fishing license. Everyone 16+ needs one. Here's exactly what you need — buy it online the night before.

What NOT to Bring

• Your own expensive rod (unless you're experienced and the captain okays it). The boat's gear is rigged for exactly what you'll be doing.
• Bananas. Old sailor superstition — but why risk angering the fish gods?
• Hard-sided large coolers on small boats — check size limits with the operator.
• Spray sunscreen. The overspray coats the deck and makes it dangerously slippery. Use lotion.
• Glass bottles. Most boats ban them. Cans and plastic only.

Kids: The Extra List

Bringing young anglers? Add: extra snacks (a hungry kid is a done kid), a change of clothes in a dry bag, kid-sized sunscreen, and something for the ride out — the run to the fishing grounds can be 30–60 minutes of just sitting. A private charter is far better for kids than a party boat — see why.

Seasonal Adjustments

• Summer (Jun–Sep): Light layers, extra sunscreen, extra water. Mornings can still be overcast ("June gloom") — don't skip the jacket.
• Fall (Oct–Nov): The most variable season. Mornings can be genuinely cold; afternoons warm. Bring the full layering system.
• Winter (Dec–Mar): Warm jacket, beanie, gloves for the ride out. Waterproof outer layer if rain is forecast. Fewer crowds, but dress like it.
• Spring (Apr–May): Wind is the wildcard — spring afternoons can blow 15+ knots. A windbreaker is essential.

A Note on Tackle (for the Gear-Curious)

The boat provides everything, but if you want to understand what you'll be using: SoCal private charters typically run 20–30 lb conventional setups for bass and rockfish, 40–60 lb for yellowtail and white seabass, and 80–100 lb for tuna. Live bait (sardines, anchovies) is the standard offering; artificial lures like swimbaits and surface irons come out when conditions are right. You don't need to know any of this to have a great trip — but the anglers who ask the deckhand "what are we fishing and why" always catch more.

The Night Before

Check the daily fish counts and fishing calendar to see what's biting. Charge your phone. Lay out your layers. Buy your license. Take the seasickness pill. Then get some sleep — the boat leaves early, and tired anglers miss bites.