Gear Checklist & Day-of Tips
A little preparation turns a good trip into a great one. Here's what to bring and how to make the day memorable — whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth.
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The checklist
- Valid California fishing license — Required for anglers 16+ on ocean trips — buy ahead or at most landings.
- Polarized sunglasses — Cuts glare so you can actually see the water.
- Sunscreen, hat, layers — Mornings are cold even in August; the sun is brutal by noon.
- Non-marking shoes — Boat decks are slippery — leave the black soles at home.
- Food, drinks & a cooler — Bring more water than you think you need.
- Motion-sickness remedy — Take it the night before AND the morning of — once you're sick, it's too late.
- Small tackle box — Landings rent gear, but your own basics are nicer.
- Fillet knife — Many boats fillet your catch dockside for a small fee.
- Cash — For the galley, the fish-cleaning station, and the crew tip.
Day-of tips that make it memorable
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Boats leave on time, with or without you.
- Tip the crew 15–20% for good work — deckhands work overwhelmingly for tips.
- Listen to the deckhands. They want you catching fish; do what they say.
- Stay hydrated and eat — seasickness hits hardest on an empty, dehydrated stomach.
- Keep your area tidy and your line out of others' way. Good boat etiquette gets noticed.
- Take the photo fast and get the fish back in the water if you're releasing.
- Ask questions. Captains and crews love talking fishing — that's half the fun.
The full checklist, by category
Must-haves
- Valid California fishing license — required for anglers 16 and older on ocean trips. Buy online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before the trip, or at most landings the morning of. Kids under 16 don't need one. Keep it on you on the boat.
- Polarized sunglasses — cuts glare so you can actually see the water (and the fish).
- Sun protection: sunscreen, a hat, and a light long-sleeve layer. Mornings are cold even in August; the sun is brutal by noon. Dress in layers you can peel off.
- Non-marking, non-slip shoes — boat decks are slippery when wet. Leave the black soles at home.
- Motion-sickness remedy — take it the night before AND the morning of. Once you're sick, it's too late. This is the single most-forgotten item on the list.
Food, drink & comfort
- More water than you think you need, plus snacks and a real meal for full-day trips. Seasickness hits hardest on an empty, dehydrated stomach.
- A small cooler for drinks and for taking your filleted catch home.
- Cash — for the galley, the dockside fish-cleaning station, and the crew tip (15–20% for good work; deckhands work overwhelmingly for tips).
- A dry bag or zip-top bags for your phone, wallet, and license.
If you're bringing kids
- Snacks they actually like, sunscreen reapplied on schedule, and a change of clothes in the car.
- A half-day morning trip is the sweet spot — calmest water, shortest day, home for lunch.
- Kids under 16 don't need a fishing license in California.
Overnight & multi-day add-ons
- Sleeping bag and pillow (bunks are provided, bedding usually isn't).
- Toiletries, medications, and a headlamp.
- Extra layers — nights on the water run cold year-round.
What NOT to bring: glass bottles (most boats ban them), bananas (old superstition, but some crews take it seriously), strong perfume/cologne (fish can smell it on bait), and hard-sided roller luggage (there's nowhere to stow it). When in doubt, ask us before the trip.
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