Tips for Preparing for a Day of Deep Sea Fishing

April 2, 2018

Are you looking forward to your first time out deep sea fishing? Chances are you’ll be going with a professional guide the first time out—this is the best way for deep sea beginners to get their feet wet, so to speak.

If your fishing experience has primarily been in shallow waters or on freshwater lakes, you should know that deep sea fishing can be a completely different experience. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you better prepare for your first time out deep sea fishing in Sarasota, FL

Collect all needed materials and equipment

If you’ve hired a charter, you won’t have to worry as much about equipment, as the service will likely provide you with just about everything, including licenses, life jackets, rods and bait. Show up ready to fish and with your payment and you’ll be good to go.

If you’re going out in a private boat, make sure you have all the necessary licenses and safety equipment, including rods and reels specificallymeant for deep sea fishing, which are usually larger and stronger than freshwater equipment. You can rent these items from fishing outfitters.

Know how to dress

You’re probably going to get wet on the boat—this is almost unavoidable. Therefore, you shouldwear clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and bring along a towel to dry yourself off as needed. Bring sunglasses as well, as there will be little shade, and glare coming from the boat and the water can be quite harsh.

Bring some layers along with you. There’s a chance you won’t need them, but if you’re out until the evening or if the weather gets cloudy, you’ll find it can get chilly out at sea.

Anything you don’t want to get wet or lost should be left back on shore.

Safety and first aid

Bring along a bottle of sunscreen—preferably high-SPF sunscreen. You’re going to be out at sea for at least a few hours. Even if it’s cloudy, you can suffer from serious sunburns, so make sure to apply and reapply as needed.

If you’ve never been out deep sea fishing before,it can be a bit of a shock when you feel how rocky the boat is. If you start feeling sick, you should stay on deck, where it’s more stable and where you have fresh air. Take some Dramamine shortly before leaving if you know you are prone to motion sickness.

When working with a charter, the boat should be fully stocked with first aid and safety supplies. Just make sure you know how to use all of them, and you’ll be fine

Finally, bring plenty of water. The long-term exposure to the sun will make you lose liquids quickly. If you plan to drink alcohol while out on the water, make sure you are supplementing with plenty of water as well, as alcohol will only serve to hasten your dehydration.

For more tips about deep sea fishing in Sarasota, FL, contact Charter Boat Shark today.

Categorised in:

map

Business Hours

24 hours


July 30, 2024 Nathan B
"You want a great captain (Tino), first mate (Neal), good times and catch some amazing fish? Go to the Shark and Captain Tino. You will not r..."
April 10, 2024 John McLaughlin
"Great time, on fish immediately and kept up till we hit our limit. Great time for kids and adults. Will return next year."
April 10, 2024 Peter Kirkpatrick
"We had a great day of fishing! Captain Tino was able to accommodate 12 of us with both of his boats. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Kids..."
March 19, 2024 David Sills
"They were awesome. We had a great experience and will definitely come back!!"
January 5, 2024 Mary Ketelaar
"They were a very professional and safe crew! The Captain focused on safety, navigation, and getting us on fish, which there was no shortage ..."
© 2025 Charter Boat Shark | Terms and Conditions
Charter Boat Shark