The Briny Checklist for a Day On the Water

As the coast fades into the horizon, you sigh and reach for a cold brew. Dread meets your fingers as you clench the warm glass sphere. The thought shatters any hope you had for cloud nine when you’re out on a deep-sea fishing trip. What's more, you flip the cooler open and discover that only two bottles remain. It happens to the best of us.

Your day on the water is meant to be an escape. But from rookies to seasoned sailors, we've all left items behind that can make the experience a better one. Only to think of them when it's too late.

To help our readers relax, reconnect, and recharge, we've made a friendly list of what to bring when heading out for an offshore fishing trip. So, from hooded fishing shirts, to what snacks to pack, let’s begin.

Safety Comes First

Accidents happen--even out there, your Mom was right. The suitable precautions can prevent matters from getting worse.

First Aid Kit

Do you have a first aid kit onboard? As the weather warms up, collect some additional items to compensate if you have a few more guests. The more people you entertain and the longer you head out, the more prepared you’ll want to be.

Get a kit designed for on-the-go use. Read the description closely so that nothing in your safety equipment (adhesives or medicine) spoils right away. A standard marine first aid kit should include:

• Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds
• First aid cream
• Tourniquet
• A variety of adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Sting relief wipes
• Cold packs
• Scissors
• Aspirin
  
  

  Bulk up your kit with a quick run to a convenience store. Add items that come in handy like tweezers, a space blanket, burn and eyewash treatments.
  
  

An anchor and rode

You may never plan to anchor it, but it’s essential to have this as safety gear. If your engine breaks down and you need assistance, an anchor can keep you in place. Drifting off can be dangerous and is unnecessary.  

Devices

We've all been waiting to recover signal service on an offshore fishing trip so we can upload that massive catch to the 'gram. But sometimes it takes longer than we'd like. Social stories aside, you won't want to wait for service if something more serious happens. A VHF radio onboard ensures that you'll have a form of communication in case of an emergency. You won't have to rely on a network to reach someone for help or on-water assistance.

Licenses

When you head out, make sure to take your driver’s license and a valid fishing license. Each state has its fishing license requirements, which may differ from salt to fresh water. I know that it’s not typical to discuss paperwork out on the water, but leave either, and you might ruin a good day on the water.

Depending on the state or body of water, you may be able to purchase a day, week, or year license.

Fishing Gear

So what to bring fishing?? So the below are the most obvious items to take along for deep-sea fishing trips; take a screenshot anyway. It's the little things (that you forget), ammiright? Running down this list is a BRINY ritual before heading out; reading through it can be a practice that saves you a lot of time.

• Rod & Reels (As a general rule, take more than you need, but be mindful of the size of the vessel you will be fishing on.)
• Lures
• Bait
• Plyers
• Terminal tackle (weights, hooks, swivels, etc.)
• Bobbers/Indicators
• Fishing net
• Extra line
• Extra leader line
• Sharp knife
• Filet knife, if you plan on carving up your catch!

Emergency Repair Items

The list below are honorable mentions of items that can serve for quick emergency repairs:

• Duct and electrical tape
• A screwdriver
• An adjustable crescent wrench
• A portable jumper pack, in case of a dead battery
• A knife
• A flashlight
• Hose stainless crimps
  
  

Personal Care Kit
The above is preventive for complications, but the personal items below will make your deep sea fishing trips deliciously pleasant.

Forgetting them won’t ruin your trip but might cut it short, which is what we’re here to prevent.

• Badger Sport Sunscreen
• Toilet Paper
• Dramamine for motion sickness
• Specific allergy medicine
• Bug repellent

Fishing Apparel
We start with Briny's Ultra Performance hooded fishing shirt. We hate to toot our own horn, but it's a must on your list. Our lightweight, high-performance Microtech fabric will protect you from extreme conditions and cool you all at once. Don't worry about things getting messy out there; we've got you covered; these shirts are stain repellent.

We always recommend pairing it with a hat and sunglasses if the sun's out.

Waterproof Bag

You’ll want to pack your crucial belonging in a waterproof bag—store personal items, phones, and keys here. Severe conditions can wear down devices like phones or keys, so refrain from leaving them out of the bag. As a general rule, what can get wet, will get wet on a boat. So drybag whatever you need to protect your items from the water.

Similarly, have an insulated bag to pack your food to prevent it from getting soggy.

Provisions for the Day

Going back to the beginning for a second, this checklist avoids dread out on the boat. The right snacks will not only make your day but will upgrade a guest’s time out there as well. And remember, NO BANANAS on the boat!

What’s up with bananas on a boat? Read more about this nautical superstition. 

Hydration

Yes, you need to take bottles of water. Make sure to gather them up before getting off the boat and recycling what you’ve used. Be sure you’ve covered all the items you’ve handed out to avoid something blowing out on the water or dock. Always take more water than you need.

You can also take hydration supplements like Nuun or Electrolytes. If someone is feely a little under the water, this can supply a quick recovery.

Quick snacks

Speaking of nourishment, if you need meals to be quick and easy, here are some favorites of the BRINY staff when they mean to keep it simple:

• Fresh fruit can help hydrate everyone with a natural boost of energy. You can try grapes, watermelon, oranges, kiwis, or berries. Just remember, no bananas!
• KIND Whole Fruit Bars, Strawberry Apple Chia
• Powerup Trail Mix
• CLIF Energy Bars
• Energy balls

Appetizers

Perhaps aside from fishing, you’re also looking to indulge in some delectable snacks. Here are some great entertainment options that aren’t too annoying to plan or clean up.

• Hummus, pita chips, and celery sticks
• Veggie sticks sprinkled with Tajín (pack them with ice to keep crisp)
• Greek pasta salad
• Pre-made subs cut up in snackable sizes

As stated earlier, your day on the water is a break from everyday life on land. Use our friendly list for a quick cruise on the water or deep sea fishing trip; see how it fits.

We’re often getting asked what to bring on offshore fishing trips, but we’re eager to hear from you, too, and try new tips out for ourselves. Send over your suggestions on things you make sure to include that mark the difference.