How boat fishing is different
On a fishing boat the captain takes you to where the fish are. You can reach deep water that no pier or breakwater touches, and since finding a spot is not your job, beginners tend to get bites sooner. The trade-off is that once the boat leaves, you cannot get off when you like, and you will be fishing shoulder to shoulder on a small deck that never stops moving. That is why preparation and rules matter more than gear. Some boats take individual anglers together, others are chartered by one group; for a first trip, a short outing of a few hours close to shore is easiest on body and nerves.
What to ask when booking
Check the target species, departure and return times, meeting point and what the fare includes. Many boats rent rods and rigs, and renting is the smarter choice the first time. Bad weather can cancel a trip or bring it back early, so ask about cancellation and refund terms in advance. It is also worth confirming that the boat is properly registered for fishing trips and carries insurance.
- Target species, departure and return times, meeting point
- Whether rental gear, bait and rigs are included
- Weather cancellation and refund terms
- What ID you need to board
What to bring and wear
Out on the water the wind is stronger and it feels colder than on land. Pack a light windbreaker even in summer and wear a waterproof shell against spray and rain. Choose shoes with soles that grip a wet deck, and leave sandals at home. Boats often record a passenger list and check identity, so bring your ID. Ask beforehand whether a cooler for your catch is provided.
- Waterproof jacket and a change of clothes
- Non-slip shoes
- ID and a waterproof phone pouch
- Water, snacks and a towel
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Life jackets and staying safe aboard
Wear your life jacket from the moment you board until you step off. The minute you take it off because it is hot or bulky is the most dangerous minute of the day. Tighten the straps to fit, and if it is an inflatable type, learn how it works before you go. Listen to the safety briefing before departure and note where the life rings and emergency gear are kept. Stay seated while the boat is under way, and never sit on the rail or lean out over the side. Do not board after drinking.
- Life jacket from boarding to landing
- Listen to the pre-departure briefing
- Stay seated while the boat is moving
- Keep one hand on the rail when you move
Keeping seasickness at bay
Seasickness comes from a mismatch between the motion your eyes see and the motion your body feels. The first defence is a good night's sleep and no heavy drinking the night before. Eat something light before departure and skip greasy food or big meals. On board, stay near the middle of the boat where it moves least, in fresh air, and look at the distant horizon. Staring at a phone screen or standing in engine fumes tends to make it worse. Seasickness medicine works only if taken before boarding, as the label directs, not after you already feel ill; some types cause drowsiness, so talk to a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition. If you need to vomit, do it over the downwind side while holding the rail firmly.
- Sleep well and go easy on drink the night before
- Eat light before boarding
- Stay midship and watch the horizon
- Take medicine before boarding, as directed
Rules and manners on board
On a boat the captain's signal is the rule. Drop your rig when told and reel up immediately when told. Leaving a line in the water while the boat repositions causes tangles and can be dangerous. Because everyone fishes side by side, follow any instruction to use the same sinker weight, and if your line tangles with a neighbour's, sort it out together without blame. Even where casting is allowed, avoid big overhead swings and check around you first. Cover hooks and knives when not in use, and bring all rubbish and cut line back to shore.
Cancelled trips and early returns
The captain decides whether to sail and when to return based on weather and sea conditions, and departures may be barred altogether when a high-wind or high-seas warning is in force. However disappointing, following that call is what keeps you safe. Check the marine forecast the day before and again that morning, and keep your phone on so the boat can reach you. If you start to feel seriously unwell on board, tell the crew straight away rather than toughing it out.
Common mistakes
Most first-trip mistakes come down to poor preparation. Running through the list below before you leave will make the day far more comfortable. This is general information; on the water, the safety instructions of the captain and crew come first. If dizziness or other symptoms continue after you are back on land, seek medical help.
- Taking off the life jacket because it is hot
- Boarding on an empty stomach or after a big meal
- Taking seasickness medicine only once you feel sick
- Dropping a rig before the signal or reeling up late
- Forgetting spare clothes or a cooler
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