What to Pack for a Deep Sea Fishing Trip Out of Orlando

Deep sea fishing off Orlando's coast doesn't forgive mistakes. You're out there with the sun beating down, wind shifting without warning, and water that couldn't care less about your comfort. What's in your bag determines whether you fish all day or spend it wishing you'd stayed home. Pack for what's real, not what's easy.

• Long-sleeve shirts made from synthetic material keep the sun off and dry in minutes. Cotton soaks up sweat and stays wet. You want fabric that breathes and protects.
• Quick-dry shorts or pants let you move. Wet jeans weigh you down and restrict every motion. Flexible clothing means you can cast, climb, and work without fighting your gear.
• Deck shoes or sandals with grip keep you standing when the boat tilts. Flip-flops slide off. Going barefoot gets you hurt. Solid footwear keeps you upright when it matters.
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap blocks the sun from your face. Light reflects off the ocean and burns twice as fast. A good hat protects your skin and keeps you sharp.
• Rain jacket or windbreaker belongs in every pack. Conditions shift fast. A storm can soak you before you react. Stay dry, stay focused.
• Clean clothes for the ride back. Fish guts, salt water, and sweat pile up fast. Fresh gear makes the drive home bearable.

Florida weather changes without asking. One hour you're baking under clear skies. The next, wind cuts through your shirt. Layers keep you ready for whatever hits. Curious what you'll actually catch out there? The target species guide breaks down what's running and helps you pack the right gear for real fishing.

Sun Protection You Can't Skip

More trips get wrecked by sunburn than rough seas. The glare bouncing off the Atlantic doubles the damage to your skin. Sunscreen isn't a nice-to-have. It's required equipment. Every angler who knows what they're doing packs a full sun kit.

• High-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen that actually stays on. Bargain brands wash off in minutes. Quality formula holds through sweat and spray.
• Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and let you see fish moving below the surface. Standard shades miss everything and tire your eyes.
• Lip balm with SPF. Cracked lips bleed and hurt for days. One small tube prevents hours of pain.
• Neck gaiter or buff. The back of your neck gets torched fast. A simple piece of cloth blocks rays and keeps you cool.
• Aloe gel for when you miss a spot. Burns happen. Aloe takes the edge off and speeds healing.

Clouds don't stop UV rays. Even when it's overcast, the sun gets through. Check your sun protection twice before you board. Want to know what a real offshore day involves? The first-timer's guide walks through everything that actually matters.

Food and Water That Holds Up

Hunger hits hard on the water. Salt air drains your energy. Fighting a big fish leaves you empty. Smart anglers bring food that works for a full day—nothing complicated, just what keeps you going.

• Water, and lots of it. Dehydration sneaks up before you feel it. One bottle won't cut it. Bring double what you think you need.
• Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks you can eat one-handed. Complicated food gets wasted. Simple, solid options fuel you between casts.
• Electrolyte drinks or powder. Sweat pulls salt out of your system. Replace it or deal with headaches and exhaustion.

Camera Gear That Survives

Hooking a trophy fish feels incredible. Losing the photo feels worse. Waterproof cameras or phones in tough cases are standard for anyone who wants proof. Salt spray destroys electronics fast. A decent case protects your phone. Extra batteries and memory cards mean you capture the sunrise and the final catch.

Curious what offshore fishing actually looks like? The photo gallery shows real trips from anglers who packed right. Every shot tells the story. Make sure you're ready to document yours.

Seasickness Hits Everyone

Even experienced anglers get sick when swells build. Motion sickness drains your energy and kills the day. Nobody's exempt. Wristbands, ginger chews, and over-the-counter meds all work for different people. The key is taking them before the boat starts rocking. Wait until you feel queasy, and nothing helps.

Don't risk your trip. Bring what works for you. The FAQ covers more on staying steady when the water gets rough. A little preparation keeps you fishing instead of hanging over the rail.

The Complete Packing List

Forget one critical item, and you'll think about it all day. A solid checklist keeps your mind on the fish, not your missing gear. Here's what belongs in every bag before heading out with the Orlando Princess Fishing Fleet:

• Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts and quick-dry shorts or pants
• Non-slip deck shoes or sandals
• Hat and polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• Snacks, lunch, and extra water
• Camera or phone with waterproof protection
• Motion sickness prevention
• Small backpack or dry bag to hold everything

What you bring matters more than what you hope for. The Orlando Princess Fishing Fleet handles the vessel and tackle, but whether you're comfortable or miserable? That's on you. Want to know what's already waiting on board? The onboard services page breaks down exactly what you'll find when you arrive.

Book Your Deep Sea Fishing Trip in Orlando Now

Your next fishing trip won't book itself. The Orlando Princess Fishing Fleet runs trips for snapper, grouper, and anyone who wants a solid day on the water with people they actually like. Call 321-784-6300 or contact us to lock in your spot and get real answers about what your day at sea will look like.