Inshore / Nearshore fishing trips are a family-friendly thing to do on a South Carolina vacation. While on our vessel, you’ll be within casting distance of popular spots like beaches, rocky shorelines, piers, jetties, flats, mangroves and more with light tackle. Now that you booked your Hilton Head inshore / nearshore fishing charter (wahoo!), you’re probably wondering what to pack for the boat.

Clothing

It’s important to bring plenty of layers if you’re planning to go out on the open waters of the Island. Even on the warmest days, you may notice drops in temperature. If you’re leaving the dock for your inshore / nearshore fishing trip early in the morning, you can’t rely on the sun to keep you warm from the start. At the same time, you’re not going to have a lot of shade out on our boat so you need to make sure can take off outer layers if you need to.

Here are our recommendations of what to bring on your inshore / nearshore fishing charter:

  • Windbreaker. This will protect you from spray and keep you warm on early morning starts.
  • Shorts during the late spring and summer; long pants if not.
  • Lightweight shirt. Wearing a shirt will protect your arms and shoulders from sunburn. Linen is perfect for keeping the heat away from your skin.
  • Light colored clothing. This reflects the sun to keep you cool in hot weather.
  • Gloves. These will keep your hands protected from sunburn, bad weather and line cuts.
  • Non-skid rubber soled shoes. Sneakers are perfect – flip flops aren’t recommended!

Weather Protection

If you’re planning a day on the waters of Hilton Head Island, then you have probably already thought about packing sunblock. We always recommend that you pack this even on overcast days. A lack of shade plus the ocean’s reflective glare can provide a very uncomfortable and unsafe experience if you’re not protected. At the same time, conditions can change very quickly out at sea. Unexpected downpours can turn your Hilton Head fishing charter into a nightmare if you are an unprepared angler.

Here is what we suggest you pack for your inshore / nearshore fishing charter:

  • Sunscreen. Make sure to get one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Lip balm. Lip balm with sun protection will stop your lips getting chapped out on the water.
  • Hat. Hats with brims provide shade and decrease the risk of sun stroke.
  • Polarized sunglasses. These will cut through the glare on the water to give you a better view of your target fish.
  • Waterproof jacket and rain pants. These are essential if you come across bad weather when you’re out at sea.

Pharmaceuticals

You may think that what you should bring on your inshore / nearshore fishing charter is only limited to your clothing and weather protection. It’s also a good idea to bring any medical equipment you think you might need on your trip with you. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

You don’t need the whole medicine cabinet with you, but you may want to bring these items on your Hilton Head fishing charter:

  • Seasickness medication. If you’re prone to seasickness stock up on over the counter remedies like Bonine® and Dramamine® . These are effective but should be taken a couple of hours in advance of the fishing trip. It’s always best to avoid combining anti nausea remedies with coffee. Avoid having too much to drink the night before if you want to have a puke-free trip!
  • Bug spray. This is an essential. Where there’s water, there are bugs, so come prepared!
  • Small first aid kit. Come equipped with band aids and antiseptic cream. We provide these on every inshore / nearshore fishing charter, but it’s always good to be prepared with your own means of dealing with minor cuts and grazes.
  • Hand sanitizer. No one wants to eat a sandwich when his or her hands are covered in fish slime.

Storage

Just as you would if you were going on a fishing trip in your hometown, you should bring a variety of bags and containers on your fishing charter. This lets you bring your stuff on board without worrying that it will be damaged by sea salt and spray.

Make sure to bring the following items on your Hilton Head Island inshore / nearshore fishing charter:

  • Backpack. You don’t need a fishing backpack any sturdy bag will usually do the job.
  • Collapsible cooler. This can easily fit into your luggage and will keep any food and drink you want to take on board with you fresh and cool. A double zip lock bag filled with ice from your hotel is a smart alternative to bringing gel ice.
  • Drinking bottle. Keeping water or an energy drink in a sports bottle will keep you hydrated and you won’t have to worry about leaks or spills.
  • Waterproof bag. It’s a good idea to bring small waterproof zip lock bag for your electronic items and important documents such as your driver’s license and fishing license.

Other essentials

Lastly, you’ll want to pack these essential items for your Hilton Head, SC fishing charter:

  • Camera. A camera or smartphone is essential for you to record your trophy catch. Consider investing in a chest harness to record the thrill of a fight without having to let go of the rod to use the controls.
  • Hand towel. Fishing can get messy!
  • Swimsuit. You never know, the fishing might get slow and then you could swim off the shore of the island.
  • For serious anglers: If you don’t want to leave home without your favorite rod and reel.

If you haven’t booked your fishing charter yet, now’s the time! Our Hilton Head Fishing Charters offers a great inshore / nearshore fishing experience. Book the trip of a lifetime on the South Carolina coast!