Charters generally are split between a full day or a half day fishing trip. This blog focuses on half-day fishing trips which can be four, five, or six hours long. We also delve into twilight fishing and go over the process of fishing on a charter boat and what you should expect.
When Will You Be Going?
Shorter charter trips, such as half day fishing trips or twilight fishing trips give you a lot of flexibility in choosing when you go. The first thing to learn about short fishing trips is that they don’t take all day. Many half day fishing adventures give you options such as early morning, afternoon, and evening departure times. Since you will be fishing for four, five, or six hours, you gain the advantage of having many options. Should you fish in the morning, afternoon, or at night?
Morning fishing is often good fishing as fish are more active.
Afternoon fishing allows you to make morning meeting and run errands or other chores and then hit the water in the mid-morning or early afternoon. Twilight fishing leaves later in the day so that long meeting with your clients will not interrupt your fishing plans. Twilight fishing allows you to do a full days’ work and then still enjoy a great time fishing in the evening hours. Fishing options include Morning, afternoon and twilight as well as overnight, half day, and full day trips. Every option to let you fish the times you need to fish.
Twilight Fishing
Twilight fishing is a late afternoon departure where you fish into the evening. You may leave as late as 5 or 6 PM and return just after sunset. These trips are amazing because many species of fish are more active in early morning and in the evening hours. If you are visiting Destin Florida and have a busy day scheduled, a twilight fishing trip can be just what you need. It is relaxing, focused, and allows you to enjoy your time on the water. If you work all day and want to deep-sea fish after work, a twilight charter is just what you need.
How Much Do You Need to Pack for A Half Day Fishing Trip?
The most important items to bring on a half-day fishing charter are sunscreen, water, and food. It is a good idea to bring sea-sickness medication, and to also take it according to the directions before getting on the boat.
You will need a variety of clothing – Fishing on a boat can go from cold to hot to raining in half a second. The best advice is to dress in layers. Bundle up for morning trips and shed layers as the day gets warmer. A windbreaker jacket is a smart clothing item. It may be a warm day, but wind can make you miserable. If you expect rain or clouds, a light rain jacket can be handy. Having the right weather gear means you fish long and are not stuck in the cabin trying to stay warm, dry, or cool. Bring a hat. The UPF hats are excellent for anglers. UPF is the fabric equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. The sun on the water will refract sun rays at you. If you expect to see clearly or to spot-fish, polarized sunglasses are a must. They will knock the glare and let you see remarkably well.
Food – Bring plenty of fresh water. The salt in the air is drying, and it can impact your comfort. A moisturizing sunscreen is also essential to combat the dryness of saltwater. You should bring a complete meal and a few snacks. If you are leaving in the morning, eat a light breakfast and then a larger snack at midmorning. You don’t want to be overly full while fishing. If you are fishing with children, fruit is a good option. The natural sugars will keep them active without the sugar crash later. Juice and water are also key items.
A Camera – A charter fishing adventure is just that – an adventure. Be prepared to photograph your time on the boat.
Twilight Fishing – If you are headed off into the afternoon for a twilight fishing trip, consider a blanket or wrap that will keep you warm while you rest.
How To Prepare For Your First Half-Day or Twilight Fishing Trip
One of the keys to making a fishing adventure successful is to understand what your experience will be. That is true of a half day fishing trip, full day fishing trip, or overnight fishing trip. The basic scenario for a half-day fishing trip is that you:
- Arrive at the boat – Pack up the stuff you are taking with you the evening before the boat leaves. This means food, sunscreen, clothing, etc.
- Boat to the fishing location – Once you are on the boat, you will get a safety conversation, meet your mate and the captain and any type of instructions about fishing. This often happens as the boat is leaving the harbor and on the way to where you will fish.
- You fish – The mate is going to be the one who helps you set up your pole, show you how to fish, and give you pointers as you catch fish. They will also clean your fish for you, bag, them, so it is easier for you to just enjoy fishing.
- You come back to the dock – Expect to be tired when you return to the dock, especially if you are new to fishing. If you have brought enough water, snacks and food, you should be in good shape. Everything that you have prepared for comes down to when you get back to the dock. If you prepared well, you were not sea sick, you caught all the fish you wanted, and you had a good time making new friends and are already planning your next charter.
The success and failure of fishing trips comes down to how well you prepare to enjoy a day or half-day of fishing. Food, water, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, polarized sunglass, and an adventurous attitude are all essential parts of successful fishing trips. Your captain and mate will do the rest for you. All you have to do is keep the tip of the rod up, and fish the salty brine.
Image source: Sam Carlson