From the crew at Wares The Fish – helping you travel light, fish smart, and enjoy every cast in the Florida Keys.
Why Packing Smart Matters
Heading out for fishing Key West style? Whether you booked a full-service fishing charter Key West adventure, plan to try the flats, or dream of bluewater big game, knowing what gear you actually need saves money, space, and stress. Many first‑time anglers overpack—only to learn the captain already had everything ready on board.
At Wares The Fish, we outfit every trip with the right tackle for the targeted species—tarpon, snapper, mahi, tuna, and more—so you can focus on the fight, not the packing list. Use this guide to see what we provide, what you should bring, and what you can confidently leave at home for both inshore fishing Key West and offshore fishing Key West trips.
Quick Packing Snapshot
Bring: Sun protection, polarized sunglasses, hat, non‑marking shoes, any personal snacks/drinks, small cooler (for taking fillets home), camera/phone, medications.
Provided on most charters (including Wares The Fish): Rods, reels, tackle, bait/lures, basic fish care, ice for the fish box, fishing licenses for anglers on board.*
Usually leave at home: Extra heavy rods, giant tackle boxes, personal fish finders, expensive gadgets that don’t like saltwater.
Always confirm details when you book—gear packages can vary by trip, season, and target species.
What We Provide on Your Wares The Fish Charter
We build trips around the bite, the season, and your goals. Here’s what you can expect when you book a Key West fishing charter with us.
- Rods & Reels Matched to the Mission
You don’t need to guess. We match rod length, power, and action to your trip type: lighter setups for flats & reef (inshore fishing in Key West), heavier gear for wrecks and pelagic (offshore fishing in Key West). Reels are spooled, maintained, and ready.
- Dialed‑In Tackle
Hooks, leaders, sinkers, floats, jigs, circle hooks for catch‑and‑release, heavier rigs for trolling or bottom drops—you’ll have what the day demands. No need to haul a giant tackle bag.
- Bait & Lures That Work Here
Live bait (shrimp, pinfish, ballyhoo, etc.) when available; cut bait when it’s the better call; and proven artificials when the bite turns visual or fast. Our crew rigs everything so even beginners can fish confidently from the first drop.
- Fish Care & Ice
We ice your catch in the boat’s fish box. At the dock, we can clean, fillet, and bag legal fish for you—just bring a cooler if you want to transport it.
- Licenses Covered (When Fishing With Us)
Anglers on a licensed fishing charter Key West trip with Wares The Fish are covered under our vessel’s permit in most cases. If you plan additional shore, pier, or kayak fishing on your own, check Florida’s current rules before casting.
What You Should Bring
Even though we supply the fishing gear, a few personal items make the day more comfortable.
Sun & Weather Protection
- Lightweight, breathable, long‑sleeve fishing shirt (UPF if possible)
- Buff/neck gaiter
- Wide‑brim hat or cap
- Polarized sunglasses (crucial for sighting fish inshore and spotting weedlines offshore)
- Reef‑safe sunscreen (apply before boarding; reapply often)
Footwear & Clothing
Wear non‑marking deck shoes or sandals with grip. Bring a light windbreaker or rain layer—weather can shift fast on the water.
Small Cooler or Soft Pack (Optional)
If you want to take fillets home, bring a small cooler with ice or plan to buy ice after the trip. We’ll bag your cleaned fish at the dock.
Personal Comfort & Essentials
- Motion sickness meds (if you’re not sure—take them early)
- Refillable water bottle (we carry extras, but staying hydrated matters)
- Snacks you enjoy (we keep basics; bring favorites if you have dietary needs)
- Phone/camera + waterproof pouch
What You Can Leave at Home
Save the space and the baggage fees. When you’re fishing with a fully equipped Key West fishing charter like ours, you don’t need to haul a garage full of gear.
Extra Rods & Heavy Combos
Unless we advise otherwise for a specialty trip, our gear already fits the season and target species—from tarpon on the flats to mahi offshore.
Huge Tackle Boxes
We’ve tested and packed the lures, leaders, and terminal tackle that consistently work in local water conditions. Bringing dozens of extras rarely helps—and often clutters the deck.
Personal Fishing License (For On‑Board Charter Fishing)
When you fish with Wares The Fish, your license is typically covered under our charter permit. Only purchase your own if you plan to fish separately from the boat (shore, pier, kayak, etc.). Always double‑check if rules change.
High‑End Electronics & Gadgets
Portable fish finders, drones, and delicate cameras often suffer in salt spray. Our electronics and local experience do the heavy lifting.
Inshore vs. Offshore: Does the Gear Change?
Yes—but we handle the changes for you.
Trip Type | Typical Targets | Gear Differences | What You Bring Changes? |
Inshore Fishing in Key West | Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, permit | Lighter rods, finer leaders, sight‑casting lures | Polarized glasses are a must; sun gear key. |
Offshore Fishing in Key West | Mahi, tuna, wahoo, sailfish | Heavier tackle, trolling spreads, deep rigs | Extra hydration & motion meds; offshore sun hits harder. |
Quick Pre Trip Checklist
Night Before
- Confirm departure time & marina directions (Hurricane Hole – we’ll email or text)
- Charge phone/camera
- Pack sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Prepare small cooler (leave in vehicle until after trip)
Morning Of
- Eat a light breakfast
- Take motion meds if needed
- Wear sun‑friendly layers
- Arrive 15 minutes early so we can load and go
Safety & Regulations: A Short Note
We follow all U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife rules for licensed charter operations. We also monitor seasonal closures, size limits, and bag limits—so when we say a fish goes back, it’s for a reason. Trust that we want healthy fisheries tomorrow as much as we want great fishing today.
Call Us, Book Online, or Email the Crew
Ready to fish? Have gear questions? Want to combine inshore fishing Key West with an afternoon reef trip? We’re here to help.
Wares The Fish
Hurricane Hole, 5130 U.S. 1 Key West, FL 33040-5417
Phone: (305) 587‑8810
Email: gofishwithal@gmail.com
