Planning a fishing trip can be exciting, and part of the fun is ensuring you're well-prepared for the adventure. The following list is Stephen Babcock's suggestions for items you might want to bring along to make your trip as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. These are not requirements but are based on his thousands of hours on the water to help you be ready for various conditions and needs. Whether obtaining the proper permits, ensuring you have the right gear, or preparing for a long day on the water, these tips are meant to enhance your experience and ensure a smooth, stress-free outing. Feel free to adapt the suggestions to suit your preferences, and remember that some items, like fishing gear and sunscreen, are already provided. Let’s get ready for a great time on the water!

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• Saltwater Fishing License. If you don’t already have a saltwater fishing license, you can get one at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits. For help, call (888) 362-LDWF. You will get a number that will serve as your license. Write the 16-digit number down and bring it with you, along with a copy of your driver’s license.

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• Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP). If the trip is planned to be offshore, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/rolp and obtain a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit. Print the permit and bring it with you. Apps are also available for Apple and Android devices. NOTE: You must have your 16-digit fishing license number to apply.

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• Boat shoes. No black sole shoes. Black soles leave scuff marks on the boat, which are hard to remove.

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• Refreshments. Bring whatever food and drinks you want for a whole day/night on the water. If you bring beer, only bring cans (no glass). If you bring sports drinks, don’t bring dark-colored flavors (red.) Lastly, no bananas on the boat!

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• Dry Bag. If going offshore or overnight tuna fishing, a small dry bag is a good idea for carrying rain gear, a hat, glasses, and other personal items you may need. If you don’t have one, we have dry bags at the camp that you can have.

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• Rainwear. If going offshore or overnight, rain gear is optional but encouraged. It need not rain to get wet offshore, and in the summer, showers happen every single day.

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• Sunglasses. Preferably polarized fishing glasses, if you have them, to lessen the sun’s glare.

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• Camera. Bring a camera to document the fish you catch or video the beautiful Gulf Coast or marsh sights. If we catch any billfish, we will tag and release them, so photos or it didn’t happen!

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• Headgear. A brimmed hat or ball cap is a good idea, especially for those getting thin on top.

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• Dramamine. If you get seasick or aren’t sure if you do, consider taking Dramamine or another similar product as directed the night before a day trip, the morning before a night trip, and another an hour before departure. If you aren’t sure if Dramamine is ok to take, ask your doctor. If you know you get seasick or want to bring a gun to the knife fight, bring a Relief Band or obtain a scopolamine patch from your doctor.

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• Sun Protection. We have sunscreen on the boat, so there’s no need to bring any. But, if you bring some, don’t bring Banana Boat (see #4 above). Spray sunscreen is no bueno; it turns the boat into an ice rink and stains the upholstery.  

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• Cooler. Bring a cooler to transport your catch home. On a fantastic day, you could take 50 lbs. of filets home.

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• Cash. Bring cash to buy anything (shirts, hats, decals, snacks) you might want at Coco Marina and tip the boat’s deckhand if we hire one. $50 per person is a common tip for an offshore trip.

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• Reels & Tackle. Please do not bring any rods, reels, or tackle. We have everything you need.

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• Communication. Cell phone coverage with AT&T is spotty on the Louisiana coast; Verizon is better. However, the boat has a satellite phone if you need to contact your family or conduct some important business; the satellite phone number is (321) 745-3464. Lastly, the camp has high-speed 1-Gb Wi-Fi for laptops and handheld devices.

 

Tight lines,

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Stephen Babcock