Sun hoodie, polarized shades, marine binoculars, deck shoes, motion sickness — what to bring on an NJ offshore charter.
Most NJ charter newbies under-pack and end up sun-burned, motion-sick, and squinting through cheap shades. The right kit makes a 12-hour offshore trip the experience it should be.
Built from charter captain feedback at Manasquan, Belmar, Atlantic City, and Cape May ports. Captains see the same missing items every weekend. This kit fixes them.
Total kit cost
$200–$500 total · most Prime-eligible
Pick what you need below. Every link is Prime-eligible where possible — most arrive before the weekend.
UPF 50+ shirt for 8-12 hours offshore.
BAMBOO COOL
Pelagic Sun Hoodie UPF 50+ — hooded, vented, thumbholes. The offshore-deck standard for sun-drenched charter days.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Tuna chunking at the Mud Hole
Saltwater-grade shades that survive a wave splash.
Costa Del Mar
Costa Fantail with amber 580P lens — see fish in shallow water, cut surface glare. Lifetime warranty for the inevitable wave loss.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Spotting tuna in offshore swells
Spot birds working bait, distant boats.
Bushnell
Steiner Marine 7x50 — the offshore charter standard. Hand-holdable on rocking decks. Spots tuna birds 2 miles away.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Spotting tuna birds at Tom's Canyon
Non-marking soles for boat decks.
Columbia
Sperry Authentic Original or Sebago Docksides — non-marking soles, salt-resistant. Required by most NJ charters.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Manasquan charter deck
Sea Bands or Dramamine for offshore swells.
Sea-Band
Sea Band Wristbands or Dramamine — non-drowsy formula. Take 30 min before departure. Difference between fishing and laying down all day.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Pre-charter dock prep
Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.
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$1200-2500 for a 4-12 hour offshore trip on a private charter (6 anglers). Open boat / party boat trips are $80-150 per person. Tuna trips at the Mud Hole or Tom's Canyon trend higher.
Yes — all NJ charters provide rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait. You don't need to bring fishing gear. You DO need to bring sun protection, food, and motion sickness meds.
5-6 AM typically. Long trips (canyon tuna) leave 3-4 AM. Plan to arrive at the dock 30 min before departure. Bring breakfast — most charters don't feed you.
Charter directory by port and species.
Read more →ComparisonTackle differences if you bring your own.
Read more →GuidePick the right binoculars.
Read more →ComparisonPolarized shades brand showdown.
Read more →CategoryBrowse all NJ-friendly boating gear.
Read more →BeachesNJ charter port capital.
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