People ask me this almost every week before they step aboard: what do I actually need to bring? Not much. Most of the gear you might worry about is already on the boat. Here’s the short list, what to bring, what we provide, and how to spend the day fishing instead of fussing with kit you never needed.
What to bring on a Bonaire fishing charter
The Caribbean sun is the thing most visitors underestimate. Out on the water there is no shade to duck into and the glare comes off the surface as well as the sky, so pack for that first. Keep your list short and practical:
- High-SPF sunscreen – reapply through the day, especially on a full-day trip.
- A hat – a brim that stays on in the wind beats a cap that blows off.
- Polarised sunglasses – they cut the surface glare and you actually see more fish.
- Soft-soled, non-marking shoes – they grip a wet deck and protect the boat.
- Motion-sickness tablets – if you are prone to it, take them before we leave the dock, not after.
- A light layer – early starts and a breeze can feel cool until the sun is up.
- A camera or phone in a dry bag – you will want photos, and salt spray and electronics do not mix.
That is the whole list. If you bring those seven things you are set for the day.
A quick word on seasickness
I will be straight with you: if you know you get queasy in a car or on a ferry, take your tablets before departure. They work far better as prevention than as a cure once your stomach has turned. Bonaire sits on the calmer, leeward side of the island chain, so conditions are often kinder than people expect, but the open water is still the open water. Eat a light breakfast, keep your eyes on the horizon, and stay hydrated. Most people who plan ahead never feel a thing.
What’s included on a Fishtales trip
Here is where you get to travel light. You do not need to buy or rent tackle. We handle all of it. On a Fishtales charter the following comes as standard:
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Tackle | All rods, reels and terminal gear, matched to what we are targeting |
| Bait | Provided and rigged by the crew |
| Ice | To keep drinks cold and your catch fresh |
| Non-alcoholic drinks | On board for the trip |
In short, the fishing side of the day is fully taken care of. You bring yourself, your sun gear and your appetite for a fight on the rod.
How our trips run
We depart from Kralendijk and take a maximum of six anglers, which keeps the deck workable and means everyone gets real time on the rods. You can choose a half-day or a full-day trip depending on how much water you want to cover and what you are hoping to catch. Longer days give you more shots at the bigger pelagics; half-days are a good fit if you have family plans later or you are easing into offshore fishing for the first time. Whatever you pick, the crew sets the pace around you.
What you can catch, and what happens after
Bonaire fishing runs year-round, with peaks through the seasons rather than any hard closed period, so there is almost always something worth chasing. If you want to get a sense of the fish you can target before you book, it is worth a look so you know what to expect out there.
And when the lines come in, your day does not have to end at the dock. We can clean your catch for you, and several local restaurants in Kralendijk will happily cook it up. There is something honest about eating a fish you landed that morning, a few hours later, at a table by the water. It is one of the simplest pleasures the island offers, and it costs you nothing extra to ask.
A note on pricing
Costs depend on the trip length and the season, so rather than quote you a figure that might not fit your plans, we give prices on request. Tell us the dates you are looking at and how long you want to be out, and we will give you a straight answer. No surprises, no hidden extras for the gear, because all of that is already included.
Ready to go
So that is the long and short of it. Pack your sun protection, your polarised shades, your soft-soled shoes and a camera, take your tablets if you need them, and leave the rest to us. The tackle, bait, ice and drinks are waiting on the boat. When you are ready to pick a date, you can book a trip and we will sort out the details together. See you on the water.
