🛥️ What to Pack for a Successful Day of Fishing on Your Sportsman Boat

Whether you're chasing redfish inshore or heading offshore for pelagics, preparation makes all the difference. A day on your Sportsman Boat isn’t just about where you go—it’s about being ready for whatever the water brings. From safety must-haves to comfort upgrades, here's a guide to packing smart so you can focus on the catch.

Safety First

Before you think about rods and reels, cover your safety basics:

• Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone on board
• Fully stocked first aid kit
• Throwable floatation device
• Fire extinguisher
• Flares or distress signals (check expiration dates)
• VHF radio and fully charged mobile phone

Your Sportsman has plenty of dry storage compartments to stow away this gear, keeping it protected and out of the way but always close at hand.

Fishing Gear That Pulls Its Weight

Dial in your tackle to match your target species. For inshore anglers, that might mean popping corks and soft plastics. Offshore, it’s all about trolling rigs, jigs, and pitch rods. Don’t forget:

• Rods and reels (rigged and ready)
• Tackle trays with extra hooks, weights, and leader line
• Bait—frozen, live or artificial depending on the trip
• Dehooker, pliers, and bait knife

Built-in tackle storage on your Sportsman makes it easy to organize your gear and keep the deck clean while you're fishing.

Tech to Give You the Edge

With Garmin electronics standard on every model, take full advantage of your chartplotter and fishfinder:

• Pre-load GPS waypoints and check sonar settings before your trip
• Update software and charts if needed

To learn more about how your systems work together, check out our breakdown of the SportLink® Electronics Integration System.

Comfort Goes a Long Way

You’ll spend hours out there—make it enjoyable:

• Polarized sunglasses and sun protection
• Cooler packed with drinks, ice, and lunch
• Dry bag with towels and extra clothes

With plenty of seating, shade, and onboard audio, your Sportsman is already built for comfort. Just bring the crew and a good playlist.

After the Catch

Be ready to store and clean your catch the right way:

• Ice for the fishboxes
• Zip-top bags or vacuum sealer bags
• Fillet knife and cutting board
• Cleaning rags and bucket for rinse-down

Models with side entry doors (26' and up in the Open and Heritage series) make it easier to board, load gear, and handle fish around the dock.

Pack Once, Fish All Day

The right gear paired with the right boat is what makes a good day great. With your Sportsman loaded up and ready, you can focus on what matters—making memories and catching fish.

Start planning your next trip by building your own Sportsman Boat in our customizable Design Studio.