On a guided fishing charter in Tenerife, rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety equipment are generally provided as part of the trip. Exact inclusions vary by operator and trip type, so it's worth confirming the details when you book. What you personally need to bring is minimal — mainly sun protection, suitable clothing, and non-marking footwear. If you're considering an independent, no-licence boat rental rather than a guided charter, gear arrangements work differently and should be confirmed separately before you go.
This guide focuses on the fishing equipment side of trip planning — what tackle is typically used and who supplies it. For a complete personal packing list, see our dedicated what to bring on a fishing tour guide .
What Fishing Equipment Is Typically Provided on a Guided Charter?
Guided fishing charters are generally set up so guests don't need to own or transport any fishing equipment. On most guided trips, this commonly includes:
- Rods and reels suited to the technique being used that day (trolling, jigging, or bottom fishing)
- Tackle and terminal gear — hooks, line, leaders, and rigs prepared by the crew
- Bait, live or artificial, selected by the captain based on conditions and target species
- Safety equipment, such as life jackets, required for the trip
Treat this as a general picture of what a professional charter typically offers, not a fixed guarantee. Ask your operator to confirm the exact equipment provided for your specific trip and trip length before booking, particularly if you have a preferred technique or target species in mind.
Does the Trip Format Change What Gear Is Available?
Trip format can influence how equipment is set up on board. A private charter usually allows more flexibility to focus tackle and technique on your group's goals, while a shared trip typically runs a set-up chosen by the captain to suit the whole group on board that day. Either way, ask at booking how gear is allocated for the format you choose, especially if you're set on a particular species or technique.
What You Should Bring Yourself
Because the fishing equipment itself is generally handled by the crew, your own packing list is short. In general terms, plan to bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Comfortable, suitable clothing for a few hours on open water
- Non-marking-soled shoes appropriate for a boat deck
- A camera or phone, ideally protected from spray
- General seasickness preparation if you're prone to motion sickness
This list is deliberately brief — for a fuller breakdown of what to pack and why, read the what to bring on a fishing tour guide .
Clothing and Footwear for a Day on the Water
Dress in layers. Even on a warm South Tenerife day, wind over open water can feel cooler than on land, and mornings in particular can be breezy before the sun is fully up. A light long-sleeved layer is generally more useful than heavy clothing.
Footwear matters more than most first-time anglers expect. Choose shoes with non-marking soles and reasonable grip — a wet deck is not the place for smooth-soled shoes, sandals, or flip-flops. Closed shoes also give better protection if tackle or a catch ends up on deck.
Sun Protection and Comfort at Sea
The Atlantic sun off South Tenerife is stronger than it feels, especially with a sea breeze cooling your skin. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection are sensible for any length of trip. Reapply sunscreen through the day, particularly on longer charters, since sweat and sea spray reduce how long it lasts.
Motion Sickness — General Preparation, Not Medical Advice
Some guests feel the motion of the boat more than others, particularly on longer trips or in choppier conditions. If you know you're prone to motion sickness, it's sensible to prepare in advance — for example, by avoiding a heavy meal immediately before boarding and staying hydrated. This is general preparation advice only; if you have concerns about seasickness medication or a pre-existing condition, speak to a pharmacist or doctor before your trip rather than relying on general guidance.
Do You Need Your Own Fishing Gear in Tenerife?
For a standard guided charter, no — bringing your own rod and reel usually isn't necessary, since equipment is generally arranged by the crew as part of the trip. Experienced anglers with strong preferences for a specific setup should still raise this when booking, since not every operator or vessel can accommodate outside equipment.
The picture is different if you're looking at an independent, no-licence boat rental rather than a guided, crewed charter. On a self-drive rental, whether fishing equipment is included, available to hire, or your own responsibility depends entirely on the rental terms — this needs to be confirmed directly with the provider before you go, and isn't something to assume either way.
Choosing the Right Trip Once Gear Isn't a Concern
Once equipment is off the list of worries, the real decision is which trip format and technique suits you. Our Fishing Tours hub covers shared and private options, trip lengths, and who each format tends to suit, and our fishing techniques guide explains the difference between trolling and jigging if you want to understand what you'll actually be doing on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear to Tenerife? Generally, no. Guided charters commonly provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait as part of the trip, though it's worth confirming exact inclusions for your specific trip when you book, especially if you have a preferred setup.
What should I wear on a fishing trip in Tenerife? Light, layered clothing, non-marking-soled shoes, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) are sensible for most trips. Conditions and trip length can affect what's comfortable, so check with your operator if you're unsure.
Is fishing gear included if I rent a boat without a licence? This depends on the individual rental terms and isn't something to assume. Confirm directly with the provider whether equipment is included, available to hire, or needs to be brought yourself.
What if I get seasick on a fishing trip? Some general preparation — avoiding a heavy meal beforehand and staying hydrated — can help, but this is not medical advice. If you're prone to motion sickness or have concerns, speak to a pharmacist or doctor before your trip.
Ready to Book?
Gear isn't something you need to source or worry about before your trip. Browse our Fishing Tours to compare shared and private options and get in touch to confirm equipment, trip length, and availability for your dates.
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