Packing for a fishing tour in Tenerife is simple: sun protection, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little salty, secure footwear, and a way to carry your phone or camera safely. Most fishing tackle and safety equipment is handled by the boat — ask the team what's included for your specific trip when you book. Below is a category-by-category checklist to help you get ready without overpacking.
Quick checklist
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Suitable clothing: layers for sun and wind
- Secure, non-marking footwear
- Phone or camera with a secure way to carry it
- A reusable water bottle
- Motion-sickness preparation, if you think you might need it
- Swimwear and a towel, if swimming is part of your trip
- Cash or ID, if the team asks you to bring it
Sun protection
The Atlantic sun is stronger than it feels, especially with the sea breeze cooling your skin. Bring:
- A hat or cap that won't blow off easily (a chin strap or clip helps)
- Sunglasses, ideally with a strap so they don't end up in the water
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied before you board and reapplied through the trip
Shade on board may be limited depending on the boat and trip format, so sun protection is worth prioritising even on a cloudy day.
What to wear
Dress in layers you can adjust as the day goes on. Conditions on the water can feel cooler than on land, particularly with wind or during early morning and late afternoon departures.
- A breathable top plus a light, wind-resistant layer
- Shorts or lightweight trousers
- A change of clothes left in the car or at your accommodation, in case you get splashed
Avoid anything you'd be upset to get a little wet or salty — fishing is a hands-on, outdoor activity.
Footwear
Choose shoes that stay on securely and won't mark the deck.
- Deck shoes, secure sandals, or trainers with good grip
- Avoid flip-flops, loose sandals, and high heels, which are impractical and can be unsafe on a moving boat
- Some guests prefer to go barefoot once aboard — ask the crew what's suitable for your trip
Phone, camera, and valuables
You'll likely want photos of the catch and the coastline, so bring your phone or camera along with a way to keep it secure and dry.
- A wrist strap, lanyard, or dry pouch is worth having on the water
- Keep valuables to a minimum, and confirm with the team whether there's secure storage on board
Comfort and hydration
- A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated, especially on warmer days
- If you're prone to motion sickness or unsure how you'll cope, it's worth preparing in advance — see our seasickness prevention guide for general tips, and speak to a pharmacist or doctor about medication if needed
- If swimming is part of your specific trip, bring swimwear and a towel — this varies by trip format, so confirm with the team when you book
Cash, ID, and paperwork
Some trips may ask for identification or accept cash for optional extras. Requirements can vary, so it's best to check with the Tenerife Fishing Experts team when you confirm your booking rather than assume.
What's Usually Provided vs What You Bring Yourself
Fishing tackle, technique, and on-board safety equipment are generally the crew's responsibility, not yours — that's covered in detail in our separate fishing gear and equipment guide . This page focuses only on personal items.
As a general rule of thumb:
| Category | Typically your responsibility | Worth confirming at booking |
|---|---|---|
| Sun protection | Yes — hat, sunglasses, sunscreen | — |
| Clothing and footwear | Yes | Whether the boat has shaded areas |
| Phone/camera | Yes | Whether secure storage is available |
| Water bottle | Yes | Whether drinking water is provided |
| Swimwear/towel | Depends on trip | Whether swimming is included on your trip |
| Fishing tackle | Usually provided | Confirm exactly what's included for your trip type |
Inclusions can vary by trip type, group size, and season, so always confirm the specifics for your booking directly with the Tenerife Fishing Experts team rather than relying on a general list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own fishing rod or tackle? In most cases, no — fishing tackle is generally handled by the crew. For a full breakdown of what's typically used on board, see our fishing gear and equipment guide , and confirm exact inclusions for your trip when you book.
What should I wear on a fishing tour in Tenerife? Light, breathable layers with a wind-resistant top layer, comfortable shorts or trousers, and secure footwear such as deck shoes or trainers. Avoid flip-flops or anything you can't afford to get a little wet or salty.
Will I get seasick, and what should I bring for it? It depends on the person, the trip length, and sea conditions on the day. If you're unsure how you'll cope, it's worth preparing in advance — see our seasickness prevention guide for general preparation tips, and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you'd like medical advice.
Is there anything I shouldn't bring? Keep packing light — large bags, excess valuables, or anything you're not prepared to have exposed to sun, wind, and sea spray are best left behind. If you're travelling with children, our fishing with kids guide has additional preparation tips.
Ready to Book?
Once you know what to pack, the next step is choosing the right trip. Visit our Fishing Tours hub to compare formats, or check our FAQ page for more booking and preparation questions. If you have specific questions about what to bring for your trip, get in touch with the Tenerife Fishing Experts team before you book.