What to bring on a Myrtle Beach fishing trip

For a charter or headboat

Sun and weather - Sunscreen (reapply often), a hat with a strap, and polarized sunglasses. - Light, quick-dry long sleeves for sun, plus a light rain jacket. Offshore mornings are cool even in summer. - Non-marking, closed-toe shoes with grip.

Food and water - More water than you think you need, and a sports drink. - Simple snacks and a sandwich for full-day trips. Crackers and ginger help an uneasy stomach. - A soft cooler; no glass.

Comfort and health - Seasickness medicine taken the way the label or your doctor directs, usually before you board. See seasickness. - Any personal medicines, in a waterproof bag. - A small towel and wet wipes.

Gear and the catch - Phone in a waterproof pouch, and a small portable charger. - A cooler with ice in your car for the fillets. - Cash for the crew's tip and for fish cleaning. See tipping.

What the boat usually supplies: rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice on board, and, on licensed boats, fishing license coverage. Confirm when you book.

For a pier

• Pier fishing fee (cash or card, depending on the pier).
• Your own rod, or rent one at the pier.
• Bait, a bucket, pliers, a knife, a towel, and a ruler.
• Chair, hat, and sunscreen. Piers have little shade.
• A cart if you are bringing a lot of gear; it is a long walk to the end.

For the surf

• A South Carolina saltwater license if you are 16 or older. See SC saltwater license.
• A 9 to 11 foot rod, two-hook bottom rigs, 2 to 4 ounce sinkers, and fresh bait.
• A sand spike, bucket, pliers, headlamp with a red setting, and a trash bag.

What to leave at home

• Glass bottles and containers.
• Black-soled shoes on a boat.
• Large hard coolers on a headboat, where space is tight.
• Bananas, if your captain is superstitious. It is an old fishing-boat tradition; ask, and expect a laugh either way.