Suggested Gear

While the EXCEL comes equipped with all of the comforts of home, there are some personal items we suggest that you bring along to ensure your trip aboard the EXCEL is a pleasant one. Always check the weather forecasts before packing to make sure you pack accordingly.

Photo Identification is Required! (No Exceptions)

What to Bring:

• Duffle Bags- Considered best for storage and for dirty laundry.
• Foot Wear- Short boots are best. They will keep your feet dry. Tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes for the travel days. If you choose to fish in tennis shoes, please bring a couple of pair.
• Sun Glasses- Polarized to cut the glare.  A neck strap is recommended to keep from losing over board.
• Toiletries- Bath towels, shampoo, soap, razor, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.
• Sun Protection- Sunscreen: Water proof and broad spectrum type, Hat(s) preferably any wide brim hat or foreign legion/sunbuster style.  Some prefer baseball caps.
• Fishing and Deck Items- Cross cutting pliers (dykes), needle nose pliers and or duck bill pliers. Rubber gloves and a hay hook. These will help you at the dock in handling your catch.
• Rod Belts and Harness- Personal choice depending on what is most comfortable to you. Sit down style preferred. For smaller fish a regular rod belt is fine. There are many manufacturers to choose from.  Check your local tackle store or Fisherman’s Landing Tackle 619.221.8506.
• Harness- Should be the kidney belt or sit down type (optional).  We will teach you how to use the rail.
• Camera & Film- Make sure you have a supply of film or memory cards and batteries or chargers.  Cordless video recorders are also welcome.  The voltage in the cabin is 110 volts, so you can recharge your items.
• Entertainment- Travel time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on that favorite book you’ve been waiting to read. Board games and cards can be a great way to spend the evenings. There is a DVD/BLU-RAY player as well as a WII gaming system in the lounge area. We also offer free WIFI and Satellite TV too. The EXCEL has a small library of DVD’s, but please feel free to bring some of your own to share if you would like.
• Writing Materials- Notebook, stationary, pens and pencils for making notes on what to bring next trip (and what to leave behind).  Keep a daily journal of the action, it will be a great addition to your photos!
• Sea Sick Remedies and Personal Medications- Check with your physician or local pharmacist for preferred methods of seasickness prevention. There are several over-the-counter products that are very effective (Transderm patches are back and they appear to be very successful!) Cough & Cold medicine is also a good thing to bring just in case. And don’t forget a full supply of personal medications you are currently taking. 
• Clothing:
  • Pants- Bring a change for each day.  Light material is best.
  • Shirts- You may need 1 or 2 each day.  If you are sun sensitive, long sleeves are recommended. Light fabric for quick drying and coolness in warm weather.  Sweatshirts are handy for nights and cool weather.
  • Socks- The more the better.  At least 1 pair per day.
  • Shorts- For those hot summer days.  Remember, it gets warm on these long trips down south.
  • Underwear – Dont forget them!
  • Outerwear- Even though the days are warm, the evenings can be cool and breezy.  At least 1 jacket and 1 sweatshirt are recommended for those cool fishing nights and cooler weather. A light rain suit should be packed. You will probably not need it, but nice to have just in case you do.
  • Sneakers- Bring 2 pair so you will always have a dry pair.