Packing for your fishing adventure is all about balance. You don’t want to find yourself without the gear or clothing you need when you’re out on the water, but at the same time, travelling light is essential, especially if your trip involves small aircraft or helicopter transfers. These types of transport often come with strict weight restrictions, so every item counts. Prioritising versatile, quick-dry clothing, essential fishing gear, and personal items will keep your load manageable while ensuring you’re well-prepared for the elements. A well-thought-out packing list can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable trip and one where you’re constantly wishing you had (or hadn’t) brought something.
🧳 Tropical Fishing Adventure Packing List (5 Days / 6 Nights)
🎣 Fishing Gear
• (confirm what’s provided)
• Polarised sunglasses (preferably 2 pairs)
• Fishing gloves
• Waterproof dry bag or backpack
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Small waterproof box or pouch for valuables
👕 Clothing
• 4–6 light, quick-dry long-sleeve shirts
• 3–4 pairs of light, quick-dry shorts
• 1 pair of long lightweight pants (sun/bug protection)
• Wide-brim hat or cap with sun flap
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker
• Lightweight hoodie or fleece (cooler mornings/evenings)
• Swimmers / boardshorts
• Casual clothes for evenings (shorts, t-shirts, etc.)
• Undies and socks (breathable, quick-dry if possible)
🥿 Footwear
• Reef shoes or sturdy sandals
• Lightweight deck shoes or runners
• Thongs/flip-flops
🧼 Toiletries & Personal Items
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Shampoo/body wash
• Razor, hairbrush
• Personal medication (plus extras in case of delay)
• Travel towel
• Wet wipes / baby wipes
🌞 Sun & Insect Protection
• High SPF sunscreen (reef safe preferred)
• Lip balm with SPF
• After-sun lotion or aloe
• Insect repellent (tropical strength)
• Anti-itch cream or antihistamines
⚡ Gear & Extras
• Headlamp or small torch (plus spare batteries)
• Power bank / phone charger
• CPAP machine (if applicable)
• Travel adapter (if international)
• Camera or GoPro
• Dry bags or zip-locks for wet/dirty gear
📄 Documents
• Travel insurance (if taken out)
• ID / driver’s licence
• Health or Medicare card
| Item | Weight (kg) | ||
| 0 | 2 x T-shirts | 0.6 | |
| 1 | 2 x lightweight long-sleeve shirts | 0.7 | |
| 2 | 2 x shorts | 0.8 | |
| 3 | 2 x lightweight pants | 0.9 | |
| 4 | 6 x underwear | 0.65 | |
| 5 | 3 x socks | 0.3 | |
| 6 | 1 x light jumper or hoodie | 0.8 | |
| 7 | 1 x hat / cap | 0.2 | |
| 8 | 1 x sandals or lightweight shoes | 0.9 | |
| 9 | Toiletries (travel size) | 0.75 | |
| 10 | Smartphone + charger | 0.4 | |
| 11 | CPAP machine (portable model) + case | 1.8 | |
| 12 | Reading glasses | 0.15 | |
| 13 | Sunglasses | 0.15 | |
| 14 | Daypack / soft duffel bag | 1.8 | |
| 15 | iPad Pro (12.9″) | 0.682 | |
| 16 | TOTAL | 11.582 |
