A simple preparation checklist for families, children, first-time anglers, and guests joining Distraction Charters for a private Orange Beach fishing trip.
You do not need to bring fishing gear. We provide the fishing licenses, rods, reels, bait, tackle, coaching, and fish cleaning.
Your job is simple: bring what helps your group remain comfortable, prepared, and ready to enjoy the day.
Most families bring more than they need. Keep it simple.
No deposit has been charged for your trip.
You pay the charter portion at the boat on the day of your trip. We accept U.S. currency and major credit cards.
Please bring the physical card you intend to use.
If you plan to use a credit card, it may be helpful to make sure your bank will recognize the purchase and not decline the transaction.
We do not add a credit-card processing fee or surprise fuel surcharge.
The stated deckhand amount is separate from the charter price and should be paid in cash after the trip.
The deckhand assists with bait, tackle, coaching, safety awareness, fish handling, deck organization, fish cleaning, and helping your group throughout the day.
See Current Fishing Charter Prices
Make sure the credit card you plan to use is with you and that you have enough cash for the stated deckhand amount.
Dress for sun, wind, salt air, an air-conditioned cabin, and conditions that may change during the day.
Bright or medium-colored shirts usually stand out better in photographs than solid white, gray, or black.
Wear whatever makes you comfortable, but color can make the fish and people show up better in family pictures.
Wear clean footwear that feels secure and comfortable on a moving boat.
Bare feet may be comfortable for some guests, but shoes generally provide better protection around fishing equipment, hot surfaces, fish spines, and moving gear.
Please do not board with muddy, greasy, or grass-covered shoes. Clean footwear helps keep the deck safer and the cabin clean.
The Gulf sun can cause a burn even on cloudy or cool days.
Applying sunscreen before arriving at the boat usually makes the morning easier.
Bring food and drinks your group already enjoys.
Children usually do better when familiar snacks and drinks are available. There is no need to make the food complicated.
We do not have a grill or prepare meals aboard the boat.
You may bring beer in cans for responsible adults.
Please do not bring glass containers or hard liquor.
A small personal cooler for your group’s food and drinks is usually enough.
A cooler around 48 quarts or smaller generally provides plenty of space for a private group of up to 6 passengers.
Please do not bring oversized rolling coolers or multiple bulky coolers. We already carry a separate fish cooler aboard.
You do not need to bring fishing equipment or purchase a separate fishing license.
We also provide an air-conditioned cabin and private restroom for passenger comfort.
Seasickness is something to consider before your trip, especially if anyone in your group:
Safe offshore conditions do not always mean perfectly flat water.
If you are concerned about motion sickness, speak with a physician or pharmacist before your trip and follow the directions for the medication or prevention method you choose.
If your group asks to return early because of seasickness, fatigue, anxiety, discomfort, or a change of mind after departure, the full trip rate and stated deckhand amount still apply.
Read How We Evaluate Fishing Charter Weather
Children usually do best when parents bring familiar items and keep the morning simple.
Parents remain responsible for supervising children throughout the trip.
Learn More About Kids Fishing Charters
Please tell us before the trip if anyone in your group has a mobility concern, sensory concern, anxiety about boats, medical consideration, or other need that may affect the day.
We want guests to feel included and comfortable, but the boat and offshore environment have physical limitations.
The more we know in advance, the better we can explain what is possible and prepare appropriately.
You may include helpful information in the comments section of the reservation form.
Keep personal belongings together and limit what you bring aboard.
Food and drinks may remain in your personal cooler. Bags, jackets, and other items may be stored where directed by the crew.
Please do not block walkways, cabin access, fishing stations, or emergency equipment.
Anything brought aboard may be exposed to salt air, moisture, fish slime, spray, or movement.
We carry a fish cooler aboard the boat, so you do not need to bring an empty fish cooler onboard.
Leave a clean cooler with plenty of ice in your vehicle for transporting fish after the trip.
After returning to Orange Beach Marina, legal fish your group chooses to keep are cleaned and bagged.
Place the bagged fish into the iced cooler so they remain well iced and cold for the drive back to your condo, hotel, participating restaurant, or home.
Learn What Happens With Your Fish After the Trip
Please plan to arrive at Orange Beach Marina approximately 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
This gives your group time to park, walk to the boat, organize personal items, use the restroom if needed, and receive the safety briefing without feeling rushed.
No. We provide fishing licenses, bait, tackle, rods, reels, coaching, and fish cleaning.
Yes. Beer in cans is allowed for responsible adults. Glass containers and hard liquor are not allowed.
You may bring one small personal cooler for food and drinks. Large or multiple bulky coolers should remain ashore.
Yes, but leave it in your vehicle. Bring a clean cooler with plenty of ice so bagged fish can remain well iced and cold after the trip.
Guests who are concerned about motion sickness should speak with a physician or pharmacist before the trip and follow the directions for the product or medication they choose.
The charter portion may be paid with U.S. currency or a major credit card. The stated deckhand amount is separate and should be paid in cash.
Yes. Bring the actual card you intend to use at the boat.
All trips depart from Orange Beach Marina, Slip E-12.
If your trip is already booked, keep the checklist simple and prepare for a good day on the water.
If you have not booked, most families should begin with the 6 Hour Family Fun Trip.
Check Availability and Request Your Trip
You may also call or text Captain Troy at 251-975-8111.
Distraction Charters
Orange Beach Marina, Slip E-12
27075 Marina Road
Orange Beach, Alabama 36561
Call or text: 251-975-8111
We depart from Orange Beach Marina, convenient to guests staying in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Perdido Key, and along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Park in the lot on the right marked in yellow. Walk west along the red-line walkway past the restaurant and toward the left side of the dock store.
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