How to avoid seasickness on a fishing charter

Why seasickness happens

Seasickness happens when your inner ear feels the motion of the boat but your eyes, focused on something still, tell your brain a different story. The mismatch can bring on dizziness, sweating and nausea. It is very common, it is not a sign of weakness, and most people adapt within a few hours on the water.

Before the trip

Most of the work happens the day before. These habits make the biggest difference:

• Get a full night's sleep before the trip.
• Skip alcohol and heavy, greasy meals the night before.
• Eat a light breakfast: toast, fruit or crackers rather than an empty stomach.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about a motion-sickness remedy and take it as directed, before you board.
• Drink water the day before and bring more for the trip.

Choose the right charter

If you are worried about seasickness, the trip you choose matters. Inshore charters stay close to the coast, and the half-day is the shortest time on the water:

Offshore trips run farther out into open water, so they suit people who already know they handle boats well. If you are unsure, start inshore and step up next time. Compare all charters.

On board: what helps most

Once you are on the water, small choices keep your inner ear and eyes in agreement:

1. Stay on deck in the fresh air, not inside the cabin.
2. Keep your eyes on the horizon, especially during the run out.
3. Sit low, toward the middle or back of the boat, where there is less movement.
4. Avoid reading or looking down at your phone for long.
5. Keep sipping water and nibbling something light.
6. Stay busy: watching the lines or holding a rod keeps your mind off the motion.

If you start to feel sick

Tell the crew as soon as you feel the first signs. They see it often and know how to help: they can find you the steadiest spot on the boat and a breeze in your face. Move to the fresh air, look at the horizon, loosen anything tight and take small sips of water. For many people the feeling passes once they rest and their body adjusts.

Seasickness and kids

Children can get seasick too. Ask your pediatrician before the trip whether a remedy is right for your child, choose the half-day inshore, and keep kids busy, fed and in the fresh air. Our family fishing guide has more tips for a great day with young anglers.

Common remedies at a glance

These are the options people most often ask about. We are not doctors, so ask a health professional which one is right for you, especially if you take other medication, are pregnant or are travelling with children:

• Motion-sickness tablets from the pharmacy; some can make you drowsy.
• Prescription patches, which your doctor can tell you about.
• Acupressure wristbands, which some people find helpful.
• Ginger, as candy, tea or biscuits.