One of the worst feelings while cruising on a boat or fishing from a boat is becoming seasick. As a captain, I saw plenty of people, both experienced boaters and non-experienced boaters, become sick on the water. If you are headed out on the water for a fishing adventure and you’re worried about getting sick, there are ways to avoid it. Here is how to not get seasick on a fishing boat.

Methods For Avoid Seasickness On A Fishing Boat

Undoubtedly there are ways to lessen the chances of becoming seasick while on a fishing boat. Here are the best methods on how to not get seasick on a fishing boat from a former captain. 

Choose A Boat That Is Large In Size

If you’re concerned about getting seasick, I highly recommend being selective on the fishing boat if you’re paying for a charter. 

Although you may not get as personalized of an experience on a head boat versus a private charter boat, head boats are much larger. For this reason, they are less susceptible to rocking. 

Take Sickness Pills BEFORE LEAVING THE DOCK

As a captain I always recommended that passengers who were worried about seasickness or are prone to seasickness take motion sickness pills. 

The pills such as Dramamine are highly effective at avoiding the onset of seasickness. However, it is imperative that the medication be taken before leaving the dock. Once you’re on the water it is already too late. 

Sit Central To The Vessel Outside Of The Cabin

It is not uncommon for passengers who are beginning to feel seasick retreat to an interior space of the vessel. I highly recommend avoiding moving inside of the boat versus staying on the deck. 

Importantly, you should position yourself in the center of the vessel where the boat sits more stable compared to the bow and the stern. 

Furthermore, avoid going into the cabin compared to sitting in the open air. The fresh air will lessen the impacts, but remember to keep your eyes forward on the horizon. Do this in combination with sitting in the center of the boat. 

Avoid Over Eating And Drinking

All too often, passengers on fishing boats overeat and drink before boarding the boat. With that said, you should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol because it will further exacerbate dizziness. 

Secondly, don’t consume heavy, spicy, and greasy foods immediately before heading out on the water. Any of the three will cause an upset stomach. It goes without saying that an upset stomach won’t pair well when combined with seasickness. You’ll be chumming the water with your last meal in no time. 

Listen To Your Body

Unfortunately people fail to recognize the early signs of seasickness before it is too late. In the event that you begin to feel slightly off, take actions before heaving over the railing of the boat. 

The most effective way to lessen the impacts is to catch the onset of seasickness early. Remember to move to the center of the vessel in the fresh air and look forward. Also, continue to drink hydrating fluids such as water and sports drinks. 

The Implications Of Getting Seasick On A Fishing Boat

Unfortunately, there are implications when it comes to getting seasick on a fishing boat. Here is what to consider in the event you get sick during a fishing trip aboard a vessel.

You Will Feel Very Sick

Without a doubt, you will feel very sick as a result of the motion of the sea. That, of course, is if you’re prone to seasickness. 

However, I have witnessed plenty of seasick passengers whose days are ruined because of how poorly they feel. For this reason, it is best to avoid the onset of seasickness. 

Risk Of Causing The Boat To Turn Back Early

The last thing that you want to do is be the culprit for the boat needing to return back to the dock early. Unfortunately, fishing trips are cut short if one or more passengers becomes ill as a result of seasickness. 

For this reason, make every effort possible to avoid becoming seasick so you don’t spoil everyone else’s fun. 

Avoid Getting Seasick On A Fishing Trip

Don’t ruin your fun or the fun of your friends and family by not properly preparing to avoid seasickness on a fishing boat. Remember, taking preventative measures is highly effective. Lastly, having witnessed many seasick passengers myself, I can tell you that you won’t want to feel the symptoms of seasickness.