What Shoes to Wear on a Fishing Charter

Heading out on the water for a fishing trip is all about adventure, excitement, and luck. Whether you’re setting sail in the Florida Keys, Hawaii, or Cabo San Lucas, one small detail can make or break your day: your shoes. The right footwear isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, stability, and keeping your feet dry when the deck gets slick.

Let’s go over exactly what shoes to wear on a fishing charter, what to avoid, and a few insider tips from seasoned anglers.

Why Footwear Matters on a Fishing Charter

When you step onto a fishing boat, the surface is very different from solid ground. The deck can be wet, slippery, and constantly in motion. Proper shoes keep you safe and steady, allowing you to focus on fishing instead of finding your balance.

The right footwear also protects against:

• Slippery decks caused by water, fish slime, or bait
  
• Sun exposure on your feet
  
• Hooks or sharp gear that might drop on deck
  
• Fatigue, since you’ll be standing most of the trip
  

Good shoes keep your footing secure and your feet comfortable. It’s a small detail that can make the whole experience smoother.

Key Qualities to Look For

Before getting into specific shoe types, here’s what to look for when choosing footwear for your fishing charter.

Non-Slip Soles

This is the number one rule. Look for soles made of soft, grippy rubber that won’t mark the deck but will give you traction on wet surfaces. Avoid shoes with hard or worn-out soles that slide easily when the deck gets damp.

Waterproof or Water-Resistant Material

Fishing is a wet business. Whether from spray, waves, or washing down the deck, your feet will likely get splashed. Choose shoes made from quick-drying materials like rubber, neoprene, or water-resistant mesh.

Closed-Toe Protection

Hooks, lead weights, or even the edge of a cooler can do damage to bare toes. Closed-toe shoes keep your feet protected without sacrificing comfort.

Lightweight and Breathable

Heavy boots can feel like anchors after a few hours. Lightweight shoes with good airflow help your feet stay cool and comfortable in the sun.

Secure Fit

Loose sandals or flip-flops can slip off when the boat rocks. Shoes that fit snugly and fasten securely with laces, Velcro, or stretch cuffs are safer and easier to move in.

The Best Shoes to Wear on a Fishing Charter

Here are the top footwear options that work well for fishing trips of any kind, from short coastal runs to full-day deep-sea adventures.

Boat Shoes (Deck Shoes)

Boat shoes are classic for a reason. They’re designed specifically for marine environments.

Why They Work:

• Non-marking, grippy rubber soles for traction
  
• Water-resistant leather or synthetic uppers
  
• Comfortable enough for long hours of standing
  

Best For: Calm-water charters or shorter trips where comfort meets casual style

Example Brands: Sperry, Columbia, Huk

Traditional leather boat shoes aren’t ideal for soaking wet decks. If you expect a lot of water spray, go with a synthetic or quick-dry version.

Fishing Boots

If you’re heading offshore or expect rougher conditions, fishing boots are your best bet.

Why They Work:

• Completely waterproof, often made from neoprene or rubber.
  
• High-traction soles are ideal for wet decks.
  
• Protect your feet from cold water, hooks, and gear.
  

Best For: Offshore deep-sea charters, especially in cooler or unpredictable weather

Example Brands: Xtratuf, Grundéns, Huk Rogue Wave

In Cabo San Lucas, most charters don’t require full rubber boots since the climate is warm and dry. However, if you’re going out early morning or in choppy weather, short ankle boots can be perfect.

Water Shoes

For warm-weather fishing trips, lightweight water shoes are a great balance of comfort and practicality.

Why They Work:

• Quick-drying mesh keeps your feet cool
  
• Flexible soles with grip for wet decks
  
• Easy to slip on and off
  

Best For: Half-day charters, tropical destinations, or calm sea conditions

Example Brands: Merrell, Simms, Columbia

They’re especially popular in Cabo San Lucas, where temperatures stay warm and you might jump in for a swim after fishing.

Performance Sandals (With Straps)

While open-toe footwear isn’t ideal, certain sport sandals can work in mild conditions if they have a strong grip and protective design.

Why They Work:

• Durable straps keep them secure on your feet
  
• Non-slip soles similar to deck shoes
  
• Breathable and easy to rinse clean
  

Best For: Calm-weather, inshore charters where the deck stays mostly dry

Example Brands: Keen, Teva, Chaco

Avoid standard flip-flops, as they’re slippery, unstable, and can easily break mid-trip.

Sneakers with Non-Marking Soles

If you don’t fish often, clean sneakers can work fine for casual charters. Just make sure they have grippy, non-marking soles.

Why They Work:

• Comfortable for long periods of standing
  
• Good balance between protection and familiarity
  

Best For: Beginners or spontaneous trips

Avoid running shoes with black soles since they can scuff the deck and are often too slick when wet.

What Not to Wear on a Fishing Charter

Some shoes can make your trip harder, messier, or even dangerous. Leave these behind:

• Flip-flops or slides
  
• Bare feet
  
• Heavy work boots
  
• Shoes with black soles that leave marks on the deck
  

How to Keep Your Feet Comfortable All Day

• Wear moisture-wicking socks if your shoes allow it to prevent blisters
  
• Bring a spare pair of shoes or sandals for the ride home
  
• Rinse shoes after the trip to remove salt and fish residue
  
• Dry them completely before your next outing to prevent odour or mildew
  

In hot places like Cabo San Lucas, breathable mesh shoes or sandals with straps can help your feet stay cool, but always balance comfort with safety.

Matching Shoes to Trip Type

Trip Type	Recommended Shoes	Why It Works
Half-day inshore trip	Water shoes or deck shoes	Light, breathable, easy movement
Full-day offshore charter	Fishing boots	Stability and waterproofing
Tropical charters like Cabo San Lucas	Water shoes or strapped sandals	Cool, fast-drying comfort
Cold or rough-weather trips	Neoprene or rubber boots	Warmth and protection
Casual group charters	Clean sneakers or deck shoes	Comfort and grip

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shoes for a fishing charter might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference once you’re out on the water. The best footwear combines grip, comfort, and protection, helping you stay steady when the deck gets slick and the fish start biting.

If you’re fishing somewhere warm and sunny like Cabo San Lucas, go for lightweight, quick-drying shoes that won’t slip. For colder or rougher seas, opt for waterproof boots that keep your feet dry and secure.