Some people, no matter what they try, always succumb seasickness. If you think this might be you, I’d suggest you either book a private fishing charter so you can request the trip be ended early (do not expect a refund), or remain on dry land.
Many people opt for a Maui bottom fishing charter instead of sport fishing because they’re concerned about seasickness. While a shorter day on the water might be wise if you’re new to fishing, being nearer to shore does not mean you won’t feel the rock and roll of the ocean. In fact, when the engine is off or idling, the swells can feel even be more pronounced than when the vessel is underway.
There are also some sport fishing charters – specifically those that leave before dawn and remain out for 8+ hours – where seasickness is more common. We recommend all passengers on these trips take preventative measures.
There are a number of things you can do to minimize/avoid seasickness on your Maui fishing charter. Here is a brief list of some of them.
Scopolamine Patch
This is one of the most effective methods of avoiding motion sickness. You’ll get it by prescription from your doctor. It looks a bit like a small, round Band-Aid® that you stick behind your ear. The patch will last for a few days, so it’s recommended that you put it on the day before your trip so you have its full effect the day you’re out. A small percentage of people have adverse reactions to the patch (discuss these with your doctor), so it’s probably better to limit driving until you’re sure you’re not reacting negatively.
BONINE®:
This is an effective over-the-counter remedy. Ask for the name brand, not the generic. Bonine® has little to no side effects. Like the patch, it’s better to get this working BEFORE you go out fishing. Not the morning of your trip. Take one dose of Bonine® the afternoon before your fishing charter and another dose in the morning when you wake up. This isn’t what the instructions say, but take my word for it. Taking a dose the day before works best.
Sea Band®:
These are pressure point therapy wrist bands, available at most drug stores. Many people scoff at these because it “sounds” like a scam. They actually work pretty well. The nice thing about the SeaBand is that you can combine them with any of the other methods above without negative effects.
Ginger:
For the naturopaths in the crowd, try ginger root. Ginger settles your stomach quickly and, just like with SeaBand®, ginger can be added along with any of the aforementioned remedies with no negative effects. You can get it as supplements, candied, raw, powdered, in cookies, etc.
Dramamine®
In our experience, it’s not as effective as many items on the market and it’ll make you really, really sleepy. Try for the Bonine first.
DON’T OVERDO IT.
It’s best to limit/or avoid alcohol, dairy products, food high in salt, and generally heavier meals before or during your ocean adventure.
EYES ON THE HORIZON.
Motion sickness occurs due to a discrepancy between the motion that is expected, and the actual motion sensed by the organ of balance in the inner ear. These unexpected signals translate into a confused message by the brain, leading to the development of symptoms. Watching the horizon often helps to offset that confusion. While on the ocean, avoid reading books, looking through binoculars, etc. Find a fixed point on land to focus on.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS
If, despite your best efforts, you find your gut rising in your throat, follow these simple rules.
1) Stay above deck – do not rush for the head (marine toilet).
2) Remember the old phrase “never spit into the wind?” Good. So make your way calmly to the LEEWARD (downwind) side of the vessel and shoot for distance!
