7-10 day Gear Recommendations

The following list of gear will help our passengers prepare for their trip. (Print this page and use it as a checklist.)

It is by no means a complete list, and some may consider it to be more than needed. A big part of the service we offer is to make sure our passengers are as prepared as possible.

Questions? Please feel you can call us at (619)224-4764. We're standing by to assist you in planning your long-range adventure.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP - YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT!

▢ Passports are required on all trips! Our permit to fish the Mexican Islands stipulates that all passengers, and crew members must have a valid passport.
Royal Star fishing trips are all inclusive. That means Mexican Permits and Visas are included in the price of your trip. There will be an additional fee for any trips to Guadalupe.

Packing and Storage

▢ Duffle Bags: Perfect for efficient storage and keeping dirty laundry organized, with the added convenience of labeling the bags for quick and easy access.

▢ Dry Bags: Some dry bags are fully waterproof, keeping your belongings completely dry even when submerged. These are made from impermeable materials and feature an air and watertight seal. Many also float and some are only designed to shield your items from light water exposure, such as rain or splashes while boating.

Personal Gear

▢ Pants: Bring a change for each day. Light material is best.

▢ Shirts:You may need 1 or 2 each day. If you're sun sensitive long sleeves are in order. Light fabric for quick drying and coolness in warm weather. Sweatshirts are handy for nights and cool weather.
▢ Socks: Plan on at least one pair for each day.
▢ Shorts: For those hot sultry summer days.
▢ Under garments: Breathable material and a fresh change every day
▢ Jacket:For those cool fishing nights and cooler weather. Windbreaker type is ideal.
▢ Sneakers: For rigging up, dinner, and traveling.
▢ Boots: Water proof is key.
▢ Hat: Wide brim, baseball caps, foreign legion. Think Sun Protection.
▢ Light Rain Gear: Very seldom used, but appreciated when it rains.
▢ Sun Glasses: Polarized to cut the glare. Security straps will prevent loss over the side.
▢ Toiletries: Bath towels, shampoo, soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Sunscreen(water proof and broad spectrum type)
▢ Medication: Check with your Physician for preferred method of prevention (Transderm patches are back! These appear to be highly successful.) There are several over-the-counter products that are very effective. Your local Pharmacist would be another excellent source for recommendations. Sunscreen (water proof and broad spectrum type)

Fishing Equipment

▢ Tools: Dykes (cross cutting pliers), duck bill pliers, holder and belt, hook sharpener, proper screwdriver to tighten reel clamps.▢ Rubber Gloves: For handling your catch at the end of trip.
▢ Camera: Make sure you have a supply of batteries.
▢ Flash Light/ Head lamp: Great for those late evening or early morning rigging on a dark deck.
▢ Entertainment: Use the travel time to catch up on that favorite book. We have a great selection of DVDs, but you're more than welcome to bring one or two to share.
▢ Writing Materials: Notebook, stationary, pens and pencils for making notes on what to bring next trip (and what to leave behind.) Keep a daily journal of the action, it will add to your photos.

Rods and Reels

▢ Rigging #1
Line Size 100#
Rod Size 6455XXH, 760H, 6463XXH
Reel Size Penn 114H, 50sw, Shimano Tiagra 50w or Avet Pro EX 50W

▢ Rigging #2
Line Size 60#
Rod Size 6465H, 760M or 765ML
Reel Size Shimano TLD30, Tyrnos 30II or Penn 30s or GLD 30

▢ Rigging #3 (Jig Outfit)
Line Size 50#
Rod Size 6465H, 6470H, 6470H, 765L or 700H
Reel Size Penn GLD 20II or Trinidad 40 Newell 540 or 533 (5:5 Gear Ratio)

▢ Rigging #4 (Bait Outfit)
Line Size 50#
Rod Size 665H, 6465H, 6470H, 700H or 765L
Reel Size Penn GLD 20 or GLD 30, Avet EX 4, Shimano TLD 20II, TLD 30, Tyrnos 20II or 30II

▢ Rigging #5
Line Size 25# or 30#
Rod Size 870, 970 or 700ML
Reel Size Shimano Trinidad 30 or 40 Penn Baja Special, Newell 540 (3.2: 1 Ratio) or 533 (4.6 : 1 Ratio)

▢ Rigging #6
Line Size 25# or 30#
Rod Size 870, 970 or 700M
Reel Size Shimano Trinidad 20 or 30 Newell 332, 338 Penn 545

Terminal Tackle

▢ Hooks
Mustad 94150, Bronze Finish Size= 1/0, 2/0, 4/0, 6/0 & 9/0 Quantity (24) of each
Mustad 7691 Big Game; Size= 7/0 & 9/0; Quantity (3) of each
Owner Gorilla; Size= 2/0 & 4/0 Quantity (10) each

▢ Circle Hooks
Mustad 39965D Size 16/0 Qunatity (8)
Super Mutu Size 4/0 Quantity (8)

▢ Sinkers
Sliding; 2oz, 4oz, 8oz (10)
Torpedo; 4oz, 8oz, 12oz, 16 oz (10)

▢ Mackerel Catching Rigs
6 Each - Owner Octopus 4 Hook - Model #5525-075

▢ Squid Catchers
2 Each - Mid or Large size

▢ Line
1 Each - 2# spool of most commonly used: 30#, 40# 50# & 60#. Blue for day time, clear for day time & night
(Line is also available onboard at Tackle Store Prices).

▢ Leader & Backing Material
1 leader wheel (30 ft) of 150 lb. - Izorline, Maxima or Big Game All reels for big Tuna (100+ lbs) should be equipped with at least 3/4 spool of 80 lb Spectra backing, or 135 lb Spectra backing.

▢ Casting Lures
6X Jr. Heavy (Chrome Single hook (3 each)
Blue/WhiteTreble hook (3 each)
Scrambled EggTreble hook (3 each)

▢ Trolling Lures
Zuker or Seven strand Clones (Albacore size), color zucchini (1 each)
Marauder or Flash Dancer (Single hook 1 each) (S/S Double Hooks 2 each)

▢ Wire
40# Seven Strand 1 each 30 ft. spools (A-2 Sleeves)
60# Seven Strand 1 each 30 ft. spools (A-2 Sleeves)
90# Seven Strand 1 each 30 ft. spools (A-3 Sleeves)
275# Seven Strand 1 each 30 ft. spools (A-7 Sleeves)
No Mono-coated wire!

▢ Wire Sleeves
A-2 Seven Strand (200 each)
A-3 Seven Strand (50 each)
A-7 Seven Strand (24 each)
Swagger tool (multi-purpose)

▢ Rings
Heavy-duty welded wire type Size 5 (24 each), Size 7 (24 each)

▢ Swivels
4/0 McMahon (Black) 2 dozen

▢ Tackle Box
Wood, plastic or soft-packs to store your tackle

Additional Notes

Preferred brands of Rods for quality and performance are: Calstar "West Coast" and "Grafighter Series" and Seeker "Classic" and Black Steel Series. All Reels should have lightweight Aluminum spools. Preferred brand of line is IZORLINE (blue or clear) Reels in Red, should have Braid backing with a mono top shot There are several variations on model numbers and type of Rods and Reels. We've listed the model #'s that we feel work best. Fishing methods are constantly changing, so the wise angler always stays abreast of the latest in techniques and tackle. When deciding on lures, it is sometimes best to wait and consult the personnel at Royal Star Sportfishing, prior to your departure. We have the most current information and know what's working.

Royal Star Office Number: (+1) 619- 224-4764.