Long-sleeve sun shirt
A hooded long-sleeve shirt does more than sunscreen over a full day because it does not wear off, sweat off, or need reapplying with fish-slimed hands.
The sun on open water is stronger than the same sun on the beach, and there is no shade to retreat to for eight hours.
The reasoning is on /what-to-bring, which is the better place to decide whether you need any of this.
Polarized sunglasses
Polarization cuts the glare coming off the surface, which matters for your eyes over eight hours and for seeing anything in the water at all. Bring a retainer strap.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Mineral rather than chemical filters. Worth noting that "reef safe" is not a regulated term in the United States, so it describes the formulation rather than certifying anything.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
Fishing Charters Gulf Shores is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
Fishing Charters Gulf Shores takes no bookings. You book with the operator, and a booking made through one of this site’s FareHarbor links earns it a commission at no extra cost to you.