If you’re heading out for a long day on the water on a boat, be prepared to feed the hunger. Whether you’re sport fishing and require some extra fuel for your next catch, relaxing in the heat or even just hanging with friends, you will likely build up an appetite. Although the food you bring on a boat may need to be kept simple and easy to pack, it can also be delicious.
The do’s and the don’ts
Do’s
- Coolers and Airtight Containers – These are essential to properly store your food and drinks to ensure its freshness for longer.
- Pre cut your fruit and vegetables to avoid bringing a knife on board!
Don’ts
There are some foods you want to avoid on boat days. These foods include:
- Chocolate – And other foods that melt easily and create a mess, like ice cream and popsicles.
- Bright colored foods and drinks – e.g. Cheetos or Doritos, which give us orange and sticky fingers. This can easily stain seats, paint and floorboards.
- Bananas – there is a longstanding superstition that bananas bring bad luck on a boat. Best to avoid them unless you can’t go a day without bananas.
- Spillable foods – high water consistent foods like salsa, which can easily spill on the floor can stain carpets and potentially leave discoloration behind.
Lunch ideas
We have found the following packed lunches to last for hours when stored in airtight containers and a cooler:
- Pasta salad – a cold salad with cold toppings and a light vinagrette is practical as it can stay fresh for hours. Pasta salads can also be prepared well in advance and portioned easily into airtight containers. Cold toppings can include olives, cucumber, sweetcorn and tomatoes. Try and stay away from sauces that can be sensitive to the heat, such as dairy products and creamy sauces.
- Fried rice – tends to keep well and can be good either hot or cold. You can add diced vegetables as well as your favorite protein, perhaps shrimp, chicken or beef.
- Ciabattas, Sandwiches or Wraps – these can be made with cold meats, tuna, grilled vegetables or peanut butter and jelly. Just avoid too many tomatoes, or remove the pulp beforehand, and too much sauce. When using sauce, try to keep it in the centre and not in direct contact with the bread, as this can cause the bread to go soggy as it absorbs the moisture.
- Chicken and Fish Fingers tend to hold up really well for hours. Make sure that once they removed from the fryer, that they are transferred onto a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Snack ideas
Whether you are preparing these at home or buying them from a store, these snacks are great food options to bring on a boat:
- Cookies or Muffins – These are a great option for a quick boost of energy. They also don’t need to be stored in a cooler (unless there are chocolate chips inside).
- Dried Fruit and Nuts – This can be stored in an airtight container or sandwich bags. Candied ginger is especially great if somebody on board suffers from sea sickness.
- Cheese, Dips, Veggie sticks and Crackers – if you have space in your cooler for a solid texture dip like hummus, jam or sliced cheese, then bring along some sliced veggies and crackers for a perfect onboard dip session.
- Pre Cut Fruit – a refreshing way to rehydrate and get some nutrients in. Oranges, pineapple, watermelon and frozen grapes are all good ideas, just leave the bananas at home!
- Crisps – you can find different types of crisps as well as other types of snack bags to cater for everyone. Plantain or cassava chips are our favorite. You can also find pretzels or standard potato crisps. They are convenient as they usually come pre portioned.
- Jerky – or any other type of dried meat offer a lot of protein and they hold up well, especially if they come packaged in an airtight bag.
Plan your next Panama Fishing Trip
When booking a fishing trip with us, our lodge will sort you out with the best lunches and snacks to bring on your boat. Check out our all inclusive fishing packages, email us at [email protected] or call +1 800 507 1246 for more info on availabilities for your next fishing adventure.
