Clothing. A Giorgio Armani suit, make sure that it is tailored, you want to make a good impression on your fish...and please don't go cheap on the Italian shoes.

Really. Rubber boots are a must. Check the weather. Sweater or sweatshirt at night. Skins to keep yourself from being a mess. It's classic to see people wear new sneakers on a tuna trip. Trust me, they won't be new when you get off the boat, that's for sure! Long jeans are important...there are lots of sharp instruments flying around and shorts won't protect your legs. Unless you have nice legs like me. Bring rain gear, if necessary. T-shirts for the beginning of the season. You'll be doing a lot of running around. It is smart to bring one change of clothes...trust me on this...after 24 hours of fishing those old clothes get funky. Do us all a favor and change them or even the cat won't go near you.

Children. If you are planning on bringing children out for the first time...DON'T. Wait until they are at least 13 years old, please. Nothing is worse than a kid who is seasick for 24 hours straight. Trust me, they'll thank you for it.

Traveling Alone. You don't have to go with friends. Come alone, 90 percent of the boats will set you up with all the gear for the first time and help you out. Make new friends. You'll be too busy fishing anyway. If you get bored, ask the Captain the 1000 questions. He'll love you..."Are we there yet?".