For most people, a family holiday means loading the car and hitting the motorway. For Team Squidward, it means hitching up a 28-foot boat, loading the SUV with rods, reels, and road snacks, and towing the whole setup nearly 900 miles through Europe.
Following the first part of their story, where readers met the UK-based fishing family—Darren, Caz, and their teenage son Luke—we zoom in on the prep behind the adventure. With their Beneteau Antares 8 (Squidward 3) bound for the Mediterranean, their goal is simple: a summer of unforgettable fishing, family memories, and just the right amount of chaos.
But before the sun, surf, and snapper, there's the checklist.
Towing Across a Continent Starts with the Trailer
Towing a boat abroad sounds glamorous—until you remember the real work happens weeks in advance. The Squidward crew started with the most critical piece of the puzzle: the trailer.
They gave it a full service, fitted new bearings, and double-checked every strap, light, and cable. Towing a rig this size across borders requires total confidence in what's holding everything up. The outboard also got a full service, and Squidward 3 herself was put through a final round of checks to ensure she was ready for the trip.
Paperwork, Insurance, and the One Thing They Nearly Missed
Paperwork might not be exciting, but it's essential. The family updated their boat insurance for international use and gathered documents for:
- UK Ship Registry
- Certificate of boat ownership
- Powerboat Level 2 certifications
- EU customs (via Temporary Admission declaration)
- Travel, boat, and vehicle insurance with EU coverage
But the one thing that nearly caught them out? Trailer breakdown coverage. Many policies don't include it, especially abroad. After a bit of digging, they added full RAC European cover—an absolute must when towing a prized boat through unknown terrain.
The Little Details That Matter on the Road
Phones were set up for EU roaming to cover everything from route changes to social media updates. Toll tags and Crit'Air stickers (for France's clean air zones) were sorted ahead of time to avoid delays and fines. And the route itself was planned meticulously, with a ferry from Dover and a mid-point stop in Lyon to break up the drive.
Safety Above All—On the Road and On the Water
With safety top of mind, Team Squidward ran through every system:
- Lifejackets serviced and packed
- First-aid kits fully stocked
- Fire extinguishers, flares, kill cords, and grab bag checked and ready
Additionally, digital and printed copies of every document were prepped—because when things go wrong, having the right paperwork in hand can save hours of stress.
Why Layering Beats a Single Suit (Especially in Summer)
France in July sounds hot—and it is. But dawn launches, sea breeze, and the odd rogue storm meant the team needed gear that could handle it all. That's where Mustang Survival's layering system came in.
What they packed:
- Taku Waterproof Jacket + Bibs – For squalls, spray, and serious offshore conditions
- Torrens Thermal Jacket – Lightweight warmth for early starts
- Adelphi UV Hooded Tops – Breathable, sun-protective layers for long days on the water
- Base Layers – Ideal for temperature swings and boat-side comfort
The team swears by the ability to add or remove layers depending on the weather. It's a system that's lighter, more flexible, and far more breathable than traditional one-piece suits—especially when you're moving from ferry decks to fishing marks to beach BBQs.
Tackle, Toys, and Teen Essentials
Of course, no trip would be complete without a few gear upgrades. New rods, reels, and lures were packed for targeting Mediterranean heavyweights like barracuda, tuna, grouper, and snapper. A 360 camera and GoPro were added to the kit, ready to capture every cast and catch. And for Luke, now 19, the road-trip essentials included:
- Hidden snack stash (Crisps, Haribo, and "healthy" bars)
- Podcast downloads and playlists
- A travel hammock (because comfort matters)
Teenage mood management? A carefully curated mix of baguettes, breaks, and Wi-Fi.
Family Adventure, Doubled
This trip wasn't just a solo mission—Team Squidward travelled alongside close friends, another fishing-mad family of four. From launch ramps to long drives, they planned to share the load (and the laughs). For Darren and Caz, these moments are priceless—especially with Luke at an age where future trips aren't guaranteed. It's not just about the fish; it's about the time spent between casts.
Squidward 3 Angling Collection
Destination: La Croix-Valmer
Their base for the trip: La Croix-Valmer, near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, in partnership with Smart Fish France. From here, they scoped four key launch spots:
- Port Grimaud – Easy Gulf access
- Sainte-Maxime – Northern reef marks
- Pampelonne/Ramatuelle – Prime barracuda territory
- Cavalaire-sur-Mer – Offshore drop-offs and deeper water
The species hit list? Bonito, sea bream, bass, Mediterranean barracuda, tuna, grouper, snapper—even swordfish if luck's on their side. The team hopes to meet up with the French Suzuki team for a few sessions to share some tactics, fly the flag, and picking up some local know-how.
From Catch to Campfire
After long days on the water, the goal is simple: cook what you catch, relax by the beach, and soak in the moment. Whether it's grilling fresh sea bass or watching the sun dip below the horizon, this is what makes the effort worthwhile.
It’s Not Just About Fishing
Towing a boat across a continent takes work. But as Team Squidward proves, the reward is worth every checklist, toll booth, and gear bag.
This trip isn't just about fishing new waters—it's about deepening connections, pushing boundaries, and making memories that last long after the rods are packed away.
Follow Their Journey
