Planning what to pack for a Cabo fishing trip can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time. You want to be prepared without overpacking. This checklist covers everything you need for a day on the water and your evenings in Cabo.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport: bring the document required for your nationality and mode of travel. U.S. citizens arriving by air need a passport book; current U.S. guidance says it must be valid at the time of entry. Check your airline as well.
- Driver’s license: for rental cars or ID
- Fishing license: confirm in writing whether the operator obtains it or you must purchase it separately
- Travel insurance info: highly recommended
- Credit cards: check your issuer’s travel and foreign-transaction policies
- Cash: pesos are the local currency; ask the operator which payment methods and currencies it accepts
- Copies of documents: keep digital copies on your phone
Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)
The sun in Cabo is intense, and the reflection off the water multiplies the effect. Sunburn can ruin a fishing trip.
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): bring enough for multiple applications
- Polarized sunglasses: essential for spotting fish and reducing glare
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap with neck flap
- Light long-sleeve shirt: SPF-rated fishing shirt or rash guard
- Lip balm with SPF: the dry air and sun crack lips quickly
- Buff/neck gaiter: protects the back of your neck
Clothing
On the Boat
- Quick-dry shorts or fishing pants
- Light long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
- Fishing gloves: optional but helpful for fighting fish
- Non-marking boat shoes or deck boots with good grip
- Light jacket or windbreaker: mornings are cool, runs at speed are windy
- Swimsuit: under your clothes, in case you want to swim
Evening / Off the Boat
- Casual shorts and t-shirts: Cabo is casual
- One nice outfit: some restaurants require collared shirts
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
- Light sweater or jacket: evenings can be cool December-April
Fishing Gear
Many charters provide tackle, bait, and core equipment, but inclusions differ. Confirm the target species, tackle, bait, licenses, food, drinks, dock fees, fish processing, and gratuity policy before deciding what to bring.
Optional items:
- Favorite lucky lure: some anglers bring their own
- Fishing knife or multi-tool
- Tackle bag for personal items on the boat
- Leader material if you prefer specific brands
- Gloves for fighting fish
Health & Comfort
- Motion sickness plan: ask a pharmacist or clinician what is appropriate for you, then follow the product label or prescription. Some products cause drowsiness or interact with other medicines.
- Personal medications: bring enough for your trip plus extras
- First aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic, blister care
- Aloe vera gel: for sunburn relief
- Any over-the-counter medicines you normally use, packed and taken according to their labels
- Insect repellent: needed for evening activities
Tech & Accessories
- Camera or phone with waterproof case or dry bag
- Power bank: for charging devices
- Waterproof phone pouch: wear it around your neck on the boat
- GoPro or action camera: great for action shots
- Headlamp or small flashlight: for early morning boat boarding
For the Catch
If you plan to bring fish home:
- Airline policy: verify whether your carrier accepts fish, coolers, gel packs, dry ice, or wet ice and how each item must be packed
- Import rules: check the current customs and wildlife rules for every country on the itinerary
- Processor instructions: arrange legal processing and labeling before departure; Mexican sport-caught fish may not be landed as fillets at the dock
- Cold-chain plan: use only packing materials approved by the carrier and processor
What NOT to Bring
- Rod and reel tubes: unnecessary unless you have custom gear
- Large tackle boxes: unnecessary unless the operator confirms a specific need
- Valuables: leave expensive jewelry and watches at home
- Large amounts of cash: use ATMs and cards
- Restricted items: check Mexican entry rules, airline security rules, and the import rules for the trip home
Quick Pre-Trip Checklist
Requirements change. Before travel, review the U.S. State Department’s Mexico guidance, Mexico’s immigration guidance, and our Mexican fishing-license and regulations guide.