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: must be valid for at least 6 months from travel date
- Driver’s license: for rental cars or ID
- Fishing license: included with charter, no action needed
- Travel insurance info: highly recommended
- Credit cards: notify your bank of travel
- Cash: small US bills ($5, $10, $20) for tips and incidentals
- 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
Good news: Your charter provides all the tackle, bait, and equipment. You don’t need to bring rods, reels, or lures unless you have personal favorites.
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 medication: Bonine, Dramamine, or Scopolamine patch. Take it the night before and the morning of your trip. Don’t wait until you feel sick.
- Personal medications: bring enough for your trip plus extras
- First aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic, blister care
- Aloe vera gel: for sunburn relief
- Ibuprofen or pain reliever
- 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:
- Cooler: check airline size limits. Many airlines allow coolers as checked bags.
- Vacuum sealer: if self-processing (or use a local service)
- Freezer packs or ice packs: for transport
- Ziploc bags: for portioning fillets
What NOT to Bring
- Rod and reel tubes: unnecessary unless you have custom gear
- Large tackle boxes: the boat has everything
- Valuables: leave expensive jewelry and watches at home
- Large amounts of cash: use ATMs and cards
- Prohibited items: check customs regulations for Mexico
Quick Pre-Trip Checklist
- Passport valid (6+ months)
- Travel insurance purchased
- Charter booked and confirmed
- Hotel reservations confirmed
- Airport transfer arranged
- Bank notified of travel
- Motion sickness medication packed
- Sunscreen and sun protection packed
- Airline baggage policy checked for cooler/fish transport
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