Preparing for a fishing charter in Cabo San Lucas is part of the adventure. You’ve booked the boat, you’re watching the weather, and you’re already picturing that first strike ripping line off the reel. But as your trip approaches, one practical question always rises to the top—especially for first-time anglers:

What should I bring with me on the best Cabo fishing charter trip?

The answer isn’t about overpacking or hauling unnecessary gear to the dock. The best Cabo fishing experiences happen when guests arrive prepared, comfortable, and relaxed. Knowing what to bring—and just as importantly, what not to bring—sets the tone for the entire day.

This guide walks through everything Fishing Cabo San Lucas recommends guests bring aboard, explains why each item matters, and helps ensure your fishing day starts smoothly and stays enjoyable from dock departure to return.

Why preparation matters on the best Cabo fishing charter

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is a premium experience. The boats are professional, the crews are experienced, and the fishery is world-class. Still, the ocean is an outdoor environment, and small preparation choices can make a big difference in comfort and enjoyment.

When guests arrive prepared:

• The morning feels calm instead of rushed
• Comfort lasts longer throughout the day
• Focus stays on fishing, not minor inconveniences
• The entire crew dynamic improves

The best Cabo fishing charter isn’t just about the boat—it’s about how well the day flows.

Hats: essential protection under the Cabo sun

A good hat is one of the most important items to bring on any Cabo fishing charter.

The Cabo sun is intense year-round, even on cloudy days. Hours on the water mean constant exposure, and reflected sunlight off the ocean increases UV impact.

Recommended hat features:

• Wide brim or full coverage
• Adjustable strap (wind happens offshore)
• Breathable material
• Comfortable for all-day wear

Baseball caps work, but brimmed sun hats offer better protection for ears, neck, and face.

Sunglasses: more than just comfort

Sunglasses are not optional—they’re functional fishing equipment.

Quality sunglasses:

• Reduce glare on the water
• Help spot fish, bait, and surface activity
• Protect eyes from UV exposure
• Improve visibility when fighting fish

Polarized lenses are strongly recommended. They reduce surface reflection and allow you to see beneath the water more clearly—something anglers immediately notice once lines are in the spread.

Long sleeve shirts: smart sun protection

Many guests assume short sleeves are best in warm climates, but experienced anglers know better.

Long sleeve performance shirts:

• Protect arms from sunburn
• Wick moisture and stay cool
• Reduce dehydration from direct sun exposure
• Are more comfortable over long hours

Lightweight, breathable materials are ideal. These shirts help guests stay cooler and more comfortable, especially during longer offshore runs.

Sunblock: critical protection in Cabo

Sunburn can ruin the rest of a vacation. Cabo’s sun is strong, and hours on the water add up quickly.

Sunblock tips:

• Use SPF 30 or higher
• Reapply throughout the day
• Choose water-resistant formulas
• Avoid greasy lotions that transfer to gear

Apply before boarding and reapply during downtime. Neck, ears, tops of feet, and backs of hands are common burn zones.

Motion sickness pills: even for experienced travelers

Even guests who “never get seasick” are encouraged to bring motion sickness medication.

Why?

• Ocean conditions vary daily
• Offshore movement is different from boats or ferries
• Prevention works better than reaction

Take motion sickness pills the night before or early morning, not after symptoms begin. This small step can completely change the day for sensitive guests.

Towels: small item, big convenience

Bringing a towel is often overlooked, but it’s surprisingly useful.

Towels are helpful for:

• Drying hands after handling fish
• Sitting on wet surfaces
• Swimming during breaks
• Cooling off during warmer months

While boats are well-equipped, having a personal towel adds comfort and convenience.

Flexible cooler for fish filleting and retention

For guests planning to keep edible fish, Fishing Cabo San Lucas recommends bringing a flexible cooler.

Why flexible coolers work best:

• Easy to store onboard
• Lightweight and collapsible
• Fit well in taxis or vehicles
• Ideal for transporting fillets after processing

Crews typically handle fish cleaning and preparation, but having a cooler ensures you can transport your fish safely and efficiently afterward.

Cell phone: for photos, communication, and navigation

Your cell phone plays multiple roles during a Cabo fishing charter.

Uses include:

• Photos and videos
• Communication with your group
• Navigation support for marina arrival
• Emergency contact if needed

Guests are encouraged to download or screenshot the marina map provided by Fishing Cabo San Lucas before the trip. Having it saved offline ensures a smooth arrival, even if service is limited early in the morning.

Cameras: capturing the moments that matter

While phones are great, some guests prefer dedicated cameras.

Cameras are useful for:

• Action shots during fights
• High-quality trophy photos
• Group photos on deck
• Video documentation

Bring protective cases and straps to prevent drops. Saltwater environments demand extra care with electronics.

Cash for crew gratuity: a Cabo fishing tradition

Tipping is customary in Cabo San Lucas and is an important part of crew compensation.

Crews work long days preparing boats, rigging gear, running offshore, cleaning fish, and ensuring guest safety. Gratuities recognize that effort.

Cash is preferred for:

• Simplicity
• Immediate distribution
• Crew convenience

While gratuity amounts vary, most guests tip based on service quality and overall experience.

Credit card for additional services

Fishing trips sometimes evolve during the day. Guests may decide to:

• Extend charter time
• Add services
• Book additional trips
• Upgrade experiences

Bringing a credit card allows flexibility if additional services are requested. It’s always better to have options than limitations.

Comfortable footwear: stability matters

Boat decks can be wet and slippery at times.

Recommended footwear:

• Non-slip soles
• Closed-toe sandals or deck shoes
• Comfortable for standing

Avoid flip-flops with poor grip. Stability matters when fighting fish or moving around the cockpit.

Light jacket or wind layer

Even in warm months, mornings offshore can feel cool.

A light jacket or windbreaker:

• Adds comfort during early runs
• Protects against wind chill
• Packs easily when not needed

This is especially helpful in winter months or early departures.

Personal items and medications

Guests should bring:

• Any prescription medications
• Inhalers, EpiPens, or medical necessities
• Small personal comfort items

While crews are prepared, personal medical needs should always stay with the guest.

What you don’t need to bring

The best Cabo fishing charter already provides:

• Rods and reels
• Tackle and bait
• Licenses (when included)
• Safety equipment
• Crew expertise

Guests do not need to bring heavy gear or complicated setups unless specifically requested.

Why downloading the marina map matters

The Cabo marina can feel confusing early in the morning. Multiple docks, similar-looking boats, and low light can create stress if guests arrive unsure of where to go.

Fishing Cabo San Lucas strongly suggests downloading or screenshotting the provided marina map.

Benefits include:

• Confident arrival
• Reduced stress
• No reliance on live data
• Faster check-in

Some guests even visit the marina the day before, enjoying restaurants and shops while learning the layout.

Preparing the night before your charter

The best fishing days start the night before.

Preparation checklist:

• Lay out clothing
• Pack sun protection
• Charge devices
• Download maps
• Take motion sickness medication if needed

This eliminates morning rush and sets a relaxed tone for the day.

Group trips: coordinating what to bring

For groups, coordination helps:

• One cooler instead of many
• Shared sunscreen and towels
• Consolidated cameras

Planning together reduces clutter and improves comfort onboard.

Why preparation improves fishing success

Prepared guests:

• Stay alert longer
• Avoid discomfort distractions
• Enjoy the experience fully
• Fish more effectively

When comfort is handled, focus stays on the bite.

Common mistakes first-time Cabo anglers make

• Forgetting sun protection
• Not bringing motion sickness pills
• Arriving without marina directions
• Overpacking unnecessary items

This guide exists to prevent those issues entirely.

Why seasoned Cabo anglers pack light but smart

Experienced anglers know:

• Comfort beats excess
• Preparation beats luck
• Simple gear beats overthinking

The goal is ease, not complexity.

Why the best Cabo fishing charter experience feels effortless

When guests arrive prepared, the day flows naturally. Crews can focus on fishing, guests can focus on enjoying the ocean, and small inconveniences never arise.

That effortless feeling is the mark of a great charter day.

Final thoughts: what to bring on the best Cabo fishing charter trip

So, what should you bring with you on the best Cabo fishing charter trip?

Bring what keeps you comfortable, protected, prepared, and flexible:

• Hats and sunglasses
• Long sleeve shirts
• Sunblock
• Motion sickness pills
• Towels
• A flexible cooler for fish retention
• Cell phone and/or camera
• Cash for crew gratuity
• Credit card for additional services
• Downloaded marina map for a smooth arrival

With a little preparation and the guidance of Fishing Cabo San Lucas, your fishing day starts stress-free and stays enjoyable from dock to deep water and back again.

When you’re ready, comfortable, and confident, the only thing left to worry about is how hard the fish pulls back.