Bring These Essentials
For the boat:
- Drinks in cans or plastic (no glass)
- Lunch and snacks
- Water, more than you think
- Sunscreen (reef-friendly if you can)
- Wide hat or cap with a strap
- Polarized sunglasses with a strap
- Motion sickness medicine
- Small dry bag for phone, wallet, and keys
- Cash for crew tips
- Camera or phone with a waterproof case
For the catch:
- Coolers with ice for the drive home
- Freezer bags or a vacuum sealer
Provided on partner charters:
- Rods, reels, tackle, and bait
- Mexican fishing licenses
- Fish cleaning at the dock
Dress for the Water
- Layers. Mornings on the water can be cool even when the afternoon hits 100°F. Bring a light jacket or hoodie.
- Sun shirt. A long-sleeve UPF shirt beats reapplying sunscreen.
- Shorts or quick-dry pants.
- Non-slip shoes. Closed-toe deck shoes or sneakers with grip. No flip-flops.
- Rain shell in winter for spray and wind.
Prepare for Seasickness
- Take motion sickness medicine the night before and again in the morning.
- Eat a light breakfast and go easy on drinks the night before.
- Stay hydrated.
- Keep your eyes on the horizon and stay in fresh air.
- Tell the crew early if you feel off.
Bring Cash and ID
- Cash for tips: 15 to 20 percent of the charter price. See how much to tip a fishing charter.
- Photo ID.
- Licenses: handled at the dock on our partner charters. If you fish on your own, see our license guide.
- Passport or passport card for the drive home. See our sister site's passport guide.
Plan for Your Catch
- The crew cleans and fillets your fish at the dock.
- Bag the fillets and keep them on ice for the ride back to the lodge.
- Freeze them flat in the lodge freezer.
- Pack them in coolers with ice on checkout morning.
- Declare them at the border.
See fish cleaning and freezing and bringing fish back from Mexico.
Download the Printable Checklist
Want this as a one-page checklist to send to the crew? Print this page, or mention it in your trip request and we will email you the checklist with your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring on a fishing charter?
Bring drinks (no glass), snacks, sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, layers, motion sickness medicine, cash for tips, and coolers. On our partner charters, gear, bait, and licenses are provided.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear on a charter?
Usually not. Most charters provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Confirm when you book.
What should I wear on a fishing charter?
Wear light layers, sun-protective clothing, a hat, and non-slip shoes. Mornings on the water can be cool even when afternoons are hot.
Can I bring beer on the boat?
On our partner charters, alcohol and coolers are allowed, but no glass. Captains can refuse anyone who is clearly drunk, so pace yourself.
Plan Your Trip
Bringing your own gear? See bait and tackle in Rocky Point.
