We're often asked about seasickness and if you've ever been seasick, you can understand why.
First, lets talk about some of the causes of seasickness and factors that can exacerbate it. I once worked with a very well respected Family Medicine MD, and we discussed this one day. In his opinion, medically speaking, as we age, our inner ear begins to change and declines in function and ability to process what we see and sense, with the signals that our inner ear sends to our brain. When there is a conflict between these messages, such as motion or rocking, it can induce nausea and ultimately seasickness. That said, some people never get sick, some occasionally do, and others seem more susceptible to motion sickness, regardless of age or even time and experience on the water.
There are some other factors that can play into seasickness, and often make a person more susceptible to it such as:
*Dehydration
*Alcohol consumption the day or night prior to fishing or being on the water, which can obviously cause nausea in of itself, but also causes dehydration.
*Looking down at things while on the vessel, such as ones phone screen, a book, or the boat deck, for extended periods of time rather than the horizon.
You might be asking or thinking, what about the waters specific to the area off Cabo? In response to that, here's what I can tell you... I've been in some pretty rough seas throughout my life. I once crossed the English Channel in gale force 10 winds and very heavy seas which made for a very wild ride despite the massive size of the ship. Aside from Cabo, I've fished out of Morro Bay, California for a good part of my life and it is well-known for rough seas and is classified as one of the 10 most dangerous harbors in the U.S. by the Coast Guard. As far as the waters off of Cabo San Lucas, they're quite mild and generally around 2-4 feet, nearly year round, with the exception of storms. Seas of this size will usually be tolerable for most individuals, but a good offense of prevention first and foremost is always the key. Lets talk a bit about what you can do to mitigate your chance of becoming seasick...
I'm a big proponent of a mariner mindset that its better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it. So what can you do?
Ginger. Long used to treat nausea, is natural remedy and can be quite effective. In fact, Dramamine now produces a non-drowsy formula (see photo for reference). You can find this in most pharmacies and drug stores in the U.S. Ginger lozenges or ginger gum can also be quite effective and are easy to bring along with you.
Regular Dramamine or similar products. Dramamine has been around a long time. While its efficacy can be good, I'm not a big fan of the regular Dramamine or even the "less drowsy" Dramamine product. I find that they seem to make most individuals very drowsy, even the "less drowsy" formula and who wants to be drowsy when fishing? What you might consider however, is taking one of these products the evening or night prior to your fishing trip just before bedtime. It'll typically help you sleep, and it'll be in your system the following day, when you might consider supplementing it a few hours before you depart, with the Dramamine natural formula, that contains ginger.
Scopolamine, more commonly known as the patch. This option is placed behind your ear, usually the day or evening prior to being on the water and a prescription is needed. Although effective, it can induce some of the same side effects such as drowsiness as over the counter tablet form of seasickness medications.
As mentioned above, try not to look down. One of the best and easiest ways to mitigate seasickness, is to keep your eyes up and looking out and onto the horizon. This helps our brains and bodies keep balance and in sync with what we see versus what we perceive. Also, avoid sitting in or staying inside the boat cabin as much as possible. While there are windows, much of ones spatial vision is blocked when inside the cabin reducing the ability to see the wider horizon.
As with any medication, consult your physician if you have concerns or need guidance including any potential interactions with anything listed above in relation to other medications, you may be taking.
In the end, we want you to feel good and well while on your fishing trip with Top Anglers Sportfishing so you can fight and land the fish of a lifetime!