Fishing in Punta Cana

[Troller]

Hi I am heading to Punta Cana DR within the next month for a vacation. I am wondering if anyone has ever fished there. I am not sure I am going to go fishing when I am there but I would like to hear about any experiences anyone has had with charters and what options might be available there. This board has always been a good source of information for me regarding my questions on this topic.

Thanks in advance.
Dave

[StarTzar]

Wow lucky you. Fishing in Punta Cana.
That would qualify you as a Fair Weather Fisherman.

[zippyfx]

Bring a light travel rod and fish the reefs around the resort on a kayak or what ever. Many many beautiful fish. You buy Daiwa Minispin at Le Baron for about $30.00 (http://www.daiwa.com/travelkit/pop_ms.aspx). Leave the case at home and pack the rod in your luggage.

If your thinking of bigger quarry bring a saltwater safe reel (or a disposable one) and ask one of the staff to get you a rod, tip them $10, you will be surprised what they can find for you.

[Oneeleven]

I recently did some ocean fishing in the Yucatan Peninsula. Couple of tips I can give from my shore fishing experiences: def bring a salt water reel, or at the least a waterproof one. The cheapy one I brought lasted one week. Even showering it off and keeping care of it, it rusted and basically imploded.

I had to grab a new reel that was worth maybe ten bucks for $30.00 US, which was a tad painful. But the reel was pre-strung with mono and I found out that mono was much easier to navigate for multiple uses in salt water over braid. I just made sure to use metal leaders.

Also, two guys who I met over my stay, that were also shore fishing, that were using meat as bait did MUCH better than me. They were catching 'cudas like crazy. One guy took fish and chicken from the buffet and 'ripened' it on his balcony. Whilst smelly - he outfished me 10-1

Also, pay attention to the tides. Fishing an hour or so before high or low tide produces more fish since the current sweeps the baitfish inwards and the bigger fish take advantage of this.

Have a blast!

[Fishoholic]

A bunch of friends are in Punta Cana right now for a wedding. I couldn't afford to go because of my upcoming wedding but the just sent me some pics of some Mahi Mahi they were catching from a boat. These buddies aren't the hardcore fishing type like a lot of us on F-H but I think they just may have asked someone at the resort about a charter and ended up going out on a pretty nice looking boat. I'll find out more information when they get back this weekend and let you know.

[nighttroller]

I am heading to Punta Cana at the end of February with some friends and the guys have talked about taking a Charter to do some fishing. There is lots of information on the web, here is one that seems to get good reviews on trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Re ... an_Re.html It would be nice to hear first hand from any Fish Hawkers that have taken a Charter in Punta Cana.

[Wallyboss]

Nighttroller one thing that you will notice in Punta Cana is that it is very windy all the time there. A few years back when I was there friends of mine took a charter out of Bavaro Beach and he said never again. They went out for 4 hours, they caught 3 fish in between 10 people. And they spent most of their time over the side of teh boat puking because of all the waves. Hopefully you get a calm day. You might have a better time going on a Sanoa Island excursion. Crystal clear waters, great seafood BBQ on the beach and lot's of free flowing rum.

[rex.stpierre]

Pay for a charter... Dont pay more than 80$ per person, thats what i paid. I went in may and we caught 2 mahi mahi between 8 people, i was told we would be 6 max(i paid for 4).. When you get on boat shoe interest with yhe outriggers and stand close to hot seat... When there was a bite they threw me in seat... I spent 25 mins reeling in mahi mahi... Ive heard of guys catching 10 in a day in january... Our stomachs were bad, only my gf puked... I find the rhum they provide straightened me out!

I have shore fished down south with a 4500 sized spinning, a travel rapala bahal from lebaron, some giant lucky strike silver spoons and some 6 inch 3 ounce poppers... 25lb mono and metal leader... Or 50 braid with metal leader... Your choice! Drag does the rest with cudas...

Ive never caught anything with deadbait, livebait underbobber from shore, and i have tried...Spoon and popper worked for me...ive never been able to take a kayak out... And i have tried.. Just saying... Good luck!

[Lunker Larry]

There are numerous medications for sea sickness. The trick is to start taking it at least 24 hrs before you go out. Also, have something with ginger on hand. It is amazing at settling your stomach, though I don't think it would go good with rum.

[Troller]

Thanks for all of the information guys! I am not sure I am going but is is good to know what my options might be if I do.
Cheers,
Dave

[Hooked-Fish]

Guys I don't know nothing about shared fishing in Punta Cana.. We booked private fishing charters with Big Marlin Charters. Awesome fishing both times. They are have really fresh boats and top notch crew.. paid $550 for 4hrs.https://bigmarlinpuntacana.com