Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious offshore action in the Dominican Republic? We're talking big game, blue water, and the chance to battle some of the ocean's most prized catches. Our full day trip takes you up to 20 miles out where the real monsters lurk. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to land your first billfish, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the high seas for some world-class fishing!
Alright, here's the deal: we'll be leaving port bright and early to make the most of your day. Once we're out in the deep blue, we'll be setting lines and trolling for the big ones. You'll be using heavy-duty tackle designed to handle the power of these offshore giants. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew will show you the ropes and help you perfect your technique. We've got sodas, fresh fruit, and cold beers on board to keep you refreshed, but feel free to bring your own snacks if you want. The action can be hot out here, so be ready for some serious fights when a fish decides to take the bait. And trust me, when you see that bill break the surface or a dorado light up in those electric blues and greens, you'll know why we do this.
We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species throughout the day. For billfish like marlin and sailfish, we often troll with large artificial lures or rigged baits like ballyhoo. We'll have multiple lines out, creating a spread that can cover a good chunk of water. Keep an eye on those outriggers – when they snap, it's game on! For mahi-mahi, we might switch to lighter tackle and use live bait if we come across some floating debris where they like to hang out. Swordfishing is a whole different ballgame – if conditions are right, we might drop some lines deep to see if we can tempt one of these elusive gladiators. The key out here is patience and staying alert. Sometimes it's hours of watching and waiting, but when that reel starts screaming, you'll be glad you stuck it out.
"Fantastic experience with top of the line guides in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic." - Josh
Atlantic Sailfish: These speedsters are the acrobats of the sea. Known for their incredible aerial displays, sailfish can turn a calm day into an adrenaline-pumping spectacle in seconds. They're fast, they're powerful, and they're absolutely beautiful with that iconic sail raised high. Spring through early summer is prime time for sailfish here, but you can find them year-round. Expect a fish anywhere from 6 to 8 feet long – and trust me, they punch well above their weight class when it comes to fighting spirit.
Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champion of our waters, blue marlin are the dream catch for many offshore anglers. These massive predators can tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 200-400 pound range. Late summer and fall are your best bet for blues, but they can show up any time. When a blue marlin decides to take your bait, hold on tight – the initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. It's a test of endurance and skill that can last hours, but landing one of these giants is a memory that'll last a lifetime.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): If there's a beauty pageant in the ocean, mahi mahi would take the crown every time. These fish are simply stunning, with electric blue, green, and gold colors that seem to shift and shimmer. They're also fantastic eating and put up a great fight on lighter tackle. We find mahi year-round, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're fast growers and great fighters pound-for-pound. A good-sized mahi out here might run 15-30 pounds, but larger "slammers" over 50 pounds aren't unheard of.
White Marlin: The smaller cousin of the blue marlin, white marlin are no less exciting to catch. They're more common in our waters and tend to run in the 50-80 pound range. What they lack in size compared to blues, they make up for in acrobatics – these fish love to dance across the surface. Spring and fall are typically the best times for whites, but like most billfish, they can surprise you any day of the year. They're known for their speed and agility, often making blistering runs and sharp direction changes that'll keep you on your toes.
Swordfish: The mysterious gladiators of the deep, swordfish are a special prize for any angler. Unlike our other target species, swordfish typically stay deep during the day, so targeting them often means dropping baits way down – sometimes over 1,000 feet! Night fishing can be productive too, as they come up to feed. Swords are available year-round, but winter tends to be a good time. They're incredibly strong, with bills that can slice through steel leaders, and fights that can last many hours. Landing a swordfish is a true feat of angling skill and patience.
Look, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this is the trip you've been waiting for. We're talking about some of the most sought-after game fish in the world, right here in the beautiful waters of the Dominican Republic. Our crew knows these fish, knows these waters, and knows how to put you on the action. Whether you're dreaming of that first billfish release or looking to add another species to your list, we've got the experience and the drive to make it happen. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, there's nothing quite like that moment when a big fish crashes the spread and your reel starts singing. Come on out and see for yourself – the fish are waiting!
September 5, 2024
Atlantic Sailfish are some of the most exciting fish you can target offshore. These speedsters can reach lengths of 10 feet and weights up to 140 pounds, though most are in the 50-80 pound range. You'll find them in warm, tropical waters, often near the surface down to about 60 feet deep. They love to hang around floating debris and weed lines. Spring through fall is prime sailfish season here. Anglers prize sailfish for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs - hooking one is like tying into a rocket! Their sail-like dorsal fin and long bill make for impressive photos too. When fishing for sails, I like to slow-troll live baits like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes. The key is letting them eat the bait before setting the hook. Once hooked, be ready for an epic battle as these fish will test your stamina.
Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champions of the billfish world. These massive fish can top 1,000 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. You'll find them in deep, warm offshore waters, often following temperature breaks and bait schools. Summer and early fall are peak seasons here. Blue Marlin are prized for their size, power, and spectacular aerial displays. Hooking one is like picking a fight with a Mack truck - be ready for an intense, hours-long battle that'll test your gear and your arms. These fish are smart too, known for their ability to throw hooks. When targeting Blues, we'll often troll large artificial lures or pitch live baits to fish we spot. My top tip: once hooked up, chase the fish down aggressively to tire it out faster. It's a rush you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most colorful and tasty fish in the ocean. These acrobatic fighters usually run 15-30 pounds, but can get up to 50 or more. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris and weed lines, often in water 120-180 feet deep. They're here year-round, but spring through fall is best. Mahi are famous for their beauty - electric blues, greens, and yellows that fade quickly after being caught. They're also known for their delicious, firm white meat. Anglers love Mahi for their aggressive strikes and aerial antics when hooked. These fish often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. When we spot a school, I like to keep a hooked fish in the water to draw in others. Small live baits or bright trolling lures work great for these hungry predators.
Swordfish are the mysterious gladiators of the deep. These powerful fish average 200-400 pounds but can top 1,000. Unlike other billfish, they spend most of their time in deep water - we're talking 1,000 feet or more. They come up to feed at night, making them a popular target for overnight trips. Swordfish are here year-round, but winter tends to be best. Anglers prize them for their hard fights, excellent eating, and the challenge of bringing them up from the depths. When you hook one, be ready for a long, arm-burning battle. We use heavy tackle and electric reels to get baits down deep. My top tip: use lots of glow sticks on your leader and bait - swordfish have excellent eyesight and are attracted to light in the dark depths. Landing one of these deep-sea giants is a true accomplishment.
White Marlin are the speedy, acrobatic cousins of the Blue Marlin. They typically run 50-80 pounds and stretch 6-8 feet long. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often around temperature breaks and bait schools. Late summer through fall is prime White Marlin season here. These fish are prized for their blistering runs and spectacular leaps - they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight. Anglers love Whites for their beauty and the technical challenge they present. They're known for their finicky eating habits and ability to throw hooks. When targeting Whites, we often use small trolling lures or pitch baits to fish we spot. My top tip: use circle hooks and let them eat the bait for a few seconds before setting. It's all about finesse and patience with these elegant billfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Catepillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
Fantastic experience with top of the line guides in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.