Billfish Season Action - Offshore Punta Cana

Robert · #1 07-10-2007, 12:59 PM

Posted below is email and photos I received from Mike's Marina based in Punta Cana. I asked them to send me some info, as I know we have a few fishermen on the board.

They are a first class outfit and I have only heard good things about them.

Websites:
Mikes Marina
Flyfishing for Billfish

Email: Mike@MikesMarina.info

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Hi Rob,

With over 7 months of Bill fish season every year, the east coast of the Dominican Republic, fishing offshore Punta Cana, counts within the top 5 of the worlds best Billfish areas and we can hardly be beaten by any other destination for our white Marlin Season. We get white marlin close to the coast, just 2- 10 nmls offshore and in big numbers.

Mike's Marina Fishing Charters S.A., has been fishing local waters for over 13 years now and are the top notch outfit for professional sport fishing and Billfish on any tackle weight.

We target white marlin on light tackle, Penn gear 20-50lbs and also on the fly, fly fishing tackle 12 wt, local record taken May 5th 2007 with a 100lbs white Marlin on a 12 wt fly fishing tackle (Florida's white marlin record on the fly is 68lbs and was taken on bigger tackle 20wt).

We offer pro sport fishing with a 5 star charter service, including transportation from all hotels on the east coast, professional English speaking crews etc. Fishermen will see after a few minutes on board why we are called pro's. Of course all sport fishing customers who book a full package, fishing plus lodging will be taken care of by the owner, me, that starts with the airport pick up by me myself (Mike).

Sportfishing on the Dominican east coast still needs to be better promoted, but Canadian, US and South American sport fishing professionals found us and come back every year several times, that's why we host every year ESPN's Caribbean Billfish tourney, have own reports sections on the world wide fishing guide and are recommended by top fishermen like Jerry La Bella, the sportfishermen.com pro board aso.

MaineGirl · #2 07-10-2007, 02:38 PM

That is fricken' amazing! Looks like so much fun!

Hlywud · #3 07-11-2007, 08:59 AM

I also recommend Mike, he run's a class operation.

Capt. Rob57 · #4 07-11-2007, 04:08 PM

Yea, but check out the cost hardly for a middle class person. When i checked around 1,500 dollars. I would love to go but, just can't afford that kind of expence. Hell I would go once per month if the rates were better. Even said I live here and could stay in a cheap hotel. It is only for wealthy tourists.
SORRY. I would love to go.

Tamborista · #5 07-11-2007, 05:38 PM

Go on the "Split Charter" for $90. They fill the boat up with a few groups of anglers.
t'

Robert · #6 07-11-2007, 07:13 PM

It's not for everyone, but for a bunch of guys on vacation, that's peanuts.

How about adding on a few rounds of golf at Punta Espada (Cap Cana) for $300+ a pop

Personally, I think it's wonderful and love to see tourists that come here and spend, they are just so much better for the country than a US$500 for 2 weeks crowd in an AI.

ryalso · #7 07-12-2007, 04:27 PM

I've been to the DR several times, always the North Coast. Even fished out of Puerto Plata. 45' Chris, nice guys, worn but servicable tackle and they worked very hard and did everything right, just no fish that day. I've asked this question before about Samana and was dicouraged by the percieved corruption of authorities in the area and the difficulty one would have leaving and entering port even on a regular basis. In fact one reply by a well respected and long time board member and gentelman who once kept a boat there said it became just too big a hassel. Anyway, does anybody know about year round private docking availability in the Punta Cana area for a small sport fish and what the cost might be. And would I expect the same kinds of hassels from the authorities out of there as Samana? I know that Ocean World is asking $0.80 per foot per day, which while more than I'd want to spend I could live with but I know the fishing is much better on the East Coast having fished out of Rincon PR a few years back. Nothing comercial, simply for private use several times a year.

MikeFisher · #8 07-13-2007, 08:51 AM

and i don't know where he found the $1.500.- rate.
the most expensive ride is $990.- for the whole day 8hrs at the moment, including everything and returning customers anyways have their own rates.i have guys from florida, virgin islands, philli aso coming in at least once-twice a month during billfish season, they even get their AI lodging free from me included in their rate.
have fun on this great island

El_Uruguayo · #9 07-13-2007, 10:20 AM

Any way that you can keep the fish? Is marlin good for eating? tasty?

Capt. Rob57 · #10 07-13-2007, 12:33 PM

As far as boat dockage goes. At Club de Haina after you join it cost around 60 pesos per foot per month. Not bad for a private club with with fresh water pool great rest. 24 hour security etc. In Boca Chica there is a new High and Dry depending on size but my 22 footer is around 200 dollars per month. Oh, the price at Haina is for my boat in the water you can keep it on a trailer cheaper.