Most of our ocean fishing has been off of the OBX in North Carolina so this was a very different experience!  Had a great time!  Only a short drive from where we were staying in Río San Juan.  The boat was in great condition as was the gear.  My young grandsons went and had a great time. Capt. Randy gave each individual attention, teaching them how to bottom fish plus entertaining us with stories from his years of experience.  We fished at a depth of 1200 ft and caught a nice grouper.  At shallower depths we caught some nice silk snapper.  Had we done the full day trip, I’m sure we would have had a cooler full of fish.

I have been fishing with Capt. Randy as long as I can remember, both in the Florida Keys and in Costa Rica, so when he invited me to come down and fish with him on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, I jumped at the chance.

I have always caught plenty of fish with Randy, mainly tarpon, under the famous 7-Mile bridge, in Marathon, Florida, and even when the fish weren’t biting, I always enjoyed listening to the stories of his adventures around the Caribbean.

I was a little apprehensive at first, I had heard a little bit about the fishing in the Dominican Republic, but I didn`t really know that much, and I also had never heard of a “Super Panga”, as the Capt. Affectionately called his fishing boat.

As it turned out, everything was even better than I had expected. The boat was great, roomy, stable and well equipped, and the fishing, was nothing short of spectacular.

We hit a series of some kind of floating fish attracting devices that the fishermen put out in the water, and every time we got close to one we caught fish!

Mainly big Dorado, and about the time I was getting pretty tired of fighting these beautiful game fish, that`s when the marlin hit. Right out of nowhere, there he was! All lit up like a Christmas tree and ready to do business.

We fought the 200# fish for a half of an hour, got it to the boat, and got a good look and the hook came out, which was fine with me, because we were going to let it go anyway. I`m already planning my next trip.

I have known Randy Rode for more years than I can count, but let`s just say 25 as a number, as a boat Captain and businessman in the Florida Keys. His work ethics and business ethics could serve as a standard in the charter industry anywhere. In the Dominican Republic, he has worked from sunup to sundown, just to be able to fish there. He gave up all his luxuries in the U.S. and worked 15 hour days before he left the Florida Keys, just to be able to move to the Dominican Republic. Anyone who has ever fished with, or ever spent any time with the man will back these statements up.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, if you want a fishing experience that you will remember fondly remember forever, in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Capt. Randy Rode is your man.

Our trip to the Dominican Republic was great….one of our best trips ever! If you ever have a desire to go somewhere where there are very few tourists, in a very laid back atmosphere, their fishing operation is second to none! 100% professional, and they catch fish.

We had a blast with Capt. Randy. I have followed him all over the hemisphere fishing with him for the last twenty years! I only go with the best!

Doesn’t seem like there are any fish to catch.  Didn’t get a single bite. Gear seemed a little worn. Boat was ok. A little on the small size for a group of 4.