If you like to fish ocean

Not a fishing trip, “captain” kid that took us out had no knowledge of fishing and the 2 poles they had didn’t function correctly.  No bait, but had 1 fake bait on one pole that he used for maybe 10 minutes, and didn’t offer to let us use it the whole trip.  We were on boat 3.5hrs of our 6 hr trip.  We snorkeled about 30 minutes from the marina, nothing special at all, little fish no reef no real excitement.  Then went around 10 minutes into the shallows to stand in the water for a few minutes, rest of the time spent setting on the boat and being hot little shade, and bored kids. Not at all what we expected from other trips to Saona Island and sand bars.  Dirty cooler on board that had a few waters and a couple sodas.  We had some major language barrier issues with the kids on board and could tell they were pushing to get done early for the day.  Most of the time they were on their phones and ignoring us which would be good if we were doing something interesting other than setting on the hot boat.  Last issue was trying to pay for the trip.  After arriving to the dock the kid who I’d guess would have been the captain had no clue how to explain the payment, or how to make it so after 35 minutes of standing on the dock, then several calls texts with the company it got straightened out.  I would recommend any other option of a fishing / snorkeling trip and had high hopes for this with the cost being sort of high.

Ill start with saying I am an outfitter and own an outfitter marketing business, I know that not every trip will be limits and sunshine and rainbows. However, this was embarrassing from start to finish. After a ton of research this group looked to be the best of the limited selection for fly fishing the Dominican. The advertisements said fly fishing was an option and gear would be supplied. Luckily I came down with my own 7wt rod and had 2 Clouser minnows. With the booking we agreed that travel to and from the resort would be an additional $50, not a big deal. Unfortunately the driver dropped us off about 2 blocks away from the marina and we had to walk in to meet the guide. When we got to the boat, the guide looked at my fly rod travel tube and said “oh you want to fly fish?” I said yeah that was the plan, but I’m open to spin fishing if needed. When we got to the boat he did not have any fly rods on the boat and had my use my own trout fishing lures to try and catch a fish. Again, luckily I had 2 Clouser minnows. While I did catch 3 little bluegill sized jacks, both my minnows were shredded, so a leech pattern was used the rest of the day. My wife hoped to fish as well and while we thought the guide was rigging her spinning rod up, we quickly learned it was for him to catch 2 barracuda on while she sat there like a kid in time out. At the second spot she finally got her chance to try and catch a fish but the luck on the day had run out. On the way in the guide decided to troll over the reef to go for a snapper. Unfortunately we got snagged up and used the last 30 minutes trying to get unhooked. 12 on the dot we were dropped back off where the invoice was paid, or so I thought. We got back to our resort and the driver requested another $50. Confused, I said I thought that was in the final bill I paid after fishing, he said it wasn’t, dialed someone and just handed me a phone. Whoever was on the other end informed me that it wasn’t included in the final bill and asked if I had cash on me to pay the driver. Again, luckily I did and paid him what I still believe to be double but regardless he’s paid. All in all; if you’re thinking about fishing down here don’t. Save the day, enjoy the pool, but if you’re hell bent to fish, don’t use this guide service.

We caught a nice wahoo and a barracuda. Fishing is fishing. The day was beautiful but I suppose the bite was off. Beautiful water!

Had a great trip today on Marlin Fever.  The captain and mate worked hard all day.  Booked trip through FishingBooker which was good.  The Atlantida company was good.  Many texts and emails to make sure I was informed of process.  We went 1 for 3 on white marlin.  My 14 year old son caught his first marlin.  I have been on many charters and these guys were on top of everything.  They were great.