Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing  Trips
Charter operator

Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
25+ reviews
With over 21 years of professional charter experience, I specialize in delivering safe, high quality fishing trips for guests of all skill levels! All equipment on board is top tier, featuring Penn and Shimano gear for reliability and performance. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to fishing, I take the time to explain techniques clearly and assist throughout the trip. My priority is a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable day on the water. I speak five languages, including fluent English and Spanish, making communication easy for international guests. feel free to ask questions!
Arnold A.
Arnold A.
Staff
Muguel M.
Muguel M.
Captain
Leo I.
Leo I.
Captain

Charter

Rating

4.9
26 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

All reviews (26)

Showing 15 of 26 reviews
  • Dylan Lourenzo
    Dylan Lourenzo
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Fishing Guide in Cartagena!!

    8 Hour Trip6 adults

    Our fishing trip in Cartagena, Colombia was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We ended up catching 26 yellowfin tuna, and it turned into one of the best fishing experiences we’ve ever had. The captain was outstanding — extremely knowledgeable, hardworking, and knew exactly where to put us on the fish. He kept the energy high all day and made sure everyone had an amazing time. Not only was the fishing unreal, but the entire experience felt professional, safe, and well organized. The captain truly made the whole trip and worked nonstop to make sure we were successful. If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing trip in Cartagena, this is the crew you want to book with. We’ll definitely be coming back!

    Reported catch:
    Yellowfin Tuna
  • Scott George
    Scott George
    us
    Arkansas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    perfect day

    4 Hour Trip (AM)5 adults

    Do not hesitate to book your fishing trip with Captain Arnold. From picking us up in the boat at an easy to find and not crowded pier to return at end of day, everything was professional and timely. You could not find a better captain for his knowledge of fishing and for interacting with us throughout the trip. We have taken many deep sea fishing trips in the past and his will stay with us as one of the best. We booked the 4 hour tour, and it takes about an hour to get out and back, which left us 2 hours to fish and We caught 6 Tuna, which were fun for us to reel in. The boat is comfortable with A/C if you need to cool off and his fishing gear is top quality. You will not regret booking with Captain Arnold.

    Reported catch:
    Yellowfin Tuna
  • Tan Hao Tran
    Tan Hao Tran
    ca
    Quebec, Canada
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great captain and crew with amazing catch!!!

    6 Hour Trip5 adults

    We had such an amazing day! Temperature was great. There was some waves, but all good. A friend got sea sick, but it’s part of the game! We would sincerely thanks Arnold and Miguel! Great experience captain with many stories! Fishing is a game of patience, but not a dull moment with Arnold! We caught a Yellowfin Tuna!!! Had a few bits too and did snorkling close to Rosario island. Great day!! Worth every dollar. Will book again next time in Cartagena with a complete day this time!

    Reported catch:
    Yellowfin Tuna
  • Francisco Moreno
    Francisco Moreno
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Worth every PENNY

    6 Hour Trip2 adults

    This was an incredible experience. First off, our captain Albert has seen it all. He’s Dutch, speaks five languages, and has 20 years of experience in these Caribbean waters, super informative and keeps the energy up the whole time. This is the newest charter in the city, and honestly we only found out about them because our original charter, Get Tight, tried to change the terms last minute after being booked for almost 6 months. These guys had just opened for business and completely saved the trip. This is a real yacht, all amenities included (water, food, soda, beer, etc) and the A/C was freezing, which was clutch in this hot Cartagena heat. Shoutout to Oscar, he was a blast and super helpful the whole trip. We were out on an 8 hour voyage, trolling with 6 rods going at once, which made it nonstop action. I did get a little seasick but it wasn’t really a problem since they had medicine on board and we still made a quick rally and caught an insane barracuda.

    Reported catch:
    Great Barracuda
  • Christian Hofmann
    Christian Hofmann
    Repeat angler
    co
    Colombia
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0

    Epic Family Fishing on Reel Deal: Luhrs 35 & Captain Arnold in Cartagena

    10 Hour Trip - 5:00 PM

    Epic Family Fishing on Reel Deal: Luhrs 35 & Captain Arnold in Cartagena Arrival & First Impressions Our family’s Cartagena fishing adventure kicked off at Marina de Cartagena on a sunny 2025 morning. Reel Deal’s Luhrs 35 gleamed—35ft of luxury with twin Yanmar diesels, fighting chairs, AC cabin, and kid-sized vests. Captain Arnold, a bearded Dutch pro, greeted us with charm. My kids (10yo Mia, 7yo Max) lit up as he showed them around. Safety gear was impeccable: EPIRB, VHF, first-aid. We departed 7AM for Rosario Islands, targeting trolled bonito, blackfin tuna, barracuda in 200-400ft depths. Perfect for our family of four + Arnold & mate Javier. The Luhrs 35: Built for Family Thrills This seaworthy legend sliced waves effortlessly, keeping seasickness at bay. Yanmar diesels cruised at 25kts efficiently (top 35kts). Raymarine electronics shone—CHIRP sonar found bait balls, radar dodged squalls. Spacious salon had fridge stocked with cervezas, fruit, empanadas. Livewell teemed with mullet; 20 rod holders, bait freezer (200lbs), T-top outriggers, GoPro mount. Kid-proof decks, real bathroom. At $1200 full day (gear/bait/lunch incl.), unbeatable value vs. catamarans. Captain Arnold: The Perfect Guide 15 years in these waters, Arnold blended grit and warmth. He spotted upwellings for trolling runs, rigged Mia’s Penn with pink lures (“princess special”), taught Max knots with chocolate. Patient, multilingual cheers during hookups. Javier filleted for ceviche. Safety drills were fun; post-trip WhatsApp pics shared. He’s the dream fishing uncle. Non-Stop Action 8:30AM: Lines out, trolling for bonito, blackfin tuna, barracuda. Mia’s 15lb bonito skyrocketed first—bow spray, gaff, cheers! Max battled a toothy 5lb barracuda bottom-rigged. Lunch: fresh ceviche, plantains. Bird chases yielded double blackfin tuna (20lbs ea.). Climax: my 40lb barracuda slashed the spreader bar—45min in fighting chair, kids filming strikes. Total: 18 kept (limits respected), releases. Pure adrenaline. Family Memories & Cartagena Magic Bonded over ecosystems (coral, overfishing lessons). No seasickness, comfy ride. Sunset return at 4PM, fish iced. Castillo Grande backdrop magical. Practical Tips • Book: WhatsApp/site; 7AM-4PM, $1200/4pax (+$150 extra). • Bring: SPF50, hats, Dramamine, swimsuits, tip cash (20%). • Gear: Penn/Shimano, 50lb braid included; fillets provided. • Best: Dec-May for bonito/tuna/barracuda. • Family: Kid rigs available; pack picky-eater snacks. • Eco: Catch-release select species, Colombian regs. Verdict: 12/10 Legend Reel Deal’s Luhrs 35 + Arnold = unforgettable. Book now!

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Blue Marlin
    Response from Charter operator

    thank you for trusting us! we wish to see you again soon 🎣🐟🤝

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    The entire crew and owner are amazing!
    Timo G.
    Timo G.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    Fantastic trip exploring the Cartagena Coast!
    Deven C.
    Deven C.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    Best Fishing Guide in Cartagena!!
    Dylan L.
    Dylan L.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    Great captain and crew with amazing catch!!!
    Tan Hao T.
    Tan Hao T.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    perfect day
    Scott G.
    Scott G.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    experienced captain
    Jayson D.
    Jayson D.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    great boat, great people
    Nancy F.
    Nancy F.
  • Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing Trips
    Reel Deal Cartagena Fishing TripsCartagena de Indias
    Worth every PENNY
    Francisco M.
    Francisco M.

Fishing reports

A large fish resting on ice inside a cooler, showcasing the catch from a recent fishing trip.

Choppy morning… sick barracuda ??????

May 21, 2026 • Cartagena de Indias
Awesome trip. Nice fight. Big big cuda
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An angler poses with a variety of fish, including several Tuna and a Mahi Mahi, on the deck of a fishing boat.

Fishing season is here ????

Apr 25, 2026 • Cartagena de Indias
Big Fishing season starts late april, early may. Today, we had an incredible 10-hour charter out of Cartagena, heading about 20 to 30 miles north. The weather was absolutely perfect: calm seas, like a mirror. We fished until our clients were fully satisfied, landing a fantastic variety: yellowfin, bluefin, bonitos, and even a great mahi-mahi. Once we wrapped up, we filleted the fish and had everything ready for our guests to enjoy a delicious meal.
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A cooler filled with multiple fish, showcasing a successful fishing trip on a boat.

Tuna for days!!

Jan 18, 2026 • Cartagena de Indias
Tuna season is here! High tide, but def worth it
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Angler proudly displaying two large Yellowfin Tuna while fishing in a coastal area, with a city skyline in the background.

Tuna is back on the menu!

Jan 5, 2026 • Cartagena de Indias
Northern winds weakening and softer tides have flourished a nice amount of tuna (even near the shore) Sailfish and yellowfin season started a few weeks back and we are pumped for it ?
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Angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish on a charter boat, enjoying a day of deep-sea fishing.

Early fishing is paying off lately!

Jan 3, 2026 • Cartagena de Indias
Today the water was in great shape and it’s been consistent the past couple of days. Early hours are definitely producing the best action. We worked a few different spots before finally getting tight lines and it paid off with a solid amberjack. Conditions are lining up nicely and the bite is there if you put in the time and move around.
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An angler proudly displaying a caught shark aboard a fishing boat, with a city skyline in the background.

Tough day at sea (december 21st) norther

Dec 22, 2025 • Cartagena de Indias
December twenty first tested everything we know about the ocean. It was one of those days that reminds you who is really in charge out there. From the moment we cleared the marina, the northern winds made their presence felt. Strong, cold gusts rolled in nonstop, pushing the boat sideways and stacking the sea into confused, aggressive waves. Every mile offshore felt like a small battle between experience, patience, and raw nature. The wind coming down from the north this time of year is no joke, but this one was different. Stronger than usual, relentless, and unpredictable. The boat was constantly being moved off course, making trolling lines harder to manage and positioning a challenge even for an experienced crew. You could feel it in your legs, bracing against the motion, and in your arms, correcting the helm again and again. This was probably the hardest wind we have ever faced out here. As the day unfolded, the water told its own story. Visibility was poor, with muddy currents mixing into the blue. Thick foam stretched across the surface, a clear sign of seasonal wind patterns stirring everything up from below. These northern winds churn the water and break temperature lines, and while fish are still present, they become far less predictable. Conditions like these separate easy fishing days from earned ones. We did have action, even if luck was not on our side. A solid wahoo strike brought a surge of adrenaline, only to end in frustration when it snapped off. Moments like that are brutal but honest. Everything feels right, the hit is aggressive, and then suddenly the line goes slack. It is fishing in its purest form. You win some, you lose some, and sometimes the ocean takes without explanation. After 2-3 hours we got some luck with a small shark (pic attached) Barracudas were active throughout the day, aggressive as always, showing flashes of speed and sharp teeth near the spread. They were biting consistently, but not the target species we were hoping for. Still, action is action, and every strike keeps morale alive. Even on tough days, there is something electric about knowing the fish are there, even if they refuse to fully cooperate. Between strikes, the wind never let up. Waves slapped the hull from odd angles, spray coming over the bow, and constant adjustments were needed just to keep a comfortable rhythm. Conversations turned quieter as everyone focused on staying balanced and alert. This was not a relaxed cruise. This was a working day on the water. Days like this are humbling. They remind you that fishing is not just about photos and full coolers. It is about reading conditions, making smart calls, and knowing when the ocean is pushing back harder than usual. Northern winds in December are part of the game, but every season has days that stand out, and this one earned its place. We headed back with tired bodies, salt on our skin, and respect renewed. No trophy fish came aboard, but experience did. Tough days build better crews, sharper instincts, and deeper appreciation for the good ones. December twenty first was not easy, but it was real. And real days at sea are the ones you never forget.
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