What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Oranjestad for the first time?

Do your research. I saw fish come off boats earlier in the week so the time of year probably not the issue, I think the time of day and windy conditions on the day we went out was more the reason we didn't catch fish but we surfaced fish and trolled all of the time. Just need to research the location and conditions.

fishing is fishing remember that!!!!!! I've been out the same time of year (Feb) several times. caught nothing at times and filled the boat others. The waters in Aruba are the real deal and expect that. there is a constant heavy breeze no matter what time of year 10-20mph is normal so 6-10 footers are standard off shore. Time of year matters for species so look it up to see what you can expect but don't over expect its still fishing and you never know what is gonna bite if anything at all, but I guaranteed you won't catch a thing if you don't go out!! Bottom fishing is generally good luck but won't catch the big boys!

Nothing is guaranteed. There are boats and captains that will meet the need of catching anything. However i was targeting specific fish and that's not a guarantee they will bite. Be patient with the crew if the fishing is hot.

Do not expect to catch fish. More likely than not, you will be "skunked" (I've taken 3 deep sea fishing trips in various places and this is the first time we caught something). Any captain that "guarantees" a catch is a lier. There are so many things out of the Captain's and first mate's hands!

Seems like a hit or miss time for sailfish, we had a 2-3 chances at one but sadly no full hookups, the day before us had no bites, but the day before that had bites non stop. The captain still got us on some mahi which if you ask me I’m more happy with because we got to keep and eat them and it was incredible. The sailfish would be an exciting fight but no meat.

Be patient. The crew is very experienced. Once the fish start it happens quickly. It's definitely a work out so be prepared. Seas were unusually calm so that helped us being new at this activity.

Your websites listed white Marlin blue Marlin and Sailfish as being an excellent target during September unfortunately, it’s not it’s actually October November is hot season you might want to change that. There is a few of those fish here now early but not insignificant numbers remember your tournaments are October November for BillFish

Be optimistic! It’s called fishing - not catching. Today we won! Capt. Roberto and Gregory did their best to find the fish, hook them and we brought them in. Just trust in The Dorothy and faith will do the rest! Happy fishing everyone…

Probably not to first timers. But I think those with experience may have a preference for the Teaser. The captain and first mate are experienced fishermen and we appreciated that having some experience ourselves. But they are quiet and would not be inclined to provide a lot of instruction or unsolicited information. They answered any questions we had but you have to know what to ask and not expect a lot of chit chat.

Always keep a positive attitude. Our day started out fast but slowed down for a time and then we were catching fish again. Fish until the end as our biggest fish was caught when we were heading in for the day.

Capt Tom and the High Times crew is a solid choice for a single experienced person like myself or a family. Can’t say enough good about the crew. Book these guys. Best chance for fish and great time!

The ocean around Aruba is deep and wide, so if you are prone to seasickness make sure you take Dramamine ( or similar medication ) well ahead of your trip. Wearing a long sleeve fishing shirt ( HUK is a great example ) and a large (shade providing) fishing hat, sunglasses and LOTS of SUN TAN LOTION will help you be more comfortable during your trip. I personally would minimize alcohol consumption before and during the trip for your comfort, but also as a safety measure. Lat but now not least: " BE PREPARED FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE"

Captain said bottom fishing was a little more dependable the week we were there. Caught 10-12 fish in less than 2 hours before I had to cut it short for the kids. When we docked I saw another crew that went deep sea fishing with about 8 fish laid out with a nice sized bonito and mahi so seems like both are productive

Trolling and teaser fishing can be hit or miss. Never a guarantee. If it’s important to make sure everyone catches fish or kids are onboard, then try a bottom fishing trip. The weather and sea are beautiful. Can be very windy at times.

Reminder to those that don’t fish often, it’s called fishing and not catching for a reason. These people try extremely hard to help land a fish for you, but at the end of the day they can only do so much.

We booked the morning run and had a great experience. Crew says it doesn’t matter time of day to fish. We wore runners and shorts/swimsuits. Sunscreen. Bring a cooler to put any fish you wish to take home and they will supply ice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t catch fish for a bit as the first few minutes is travelling to where most of the fish are. They supply water and Coke. Enjoy!!

Book a longer trip. 4hrs is not quite enough time for me, but we had plenty to clean in our short 4hr trip. We got lucky and the mahi found us while bottom fishing. So happy there is not a ton of sharks eating everything we caught.

Fishing is fishing. Sometimes you get a catch, sometimes you don't. The morning sun wasn't too bad but around 10am the sun starts to really hit you. The waves weren't too crazy but hit it just right and the boat will rock. We didn't catch anything today Aug 4th but I would go again if I had the time. Never know what you can get.

Plan ahead and book ahead because it's a small fleet and I was on the mahi-mahi 42 ft Hatteras and it was a wonderful trip but I raided not for children because the seas are anywhere from 5 to 15 ft and I mean all the time.

Great trip! It was less wavy than expected with windy conditions and we stayed within sight of the shore. We did take gravol/wrist bands to mitigate sea sickness and would definitely go for another fishing excursion!

I am a novice. But, worked sailboats. We trolled. Did not do bottom fishing. I like the ease and quickness of trolling. It is windy and a bit rough in April. If you do not have sea legs, take anti nausea medications and do not drink night before heading out.

Our particular fishing day was a little slow. The ocean was a bit rough due to the constant wind. We heard there were 5 charter boats out that day. There were only our two catches, and one other from another boat. Not sure if that's the norm this time of year.

Great crew. Helpful and I know it’s not their fault for not finding the fish. I didn’t even get a bite. Perhaps they shouldn’t stay at the same spot too long. Should offer discount or refund on bad days.

Be patient! These guys work hard to get you as many fish as possible! A lot of people say the ocean and waves are rough but we didn’t think it was bad for being the ocean:)

Be prepared if you have know or unknown motion sickness. Take the necessary precautions! However, the captain was great for assisting!

Fishing overall was not great, no bites and no fish. I know fishing is hit or miss but this was a big miss.

This is outside the peak fishing season for Aruba. However, they are still out there catching fish every day. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw.

I would highly recommend taking this boat for your next character. My wife and I had a fantastic trip and I can't say enough for my appreciation for captain Renee.

Just relax and enjoy the boat ride! It’s fishing and to catch a monster is always a possibility and we did! Rinse your catch in salt water and try blackened yum!!

Open water fishing does require patience. We ended up with a good catch, 5 quality fish over a 6 hour period. That's why it's called fishing, not catching ?