Epic Family Fishing on Reel Deal: Luhrs 35 & Captain Arnold in Cartagena
Arrival & First Impressions
Our familyโs Cartagena fishing adventure kicked off at Marina de Cartagena on a sunny 2025 morning. Reel Dealโs Luhrs 35 gleamedโ35ft 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 shoneโCHIRP 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 Miaโs Penn with pink lures (โprincess specialโ), taught Max knots with chocolate. Patient, multilingual cheers during hookups. Javier filleted for ceviche. Safety drills were fun; post-trip WhatsApp pics shared. Heโs the dream fishing uncle.
Non-Stop Action
8:30AM: Lines out, trolling for bonito, blackfin tuna, barracuda. Miaโs 15lb bonito skyrocketed firstโbow 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 barโ45min 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
โข Book: WhatsApp/site; 7AM-4PM, $1200/4pax (+$150 extra).
โข Bring: SPF50, hats, Dramamine, swimsuits, tip cash (20%).
โข Gear: Penn/Shimano, 50lb braid included; fillets provided.
โข Best: Dec-May for bonito/tuna/barracuda.
โข Family: Kid rigs available; pack picky-eater snacks.
โข Eco: Catch-release select species, Colombian regs.
Verdict: 12/10 Legend
Reel Dealโs Luhrs 35 + Arnold = unforgettable. Book now!
Epic Family Fishing on Reel Deal: Luhrs 35 & Captain Arnold in Cartagena
Arrival & First Impressions
Our familyโs Cartagena fishing adventure kicked off at Marina de Cartagena on a sunny 2025 morning. Reel Dealโs Luhrs 35 gleamedโ35ft 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,...
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Epic Family Fishing on Reel Deal: Luhrs 35 & Captain Arnold in Cartagena
Arrival & First Impressions
Our familyโs...