Punta Cana Fishing Calendar: what’s biting?
So you’re about to head to the Dominican Republic and you definitely want to go out fishing? But… What fish are biting right now in Punta Cana? Which lures should you take? Should you go inshore fishing or is offshore fishing a better option? There are many factores that affect the fishing, including water temperature, weather conditions & barometric pressur, ocean currents and the fishing season overall. Here’s a brief overview of the Punta Cana fishing seasons with the most popular fish of the region.
Depending on the specific type of fish you are targeting, the fishing calendar for Punta Cana varies from month to month.
However, in general, the best time for fishing in Punta Cana is between the months of March and July.
Punta Cana Vacation
During this period, the water temperatures are warm, and the weather conditions are favorable for many species of fish, including Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. These are some of the most popular game fish in Punta Cana, and they can be found in good numbers during these months.
The winter months from November to February are also good for fishing in Punta Cana, particularly for deep-sea fishing. However, the conditions can be a bit rougher during this time, and the weather can be unpredictable.
It’s always a good idea to check with a local fishing charter or guide service to get the most up-to-date information on the best times and locations for fishing in Punta Cana. They can provide you with insights into the most productive fishing grounds and techniques for catching specific species of fish.
What is the best time to go fishing in Punta Cana?
As we all know, you won’t catch the same species in Punta Cana in February and in June, for example. But before you travel to the Dominican Republic you should know there are two seasons on this island: the dry season and the wet season.
For most travelers best time to visit Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic is the dry season. This runs from December to April when the weather is most settled. The wet season, which is hotter and more humid, runs from May to November. Although November is the wettest month, you should be able to enjoy the beach at any time of the year.
During dry season, you’ll be able to fish for dorado, tuna, wahoo, bonito and sailfish. For example, the best wahoo bite is in January and February. Also barracuda, amberjack and king mackerel are possible this time of the year.
The Punta Cana Fishing Calendar: Year round inshore & offshore action
When is the best time for Marlin Fishing in Punta Cana?
Check out the fishing calendar below and you’ll understand immediately why Punta Cana is an outstanding billfishery. All year round, there’s great marlin fishing in these waters. They are plentiful in the offshore waters east of Punta Cana due to its geography and proximity to the Mona Passage. This is a 65 kilometer channel between the island of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
The white marlin bite is plentiful from January though August; being April, May, June & July peak season for the white marlin.
Blue Marlin can be found off Punta Cana between June and September, being August is the best month. Blue marlin can be caught until November, but the bite is sporadic. Since a couple of years now, some fishing charters are catching Blue Marlin in Macao (30 miles from Punta Cana). Blue Marlin can be found mixed with Sailfish and big Dorado in Macao from December to February.
Blue marlin are found off Punta Cana between June and September
The best time to catch Sailfish in Punta Cana is wintertime. Sailfish are prolific during January and February; November and December can alse be great for Sailfish fishing in Punta Cana.
All year round sport fishing
Whenever you’re in Bavaro or Punta Cana there’s good fishing. All year round you can catch Amberjack and Barracuda. You can catch them trolling lures or using live bait. Also bottom fishing using cut bait you’ll catch snapper, sea bream and other good eating bottom dwellers.
Dorado fishing in Punta Cana can also be done practically all year round. They are pretty much a sure thing when troll offshore and around the FADs (fish aggregating devices). December is a very good month for mahi fishing. April and May is when the big bulls show up.
Mahi Mahi fishing in Punta Cana
The yellowfins are also here all year round, but the peak for yellowfin tuna is in April and May.
Top Fishing Charters in Punta Cana
Below you can find a selection of the best Punta Cana fishing charters. Compare and read the fishing reviews.
So, there you have it. I’ve covered everything you have to know about the fishing seasons in Punta Cana. It’s always a good idea to check with a local fishing charter or guide service to get the most up-to-date information on the best times and locations for fishing in Punta Cana. They can provide you with insights into the most productive fishing grounds and techniques for catching specific species of fish.
No matter when you travel to Punta Cana, there’s something going on here. From billfish fishing to tuna, wahoo and dorado… every angler will find its perfect fishing trip in Punta Cana.
