Fishing in Puerto Plata

Five minutes from the marina is "the drop-off" and you can start fishing practically from the moment you leave the dock. The trench has ridges, or "banks", that rise from the bottom and attract schools of dorado and tuna that come to feed on mackerel, horse mackerel and sardines. It is common to find these schools and fish on them all day. In addition, local sport Anglers place FADs (fish aggregating devices) along the north shore in very deep water to attract schools of fish and their larger predators. Due to the constant trade winds, be prepared for a bumpy ride when fishing the north shore.

For most travelers, the best time to visit Puerto Plata is the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is when the weather is most stable. The wet season, which is hotter and more humid, runs from May to November.

Fishing Calendar in Puerto Plata

During the dry season, you can fish for dorado, tuna, wahoo, bonito and sailfish. For example, the best time for wahoo is in January and February (although they can be caught all year round). It is also possible to catch barracuda, amberjack and mackerel during this time of the year.

Dorado (Llampuga): November to March is the high season, but dorado can be caught all year round.
Blue Marlin: July - September
White Marlin: May, June and July.
Wahoo: October - December is the high season, but you can fish for wahoo in Puerto Plata all year round.
Sailfish: November - February
Yellowfin Tuna: January - June

The following fish can be found year round:
Snapper, grouper, jack mackerel, mackerel, kingfish, swordfish, tarpon, permit, bonefish, bonefish and shark.

The preferred local beach is Playa Dorada, where you can sunbathe and enjoy beach activities all day long. Further east is Cabarete, a world-renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. Fewer tourists will be found on the beaches further west of Puerto Plata, in Cofresí. Puerta Plata is close to Mount Isabel de Torres, the high mountain south of the city. There is a cable car that will take you to the top for breathtaking views. Another sight not to be missed is the "27 Cascades" of Damajaqua.

Tourist attractions include the San Felipe Fort, the Amber Museum and the Ocean World Adventure Park, Marina and Casino. Golf enthusiasts can try their luck at Playa Dorada Golf Course, Los Mangos and VH Victoria Resort. Last but not least, humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters off the north coast from January to March, so check out the many whale watching tour options from Puerto Plata to see these giants up close.

Fishing in Puerto Plata requires a fishing license. Remember that Fishing charters usually already have a collective fishing license so you don't need to buy one if you are going to hire a Boat.