Best Times & Seasons to Fish in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the best fishing destinations in the Caribbean Sea and abounds with huge numbers of gamefish. Knowing the best time of year and of the day to fish in the Dominican Republic can make a huge difference for you and lead to more fun fishing.
Spring is the best time to catch yellowfin tuna, white marlin in the Dominican Republic. Winter is the best season for sailfish, mahi mahi, tarpon, and wahoo. Amberjack and grouper can be caught all year in the Dominican Republic.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Dominican Republic Waters |
| Sailfish | October-March. Peak activity December-February. Offshore. |
| Blue Marlin | Year-round availability. The best months are July-September. Offshore. |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round availability. March-June are the best months. Can be caught any time of day. Offshore. |
| Mahi Mahi | Year-round availability. October-April are the best months. Offshore. |
| White Marlin | Year-round availability. April-June are the best months. Offshore. |
| Tarpon | Year-round availability. November- March are the peak months. Inshore/Reef. |
| Wahoo | Year-round availability. October-February are the best months. Offshore. |
| Amberjack | Year-round availability. No down months, active all year. Inshore/Offshore/Reef are the best locations. |
| Grouper | Year-round availability. Good all year. In-shore/Reef are the best locations. |
With the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, the Dominican Republic has all the qualities of a world-class fishery. The Dominican Republic, in the core of the Caribbean, is as near heaven as you can get. With a never-ending summer, north of 800 miles of shore, and dynamic culture.
It’s no secret that some of the best fishing spots in the world are found in the waters of the Dominican Republic. Big game fishing is huge and many world record catches occur here.
This is another reason thousands of anglers come here every year. For the Dominican Republic’s best offshore catch, let’s begin our guide with its biggest targets. We are talking about swordfish, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and grouper.
Dominican Republic Species: Best Times to Fish
Mahi-Mahi
Best Times: November-March
Firstly, I want to tell you about Big Korifena or Mahi-Mahi. Their teeth are sharp, short, and frequently arranged. These fish are fiercely aggressive.
If you have been lucky enough to have caught mahi-mahi, you already know. This fish will resist and fight to the end when hooked. Males fight more, and are physically stronger than females.
To put it simply, this fish will use all the tricks to get off the hook. A Mahi Mahi will jump off the gate and break the fishing line, as well as dive deep under the water, and even try to go under the boat motors to break the line.
Sailfish
Best Times: October – February
The Caribbean is the perfect habitat for sailfish. A prized saltwater fish, the sailfish thrives in tropical and subtropical seas. The large, high initial dorsal fin is a distinguishing feature.
Sailfish are popular among sports-fishermen due to their high, acrobatic leaps. Unlike the marlin, during the winter months (usually from October to February) sailfish remain near the island. Swordfish are most active towards the end of summer.
White & Blue Marlin
Best Times: March – July
White marlin make an entrance in great numbers in the spring. The peak season begins in March and lasts until July. Whites may weigh up to 150 pounds and are the blue smaller relative.
These stunning fish serve as a warm-up act for the entrance of the stars. Blue marlin arrives in the warm Caribbean seas in June and stays until October.
These colossal beasts are the ultimate achievement of every big game fisherman’s career. Blues may grow to be 15 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Beating a creature like that is the ultimate test of strength, skill, and wit.
Wahoo
Best Times: October – February
Wahoo is a kind of mackerel coveted by fishermen for its delicious flavor. On average, they swim at a dizzying speed of 60 miles per hour. Because they are structure-loving fish, they love to gather near wreckage, debris, tall weeds, and ledges.
Wahoos may be found up to 1,000 feet beneath the surface. Their numbers peak in early October. To catch a wahoo, use brightly colored lures like flutter jigs, or the locals’ favorite, live bonito and herring.
Yellowfin Tuna
Best Times: March – June
In the Dominican Republic, the season for hooking up with yellowfin tuna has begun. Yellowfin tuna may be found and caught in the Dominican Republic’s seas all year. However, the best time to capture tuna is during the summer.
This is because the water in the ocean (in the coastal zone up to five nautical miles) heats up, attracting tuna closer to the land.
This fish is 5th on the list, but for many anglers, yellowfin tuna is at the very top. They are huge, delicious, and put up a good fight. Stop by anytime between March and June to grab your share of yellowfin catches.
Swordfish
Best Times: August – September
Swordfishing is best done at night, particularly during the full moon, and in the early morning. When it comes to Swordfish, you may go for this clear-eyed species just a few miles offshore, or you can head out on the broad ocean in pursuit of the largest specimen.
To get Swordfish to bite, you’ll need to wait until it’s dark. Night speed-trolling with lures is an excellent method. August and September are prime months for swordfishing.
Barracuda
Best Times: Year-round
This fish is known as a sea pike, however, the similarities between those fish are only superficial. The barracuda’s distinctive characteristic is a robust lower jaw that stretches over the upper one. On the exterior, a row of little sharp teeth covers the jaw, while on the inside, a row of larger teeth covers the jaw.
The longest recorded barracuda is 6.7 feet long and weighs 110 pounds. This fish eats a variety of foods, including fish, calamari, and even its own relatives. Trolling is frequently used to catch this fish off the Dominican coast all year long.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Recommended Fishing Charters in the Dominican Republic
These Dominican Republic-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Tease Me Sportfishing | Offshore & Billfish |
| Big Marlin Charters | Offshore & Billfish |
| Fortuna – Big Marlin Punta Cana | Offshore & Billfish |
| “Big Marlin” Private Charter – Sherlock 39′ | Offshore & Billfish |
| High Z’s Fishing Tour Charters | Nearshore, Offshore & Reef |
| Atlantida Punta Cana – Marlin Fever | Nearshore & Offshore |
| Agua Bendita Fishing Charters | Nearshore, Offshore & Reef |
| Santa Elena Fishing Charter | Inshore & Offshore |
Best Locations to Fish in the Dominican Republic (Best Seasons)
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, starting with the country’s most popular fishing town. This easternmost portion of the island has it all: billfish, among other reef inhabitants, and everything in between.
The Mona Passage
The Mona Passage, this profitable, yet unpredictable, area is located between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. When the circumstances are ideal, marlin flood these waters in large numbers, and several hookups are common.
Bayahíbe
Bayahíbe, anyone searching for a genuine fishing culture and experience would like Bayahíbe. Its scenery and beaches are breathtaking, the fishing is much better, and the competitions held here are the finest proof of the top bite.
Samaná
Samaná and its harbor, between Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. This little village provides easy access to some of the Dominican Republic’s most productive fishing areas. Mahi Mahi, wahoo, barracuda, and billfish are all possible in these waters.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Punta Cana, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Puerto Rico, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Saint Lucia, please check out this helpful article.
Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata, this city (and the prize catches it affords) is located on the island’s northern coast. Take a charter out to the offshore seas, and you’ll be up and personal with white or blue marlin, sailfish, and more fish than you can think.
After reading all you can about the Dominican Republic, it’s simple to conclude that visiting at least once is a must for every serious saltwater angler.
You will love the inhabitants’ kindness, and the white sandy beaches are even better — the island is picture-perfect for a holiday.
But believe us when we say that you’ll fall in love with the Dominican Republic’s beauty, but you’ll fall in love with its superb fishing hook, line, and sinker.
Types of Fishing in the Dominican Republic
Fly-fishing
The fly-fishing game in the Dominican Republic Is epic. It is an unbelievable opportunity to take fly-fishing to the next level. With all the bonefish, tarpon, and permit, it is hard to set your sights on greater prizes.
Referring to offshore fly activity and you know things are going to become spectacular when you’re confronting the vast ocean with a selection of flies, robust gear, and high expectations.
You may catch Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and, of course, the great Marlin. This is not for the faint of heart-catching a billfish on the fly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spearfishing
There are several locations where you may try your luck and dive to the reefs in quest of snapper, grouper, barracuda, and parrotfish. And that’s just the species you’re aware of. Moray eels, squirrelfish, lionfish, palometa “a type of pompano”, are also acceptable prey.
Add lobster, octopi, crab, and squid to the mix, and you’ve got a plethora of targets to select from. Spearfishing season and places are controlled in the Dominican Republic, so do your homework before you go.
If you need aid, there are expert spearfishing guides all throughout the island that can assist you. You’ll be in good hands this way, and you’ll be able to completely devote yourself to the spearfishing experience.
Charter
Many fishermen who visit the Dominican Republic hire a charter to assist them in their fishing adventures. That makes perfect sense, since, let’s face it, no one understands these waterways better than people who live in them. Even better, the tackle, professional instruction, and boat ride are all included in the trip price.
Some captains plan full-fledged package excursions, including snorkeling, beach visits, and lunch on the water. This implies that even if your family are not big fans they are going to have a great time.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Dominica, please check out this helpful guide.
