Dominican Republic - Mid to Late March

[MikeFisher]

hi DonPop,
to run in whites at the right time of the year is no prob in the area, they are our sportfishing value 'cause of their numbers.
run down boats is an other thing, yes, but you also find good outfits around with the boats in shape, the bathroom on top specially in case you bring the Mrs with ya and the tackle up to date, engines always top and of course running both of 'em, full working kittchen with the lunch at least warmed up in the microwave, a power plant to run A/C when requested aso, that makes the difference.
your mentioned beach booking wildcards are not alwayst the cheapest, the outfit running the AltaMar since she's in town(named Marlin Sports Center, boats ankered freely off the beach in El Cortecito, their websellers run on www.fishingpuntacana.com) are on all private charters even more expensive than we are runnng from the sportfishing club over here.
i know the AltaMar you mentioned, a 40ft Searay, fished many trips on her myself several years ago, been in top shape when brought in the area, would need some 'maintenance today's, yeap.
i run 'empty' days also like every sportfisher does more than once in lifetime, but on board you see in equipment, bait preparations/checkings and the way of customers treating/comfort where all is done to do it right or to get the best possible shots on the fishes that present day.
i hope you give me a chance to show you the difference next time in town.
tigth lines
Mike

[Donpop]

Mike I have recommened people to you operation this past year and they all had good time will use you sevices when I return.

[jtrain9876]

Fishing was great. It seems as if the white marlin are everywhere - you can literally see them in the water as you are trolling. In addition to the several whites we caught, we got a few mahi and wahoo. I had a terrible experience with this whole charade the capt and mate went through everytime we caught a fish. The acted as if the marlin was dead and they had to choice but to keep it. I told him if they gaff the marlin I might gaff the mate. I made it very clear prior to leaving the dock that we would not be keeping any billfish. That did not matter when we got out there. They pretty much ruined the days fishing by their charade. Be very pushy about not letting them keep the bills.

[MikeFisher]

right, and if you run with a crew you don't trust you have to take care how the fish get's hooked.
you can leave a white a long time on the bait so he swallows it before the hook gets set, he would then anyways come out of the fight in very bad condition.
the other important point is the rebreathing after the hook is taken away, put one gear in and pull them with you aside the boat, you feel and see how life and power comes back in their body, and then you let them go.
it should always been made clear up from the beginning that the billies go free afterwards.
this year we have the first white's in the spray since early febr, looks good for the upcoming season. your mentioned march they are here and the dorado and wahoo are with us during all that time til summer, those dorados take here just a short brake from september-november, then we start to get the smaller ones and heck, they grow fast, right now they are great sized.
Mike