Fishing in Puerto Plata

Five minutes out of the marina is “the drop” and fishing lines are out practically from the moment you leave the dock. The trench has precipices, or “banks,” that rise from the bottom and attract feeding schools of dolphin and tuna. It’s common to find these schools and fish off them all day long. In addition, local sport fishermen set out FADs (fish aggregating devices) up and down the North Shore in very deep water to attract bait fish and their larger predators. Due to the ever-present trade winds, be prepared for a bouncy ride when fishing off the North Shore.

The Puerto Plata area has lots of beaches, among them Playa Dorada. Shore fishing is found all along the coastline, but anglers must show caution as rip tides are frequent, as are coral bottoms and sinkholes. Other inshore fishing includes lagoon fishing, notably nearby Laguna Gri-Gri, and fishing in the rivers that are easily accessed via the different bays along the North Shore. Anglers venture up the rivers to find large snook and tarpon.

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

Puerto Plata Fishing Calendar

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.

Mahi Mahi (Dorado): November – March is peak season, but you can catch Mahi all year round.
Blue Marlin: July – September
White Marlin: May, June, July
Wahoo: October – December is peak season, but you can hook 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, kingfish, swordfish, tarpons, permit, bonefish, and shark.

The local beach of choice is Playa Dorada, with plenty of sunbathing and beach activities to spend the day. Further east you’ll find Cabarete which is a world famous windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. Fewer tourists can be found on the beaches further west of Puerto Plata at Cofresí. Puerta Plata is close to Mount Isabel de Torres, the tall mountain peak south of the town. There is a cable car that will take you to the top for stunning vistas. Another thrilling sight not to be missed is the “27 Waterfalls” at Damajaqua Cascades.

Notable touristic sites include Fort San Felipe, the Amber Museum, and Ocean World Adventure Park, Marina, and Casino. Golf aficionados can get their fix at Playa Dorada Golf Course, Los Mangos, and VH Victoria Resort. Last but not least, humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters off of the North Shore from January to March, so check out the many options for whale watching tours from Puerto Plata to see these giants up close.

Fishing in the Dominican Republic is lightly regulated. Although technically fishing licenses are required, fishing regulations are rarely enforced, therefore it is difficult to find places that sell fishing licenses to even buy one. The one rule that is enforced is the catch and release of billfish species.