Billfish Season Action - Offshore Punta Cana

[laurapasinifan]

you still crack me up with your borderline antagonstic prose!! ha ha ha ha


I dont question MIKE....I only wanted clarification( because the question was asked and the answer seemed to be yes and no...when only ONE can be true).

hey if people know before hand what the deal is and they still choose it....who can say anything??

I also dont have a problem mentioning that i think something is NOT a good deal....

this might not be a resident trip....the charter with mike, because I have friends there that love fishing, and they might consider a charter with someone....but for SURE they will want everything they catch.....thus if someone else offered the client their catch, he would be a more attractive charter......

maybe Mike will come back and clarify the yes and no answer.. ha ha ha

bob

 

[Capt. Rob57]

I hate to say it but it is captains call. He owns the boat. Period. Understand the rules before you go out. Only an ashole would disappoint a customer but hey, buyer be ware. Contact me for fun if you guys like. all I want is gas money.

 

[Tamborista]

The Captain has spoken!
Let's see in just one post he has managed to insult a paying advertiser, and is soliciting people to pay for his gas.

Then again, how much gas does a 22' Yola burn anyway?

Good fishing!

tambo'

 

[MikeFisher]

laura,
they don't get a tip on top of the sales money.
they sell the fish OR they clean it up for you, which means there's no sales because you take a fish, of course they appreciate a nice tip for not selling and cleaning it up and preparing it for you. i don't see what's bad on that.
local rules in general are more clear: other crews always sell their fish on their own.
have fun
Mike

 

[ryalso]

Everyone, thanks for the help.
- $700 per month is more than I wanted to pay but I guess it's almost what it costs here. I was hoping to save some money, since I'd have housing to think about as well. I guess it's a rich mans sport after all?
- eating marlin?...I didn't ask the question and hope most of you would't, although I have kept a few if they were gut hooked and would't survive if thrown back. The smoke houses used to pay pretty good money for them. White marlin is quite good that way.
- The giant bluefin thing I have some experience with. I used to run a boat out of Shinnecock LI back in the 80's. Belive me, the money we got for the giants was way more than anyone would care about from a charter. They'd pay for our season. Close to shore and you could always get somebody to do the tugging for free just so they could say they caught one. Lazy money. For other things like mostly yellowfin, bigeye and makos we'd SOMETIMES, RARELY make a deal ahead of time if we decided to take a party out with us. If it was a run to the canyons, the fish money could add up, but it cost quite a bit to stay out there for two or three days. Usually the party kept a few fish each and everybody was happy. I hear today some boats do things differently and are more generous with the catch. The competition is pretty fierce. I personally think, just my opinion, that the call should go to the boat and be clarified ahead of time. That's what I've always done whenever I've paid for a charter. The way I look at it is, you're paying to go fishing not go into business with the boat. It's a tough business to make a living at...thankfully I didn't and don't and won't have to!!! I know plenty of very good captains who gave up their own boats to run other people's so they could feed their families. And I'd still go out hand lining blufish with them so they'd have bar change.
- the west coast of PR. I'd retire there if I thought I could afford it. That's why I was looking at the east coast of the DR. I know the fishing (and diving) is great and I expect the COL is a bit lower but maybe not anymore with al the development.
- I'll do some more research on Luperon (thanks gringo1). I understand it's a pretty good hurricane hole and it has a couple of serious sea mounts not too far from shore. Chould add up to respectable fishing.
- I don't want to get into personal politics, but I think if you can get a decent charter with good tackle and experience for around a grand, maybe less and housing to boot if you're a steady repeat that's pretty fair. And I doubt there'd be a problem with keeping a fish or two to cook up dockside. Anyway, what's a guy on vacation gonna do with a boat load of fish? It's not just the cost of fuel and crew for the day, campaining a boat costs a lot of money! The hole in the water thing isn't really a joke to most of us. Plus it is after all, supposed to be a business.
- I also think that an offer to split the cost of gas is a pretty generous offer for Capt'n Rob to make to complete strangers to take them out fishing.
Again, thanks for all the help.
All the best.
ryalso

 

[MikeFisher]

Rob57,
of course it will be completely different if the captain owns the boat.
my crews are no boat owners. when i fish myself i never sell a fish and i prepare it on my own for the customers, i was talking in general in the prior posts and not only for my own position.
at the moment in our area there's no other boat run by the owner, all crews work as employes.
Mike

 

[amy2761]

The Captain has spoken!
Let's see in just one post he has managed to insult a paying advertiser, and is soliciting people to pay for his gas.

Then again, how much gas does a 22' Yola burn anyway?

Good fishing!

tambo'

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Stay well,
Amy

 

[laurapasinifan]

ok mike much clearer now...the fish or the tip....not both.
I also would think that the marlin would not be kept. maybe some of the lesser big game fish are thrown into the cooler for eating.....

the crew doesnt keep all the marlin do they?

do you have an average for marlin per trip ?????

when they fish for the marlin on fly tackle do they troll teaser rigs then stop the boat when they have a following fish and cast flies????

thanks

bob

 

[MikeFisher]

hi Laura, now we got it together.
on billfishes we run catch and release for all of them until it isn't the customer who decides to keep his first ever Billie.
starting with the winter season (december) i will also tag and release them, 2 weeks ago a fishing buddy of mine been here with his boat from puerto rico and introduced us in that here still unknown and not practiced technics, i liked it so we will do it.
flyfishing for billfish, istarted that as a testride this years white marlin season, we do the so called "tease and switch" or "bait and switch".
we run 4 teaser line(2 electric controlled from the bridge and 2 manual handled down by the mates) with ballyhoo and lure ballyhoo combos on(of course all hookless), upcoming white marlins (peak season mostly double, tripple hitters or more a time) we teased in a less than 30ft casting range, boat slows the speed down as soon as we are sure they are hot on the baits, but the boat stays on slow speed in gear til the moment at least one is in casting range.
this fall i will start it seriously for our dorado (mahi) schools, on our tests til now we've been most successful with 4 hookless teaserlines running on the outriggers, and a deadbait ballyhoo with hooks in the center, rod up on the bridge, so when the school comes up we hooked one on the center line, brought him closer to the boat, boat out of gears, like that the school stays with the boat within casting range for a long while, you can take out several dorados each flyrod(we cast max 2 flies at a time on dorados, on billfish of course only one).
have fun
Mike

 

[Capt. Rob57]

My intention was not offend anyone. I am just a direct person. Like I said it is the captains boat big or small it is his. He assumes all liability for this. I do not permit hard booze on my boat. Beer wine OK. It is had to control a drunk 30 miles off shore in 5 foot seas. My comment on the gas on my boat it is split between on who wants to go. Remember I am the one that has the 25,000 dollars investment here. All I want to do i s have fun. All of the rods are mine tackle coolers, lures and 30 years of experience mine. Plus I have full insurance and a club with pool and rest. too boot. I started catch and release in Monte Cristi back in 1999 when no one else was doing it. Spent my money and gave away the tags. Had a table with all the brochures printed in Spanish and car tags too. Even where to buy the tag sticks at a discount. Through the Bill Fish Foundation. So just because someone advertises no one else should have an opinion. I have been on many boats where it is customary for the crew to keep the catch. You get one maybe two fish to eat. Capt. Mike knows of this practice. I was just responding to the post and know nothing of his operation. Sorry Capt. if I offended you that was not my intention.

 

[MikeFisher]

hi Rob,
i did not feel offended in noway by your posts.
and you're right, most crews fishing on our island keep the full catch and that includes all billfishes, too.
i don't even blame them for selling all catches to make some money they really need to feed their families, i blame the boat owners for not changing their mind and pay their crews a reasonable salary, so they happily release the billies, mostly they get for a release with a good provided on board service more money from the day's tips than the others get for selling the fish on the beach.
an average cap's salary for most(i can never speak for all, but the most on the east coast i know in person, been fishing with 'em too) runs between 6000-10000 pesos a month, on noon they have to buy their own food on the cheap shops on the beach.
i pay 10000-12000 to the mate and 20000-25000 to the captains in charge of US$150.000.- each boat, other outfitters still have to realize that.
the most helpful point on changing that behavior is the sportfishing customer, don't book boats which are not fishing by the rules you want to.
make before your booking sure they run catch and release.
sorry that i did not read every single prior post Rob, where are you located at the moment?
by the way, i know how many fuel PLUS oil 2 stroke outboards drink on a 4hrs trolling ride, cost for fuel are cheaper for the same 4hrs for any of the 1000HP's sportfishing yachts, of course there i have to save a big amount of money for the neccessary maintenance and the at the moment 200000-250000 Pesos per year for the insurance each boat.
like said in my prior post, i completely agree with you that the boat owner should not have a problem to clean and prepare a dorado/wahoo/any meatfish for his charter client, i do that myself, too, but the very most boats are run by employees looking to make some money, i understand them to at least await a reasonable tip.
my crews prepare you a 20-30lbs dorado with a big smile when they get a 10-20 bucks tip offered, they even would prepare it as customer's service without a tip, maybe then the smile is a bit less wide, lol, but they know i want them to do so and over all experience they know at the end of the wek they received more money out of those tips than they would have made selling everything.
good luck and have fun
Mike

 

[Robert]

Great thread and a ton of excellent info!

Dorado, my favorite fish! I have a feeling I will be given out a big tip to the crew sometime this fall

 

[Capt. Rob57]

Right on all accounts I know a captain personal friend of mine who runs the boat for a pro baseball player. I will not mention his name no need. He has full responsibility of an 8 million dollar boat. He makes 8,ooo pesos per month. Wants to work for me but I don't own a business. Just run my boat for fun. I have 4- stroke 100 hp Yamaha and a full day I leave at 5 and return at 3 costs around 22 gal. of fuel. Depending on current price. None of that includes cost of maintenance, dock-age fees, bait, ice, beer , food. Again I thank you. People who don't own boats just have no idea how much a hole in the water costs.

 

[MikeFisher]

o yeah Rob57,
and your 4-stroke engines are the economic ones.
my little 29ft'er for flats/flyfishing runs 2-stroke outboards, they take around a 70-80% more and it has to be mixed with expensive oil.
hi Robert, i hope that you'll be able to tip a crew this fall.
still waiting for you to come over to punta cana for fishing.
you know you're invited.
if you need a reasonable prized room just let me know, i am a registered touroperator at the carabela beach resort and casino in the middle of el cortecito, i pay around 60% of the rate anyone would pay coming in with cash in his hands to the lobby for check in.
don't come before end october, because throu sept sea is mostly rough, of course we fish, specially for the big blue marlins that time, but with you i would prefere to take the smaller vessel with a cooler of cold presidentes and fish light tackle on dorados, wahoo, maybe sailfish or anything on the fly too.
end of this summer i get also a new big one in, will be based at my homespot at the club nauticus in cabeza de toro for the best service like breakfast/lunch aso on board included.
the sportfishing world is exploring our east coast, specially for our min 7 months lasting billfish season every year, got to be prepared to offer the right service.
i like the way this thread you started is moving, i know there are sportfishermen on the board, but i did not expect that responses.
keep on posting guys.
have fun
Mike

 

[MikeFisher]

here is a picture update July 2007, still on white Marlin

 

[MikeFisher]

now we also started light tackle/spinning tackle/flyfishing tackle sportfishing offshore/reef and flats.
just ask about the charter boat "Raider" or FirstClass1(has nothing to do with "firstclassfishing, stolen name), a 29ft'er open fisherman with twin outboards and all Penn Intl and Shimano tackle.
of course english guided by Pacho or Mike.
have fun guys and get the big ones on light tackle
Mike

 

[MikeFisher]

a few pics on Raider.
besides the light tackle which our Kids love, specially bottom fishing close to thr reef with the line in their hands or a 5lbs light spinning tackle, we go of course for Jacks, Dorado, Wahoo, Permits, Barracudas aso.
October 6th i have a Flyfishing teacher from Lake Erie here, giving a hand on exploring new grounds for that activity for the big and the small anglers.
pure flyfishing charters start october 15th, bottom fishing on the big ones in 300fath waters for groupers, snappers aso with electric reels starts mid January 2008.
some images taken lately near the Reef:

enjoy our wonderful Island
on land or water
Mike

 

[MikeFisher]

our light tackle action charter boat Raider is now (since Sept 15th 2007) run and guided by my famous Billfish on the Fly Guide Cacheo, also named "Catch", caribbean record guide in 2007 with a 100lbs white Marlin on a 12wt Flytackle.
go with the best means to get all the fun out of it.
enjoy our paradise Island
Mike

 

[MikeFisher]

the only real Sailor in Punta Cana.
the newest Excursions on Sailcatamaran "Patatatu".
looking for the perfect "Fun in the Sun" Snorkeling Excusion available in Punta Cana?
It has to fit all ages of your Family, from the Grandchild to the Granny?
Than you're on the right spot.
4hrs sailing, snorkeling, natural swimming pool, open bar, fun in the sun with real Coco-Loco Trips for all ages.
Want a romatic Sunset Sailcruise along the whole coastline of Punta Cana during Sunset?
look at our 4hrs Sunset Cruise every late afternoon on "Patatatu.
Mike added them all to his "Fun for evryone" Program.

have a pleasant stay with all the fun on our paradise island
Mike
sailing catamaran excursion sail trip for snorkeling and sunset sail to shipwreck in punta cana dominican republic sailboat
Punta Cana Saltwater Fly Fishing Guide Sport Fishing Charters Big Game Fishing Charters Boat Charters
Flyfishing for Billfish Punta Cana Dominican Republic

 

[MikeFisher]

Starting October 1st 2007
Mike's Marina Fishing Charters S.A. changed all operating Charter Boats in the Fleet.
Why???
just to better Customer's Services, that's all.
all Sportfishing Charter Boats sized 33ft-63ft operate now from the Docks of the private Punta Cana Marina, full Dock-Service, full Customer's Service.
of course our new main office is located right at the Marina's Oceanfront, too.
no more wet feet, high waves at the beach with the uncomfort of switching from a small boat over to the Sportfishing Yachts.
just walk the Pier and jump on board.
The first 2 new Sportfishing Yachts started their operations at the Punta Cana Marina, a 2004 Proline and the famous "Billfish Queen", a beauty of a 37ft Bertram, of course run by Punta Cana's #1 top Captain Jose Manuel Mota.
the rest of the fleet will arrive before october 15th 2007, including the Bertrams 38ft and 45ft and the 63ft Searay, which will be available for Island Cruises including private exclusive Day trips to Saona Island in the Caribbean Sea, business meetings and of course for Wedding Ceremonies and Bachelor Parties. There's nothing impossible at Mike's Marina.
starting Christmas 2007 our 94ft Luxus-Cruiser will start it's operations right here from the Docks, too, for big business meetings, Weddings and available for cruises throu the whole caribbean.
our Dominican, Puerto Rican and US American Skippers and Crews have always their Passports and Visas ready to bring you to any Caribbean Spot you want to.
below are some images of the first 2 charter boats at the Punta Cana Marina Docks, images of the rest of the fleet will follow as soon as they reached Punta Cana.
proud to operate the most complete and most modern Fleet on the Island
Mike

our wedding, cruising, island hopping aso packages will be announced soon.
have fun on our paradise island
Mike