6 Hour Family-Friendly Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing trip aboard Contender 35' boatFamilyfriendly experience welcomes kids and beginners with crew assistanceTarget Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Wahoo, and Tuna using trolling techniques
Picture this: you and your family spending a perfect day on the crystal-clear waters off Punta Cana, lines in the water, everyone from grandpa to the youngest kid getting a shot at landing their first big offshore catch. Captain Bolivar and his crew aboard the Contender 35' have been running these family trips for years, and they know exactly how to make sure everyone has a blast – whether you're a seasoned angler or have never held a fishing rod before. This isn't some stuffy charter where you feel out of place if you don't know the difference between a Penn and a Shimano. It's six hours of pure fun on one of the Caribbean's top-rated fishing grounds, where the crew does the heavy lifting and you focus on making memories.
The Contender 35' is the perfect size for a family outing – big enough to handle the offshore swells comfortably, but intimate enough that Captain Bolivar can work with each person individually. You'll head out early to beat the heat and the crowds, cruising past the reef line where the water turns that deep blue that means serious fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels, a full tackle selection, outriggers for trolling, and plenty of shade when the Caribbean sun gets intense. Captain Bolivar's been working these waters for over a decade, so he knows where the fish are holding and adjusts the game plan based on what's biting. Some days that means working the weed lines for mahi, other times it's dropping baits deep for grouper. The crew keeps things relaxed but productive – they'll bait your hooks, help with the fight, and make sure everyone gets their turn at the rod. Kids especially love how patient the crew is, teaching them proper technique while keeping safety the top priority.
This trip combines two proven methods that work great for families: light trolling and bottom fishing. When you're trolling, the boat moves at a steady pace while multiple lines trail behind, covering water and searching for active fish like mahi mahi and wahoo. The crew runs a spread of lures and natural baits at different depths – ballyhoo on the outriggers, maybe some diving plugs down the middle. When someone hooks up, Captain Bolivar kills the engines and everyone gets to watch the action. Bottom fishing is where things get really exciting for the kids and beginners. You'll anchor up over structure where grouper and snapper live, using circle hooks with fresh bait. The fish down there fight hard and don't give up easy, but they're not making long runs that intimidate new anglers. All the rods are set up with appropriate line weights – heavy enough to handle whatever you might hook, but light enough that everyone can participate. The crew provides all terminal tackle, fresh and frozen baits, and they're constantly adjusting rigs based on what's working. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen and your appetite for adventure.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Punta Cana bottom fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish live around rocky structure in 60-150 feet of water, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Red grouper average 5-15 pounds, though bigger fish over 20 pounds show up regularly. They're aggressive feeders that hit fresh squid, ballyhoo, and cut bait hard. When you hook one, they make a powerful run straight for the rocks, testing your drag and the crew's coaching skills. Kids love them because the fight is strong but manageable, and there's nothing like seeing their faces when they get their first grouper to the boat.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Punta Cana's deep waters hold some monsters. While catching one on a family trip isn't guaranteed, the possibility keeps everyone excited every time a rod starts screaming. These fish can range from 100-pound juveniles to giants over 500 pounds. Peak season runs from March through August, when they're feeding heavily in the thermoclines offshore. Even a smaller blue marlin will test every angler's skills with blistering runs and spectacular jumps. Captain Bolivar practices catch-and-release for billfish, so you'll get amazing photos before sending this apex predator back to fight another day.
Mahi Mahi might be the perfect family fish – they're gorgeous, fight like crazy, and taste amazing grilled back at the resort. These fast-growing dolphins (the fish, not the mammal) travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. They average 10-25 pounds, with bulls reaching 40-50 pounds during peak season from May through September. When you find a school of mahi, the action can be non-stop, with multiple hookups keeping everyone busy. They're known for their aerial displays and bright colors that change when they're fighting. The crew always keeps a few for dinner when the bite is good.
Great Barracuda are like underwater missiles – all teeth, speed, and attitude. These silver bullets can reach 30-40 pounds and they're found year-round in Punta Cana's waters. Barracuda hit trolled lures with incredible force, often launching themselves completely out of the water on the initial strike. They're perfect for kids who want to feel that rod-bending power, but their razor-sharp teeth mean the crew handles all the netting and unhooking. Many families are surprised by how good barracuda taste when prepared properly – firm, white meat that's great for fish tacos.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize – pure speed and power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These pelagic speedsters range from school fish of 15-30 pounds up to giants exceeding 100 pounds. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water brings baitfish closer to shore. Yellowfin hit trolle
Hit the deep Caribbean waters aboard the Contender 35', a solid 35-foot fishing boat that's perfect for family adventures off Punta Cana. This 2010 vessel got a complete makeover in 2026 and runs smooth as silk with its reliable Yamaha 300HP engine. Captain Bolivar knows these waters like the back of his hand and welcomes kids and beginners with open arms. The boat's GPS and fish finder help track down Mahi, Barracuda, Wahoo, and Tuna depending on what's biting. You'll have plenty of room to move around the flybridge, and there's even a toilet onboard for those longer stretches on the water. Mix of light trolling and bottom fishing keeps things interesting for all skill levels. All your gear's included, so just bring your appetite for reeling in some Caribbean fish and making family memories that'll last.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - massive billfish that can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see run 200-400. Females grow much larger than males. They cruise warm blue water along current edges and drop-offs, usually 20+ miles offshore. Peak season runs March through August when water temps climb. What draws people back is the pure power and acrobatics when hooked - they'll jump, dive, and fight for hours. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. My tip: when trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface and watch for that telltale bill slicing through your spread. Have your drag set right because they hit like freight trains.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's speed demons - sleek, silver torpedoes that hit 35 mph and average 2-4 feet long. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and structure from the surface down to about 30 feet. Fishing's good year-round, but spring brings the bigger fish. What makes them fun is the explosive strike and crazy runs, though they tire fast. Most folks release them since the meat can carry toxins, but the fight's worth it. They hunt by sight and love shiny lures or wire-line rigs with cut bait. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and watch your fingers when landing - those razor teeth mean business. Perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing with non-stop action.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are perfect family fish - colorful, tasty, and willing biters that average 15-30 pounds around Punta Cana. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or diving birds since they love structure in open water. Best fishing runs April through September when water warms up. Kids go crazy watching their colors change from brilliant gold and green to silver once landed. The meat's fantastic - mild, firm, and great on the grill. They're fast swimmers but tire quickly, making them ideal for lighter tackle. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Circle around the area first - Mahi travel in schools and you might find the whole gang waiting underneath.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid fighters that hang around rocky bottoms and reefs in 20-100 feet of water. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds, though some reach 50+. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, crab, and cut bait work great. What makes them special is the fight and the table fare - firm, flaky meat with a mild taste that's hard to beat. Year-round fishing here in Punta Cana, but they bite best during cooler months. Once hooked, they'll try to run straight back to structure, so keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. Perfect for families since they're aggressive biters and kids love the steady pull they put up.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are built for speed and power - torpedo-shaped fish with bright yellow fins that average 60 pounds but can hit 400+. They cruise the upper water column in blue water, usually 15+ miles offshore around current breaks and temperature changes. Best action runs May through October when they're feeding heavy. What gets people fired up is the blistering runs and never-give-up attitude - plus the meat's sushi-grade quality. They're warm-blooded fish that can swim 50 mph, so be ready. My go-to technique is chunking with live bait when the trolling slows down. Cut up some ballyhoo or sardines, toss chunks overboard, and drift your baited hook back in the slick.
Punta Cana