Full Day Fishing Trip In Saona Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting marlin, tuna, and wahooCaptain Marcel provides premium gear, licenses, and refreshments includedSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests maximum
Picture this: you're out on the Caribbean's crystal-clear waters with Captain Marcel, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale tug that gets every angler's heart racing. This isn't your typical half-day charter—we're talking a full 8-hour adventure targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish swimming these waters. From the moment we clear the harbor until we head back with coolers full of fish, you'll be living the offshore dream that keeps anglers coming back to Dominican waters year after year.
Captain Marcel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish. We're talking prime Caribbean fishing grounds where the deep blue holds everything from lightning-fast Wahoo to trophy Blue Marlin. The boat's rigged with top-shelf gear, so whether you're a seasoned pro who's been chasing bills for decades or someone who's never held a rod heavier than what you use at the local pond, you'll have everything you need to land the fish of a lifetime. We've got the licenses sorted, premium tackle ready to go, and plenty of cold drinks to keep you going through the heat of the day. The best part? Everything's included in your trip—no hidden fees, no equipment rentals, just pure fishing action from sunrise to sunset.
We'll be running a spread of lures and baits that are proven fish-catchers in these waters. Captain Marcel sets up a proper trolling pattern using outriggers and downriggers to cover different depths and distances from the boat. The tackle is heavy enough to handle anything that might grab your bait—we're talking 50-80 lb class rods with reels that can stop a freight train. When something hits, you'll know it. The boat's equipped with a fighting chair for those bigger fish, but plenty of our catches come right to the transom with some good old-fashioned rod work. The water around Saona Island drops off into some serious depths where the big pelagics cruise, and that's exactly where we want to be when the bite turns on.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on a show that'll have you grabbing for your camera between runs. Peak season runs from January through April, but we see them year-round. When a sail grabs your bait, get ready for jumps, tail-walks, and screaming runs that'll test both your drag and your arm strength. They're relatively easier to land than their marlin cousins, making them perfect for anglers looking for that first billfish experience.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are another customer favorite that'll give you a serious workout. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 40+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. They're abundant from late fall through spring, and they're not picky eaters—trolled spoons, live bait, or cut bait will all do the trick. Kings are also fantastic table fare, so you'll go home with some premium fillets for the grill.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the waters around Saona Island hold some real giants. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and will test every ounce of your fishing skill and stamina. Summer months bring the best marlin action, though we hook them throughout the year. Landing a blue marlin is a bucket-list experience that most anglers never forget—the initial strike, the aerial display, and the brutal fight that can last hours.
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are the most colorful fighters you'll find out there. Their brilliant gold and green colors are matched only by their aggressive feeding behavior and acrobatic fights. These fish love floating debris and weed lines, and Captain Marcel has an eye for finding the structure that holds them. Mahi are excellent eating and typically travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find several.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that can hit 60+ mph and will smoke your drag before you know what hit you. These sleek predators have razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude that makes every hookup an adventure. They're notorious for hitting lures at full throttle and making incredibly long runs. Wahoo fishing is best during the cooler months, and they're considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean.
This world-class fishing adventure accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without crowding. Captain Marcel's reputation speaks for itself—he puts his customers on fish consistently and knows how to make sure everyone has a shot at landing something special. The 8-hour format gives you the best chance at connecting with multiple species and really experiencing what Caribbean fishing is all about. Keep in mind there's an 18% fee for card payments, but trust me, when you're holding up that trophy fish for photos, you'll know every penny was worth it. These prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you want to experience some of the best fishing the Caribbean has to offer.
This 24-foot Arc Boats sportfisher from 2004 is built for serious offshore action around Saona Island. The 250HP Cummins engine gets you to the productive fishing grounds fast, cruising at 24 knots through Caribbean waters where sailfish, marlin, and mahi mahi roam. With space for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without crowding each other when the fish are biting. The flybridge gives Captain Marcel a perfect vantage point to spot birds and bait schools, while the GPS keeps you on the fish all day. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold between hookups. The multimedia system adds some tunes while you're trolling or waiting for that next screaming reel. Whether you're after that trophy sailfish or just want to load up on mackerel for dinner, this boat handles the Caribbean swells like a champ and gets you back to dock with a full fish box.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 30+ mph with that signature sail-like dorsal fin raised high. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic blue-gray metallic color and long bill. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, often hunting in small groups using their fins to herd baitfish. The warmer months bring the best action here around Saona Island when water temps hit that sweet spot of 75-80°F. What makes them special? The fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you talking about it for years. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more nearby. Keep your spread tight and be ready for multiple hookups.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - the grail that every angler dreams about. Females can reach 400+ pounds (males stay smaller around 150), and they're built for power with that spear-like bill and cobalt blue back. These apex predators roam the deeper blue water, usually 100+ feet, following warm currents and baitfish schools. Year-round fishing here, but spring through fall gives us the most consistent action when water temps stay above 78°F. The thrill factor is off the charts - they'll jump, sound deep, and fight for hours. It's not about the eating (though they're decent smoked), it's about the battle and bragging rights. Key tip: don't horse them. Let them run when they want to run, and keep steady pressure when they're coming up. Patience wins the day with these giants.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the drag-screaming speedsters that'll test your tackle and your arms. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we've seen some 60+ pounders that'll make you question your life choices. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, cruising along drop-offs and structure where baitfish gather. The cooler months from November through March give us our best shots when they're feeding heavily. What guests love most? That initial run - a big king will peel line like nothing else, and they're fantastic table fare with firm, flaky white meat. They hunt with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. My go-to trick: use a stinger hook setup with live bait since kings love to bite the tail end first, then come back for the head.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect combo of beauty, fight, and flavor. These golden-green beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a color show when hooked - flashing yellows, blues, and greens before settling to that classic gold. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and anywhere current breaks create feeding zones, usually in 50-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents in our warm Caribbean waters, but spring and summer bring the best action. Guests love them because they're aggressive feeders, jump like crazy when hooked, and make outstanding table fare with that firm white meat. Males have the distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. Local secret: if you catch one, don't boat it immediately. Let it swim around the boat - mahi are schooling fish and that struggling fish will often call in its buddies for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed - hitting 50+ mph and making screaming runs that'll smoke your drag. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 30-60 pounds with distinctive blue stripes along silver sides and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through anything but wire. They cruise open water from the surface down to about 200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Peak season runs November through April when they're moving through our area in bigger numbers. What makes them special? That blistering initial run and some of the best eating in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're ambush predators, so they hit hard and fast. Pro tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. When you get bit, don't slow down right away - let them eat it while moving, then gradually back off the throttle.
Dominican Republic