Fishing in Punta Cana

Situated on the eastern tip of Hispaniola, right on the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Punta Cana is the second most popular resort destination in Latin America, and part of its attraction is that it’s more than a tropical beach haven — it’s one of the Caribbean's most dynamic fishing frontiers. With consistently warm waters, protected bays, and deep drop-offs mere minutes from shore, this region promises an angling experience that’s both accessible and exceptional. From mellow lagoon flats near boutique hotels to legendary offshore canyons, Punta Cana offers something for every type of angler—family, weekend novice, or bluewater pro.

Punta Cana is famed for elite marlin and sailfish action, especially sailfish in winter, white marlin in spring and summer, and blue marlin in summer and fall. Tuna are most abundant in winter through spring, while lightning-fast wahoo strike hard from fall to early winter. And dolphinfish (mahi-mahi) is a year-round favorite. Closer to the shore, snappers, groupers, barracuda, amberjack, and more lurk near coral reefs, while flats hide bonefish, tarpon, snook, and roosterfish. All in all, Punta Cana has every species the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic have to offer.

For flats fishing, light spinning or fly fishing tackle works best—especially at low tide or early morning. Sight-casting over clear water is the name of the game. Near reefs and structures, bottom rigs with live or dead bait, as well as jigging with artificial lures, are the tools of choice, although spinning also brings good results. Offshore, trolling is the preferred method for billfish and pelagics: teasers, spread lines, and live bait set the stage for explosive strikes. For deep residents like tilefish or grouper, anglers use heavy-duty deep dropping gear with with power reels that reach up to 300+ feet.