Friday, February 3, 2012

Dominican Republic Holiday Activities - Fishing

By Robert Nickel


Fishing has been at the heart of most coastal towns and villages for decades and the tradition continues to this day, providing generations of locals with a means to support themselves and their families as well as providing support for the local economy. Over the years, fishing has become a tourist attraction in many of these locations; it is widely viewed by visitors as an authentic taste of the local way of life and a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon whilst on vacation.

When visiting the Dominican Republic it is possible to share in a fishing trip with a local charter or tour or perhaps a private excursion with a local fisherman. Depending on your level of interest, you can opt for a small boat and a tour of the reefs or you can get on a more serious boat and go for some deep water fishing. Some of the fishing tours and trips are very group oriented; a bigger vessel will be able to take a small group, a small boat may only take a few people - bigger, licensed tours may be a better bet for a first timer with little to no experience.

Fishing is an all year round activity in the Dominican Republic, as it is a staple of the local economy and is possible year round due to the tropical climate. However, for a curious tourist, it would be best advised to take a fishing tour during the summer months. The reason for this being that, during the summer months, the water is much calmer and the variety of fish much greater. The differing coasts (north and south) provide many different and exotic species of fish - marlin, wahoo and Dorado to name a few.

For a different twist on the standard fishing tour, there is also the option to go fly fishing. This type of fishing has gained popularity over the last 15 years to the point of being a viable option for the tourist industry. Saltwater fly-fishing allows for the opportunity to catch saltwater sport fish such as tunny and sailfish; a tour guide will take you to a location that is likely to yield some nice catch - even for a beginner. Fly fishing does require a modicum of patience when compared to regular fishing as well as a bit more skill too.

Most fishing tours and trips can be booked locally or through your hotel or resort; it is possible to locate private trips by simply asking around. Licensed tours will generally provide transportation to and from your accommodations; many also provide snacks, soft drinks and beer as well. These day trips can be an adventure for the whole family, but it is best to check beforehand about bringing children along as some tours may discourage this. In the event that you opt for a private trip with a local (*non-licensed) fisherman, be sure to ask about the condition of the boat, available safety equipment, etc.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment