The Billfish Report is counting down its Top 10 Billfisheries of the Year, with #10 Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. Criteria for our Top 10 include fish numbers, variety of billfish species, reports, average size of fish, length of season and number of boats fishing. With over 9,000 Billfish Reports submitted to us in 2018 from around the World, to even be considered for our Top 10 makes a fishery one of the best!

La Romana, Dominican Republic – Boats fishing out of Casa de Campo Marina are provided some of the best Blue Marlin fishing in the Atlantic. If there is such a thing as a sure bet on Blue Marlin, this would be it. Given the size of the Blue Marlin, this is also a good spot for younger anglers seeking to catch their first. Likewise, given the numbers, those keen to get a Blue Marlin on Fly, this is a great spot. It is not unusual to get triple and even quadruple headers giving you plenty of chances on the long rod. 

Boats here recorded thirty-four (34) reports of 5+ Blue Marlin in a day, placing them 1st in the Atlantic and 2nd in the World for 2018. While no boat reached 10 Blue Marlin in a day here, Black Gold and Cabana both recorded nine (9) and Builders Choice, Chaser and Da Bait all released eight (8). The surprising bite of the season was on Sailfish. While it is a short period of time when they are thick, we had five (5) report of 10+ Sailfish, with the best day on Bandolera going 26-39.

This is not considered a diverse fishery, with Blue Marlin being the main target. There are a few White Marlin hanging around, but surprisingly we did not get any reports of Grand Slams. Probably the second most reliable bite is from Swordfish. Capt. Paco Vela on Dulce Coco has them dialed in and while these are not large fish, we give any sustainable Swordfish bite a big thumbs up.

While the Blue Marlin are here year round, the season is fairly short lasting 3-4 Months. Most boats start to head up the coast to Punta Cana to follow the Blue Marlin. The Swordfish season appears to likewise be year round, but given the relative short time frame boats have been targeting them, it may be a couple more seasons before we can really tell.

Congratulations to La Romana and Marina Casa de Campo our #10 Billfishery of 2018!