Can anyone recommend a good 1/2 day trip for fishing?

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Tiffani

I've used the 'J String' out of the seaport marina the last 2 years, very nice boat and crew. Cost is $280 for the boat (not per person!) for a half day, and you can have at least 3 or 4 people (or less) in your group. Good luck, don't catch 'em all!

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Do you consider $280.00 per day expensive or do you feel it was worth every penny? We may be interested in a charter trip with others. Do you know of any other trips that go out for a half day?

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Tiffani

For what you get, I wouldn't consider that expensive - I've paid $1000 for a full day of deep sea fishing off of NC ...the boat is very nice, plenty big enough for up to 4 people, with an air-conditioned cabin. The only drawback is that there may or may not be any fish caught - last year we had a great trip with a bunch of cudas and mahi (dolphin), but this year only 1 small cuda. I'd blame Ivan, but I think it's basically hit or miss off Aruba. For the price, I'd say it's money well spent.

Yes there are other options out there, including the Rainbow Runner which goes bottom fishing for much less per person. You may not catch big fish, but you'll probably catch snapper or other reef dwelling fish, and cost is more like $30 pp. I know there are plenty of other boats that will do 1/2 day or full day charters, for more or less the same money. The boat made the difference for us, I haven't seen many larger ones that are available for charter. Good luck!

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Here is a list of some full and half day charters. We went on Kenny's Toy twice in past and were very happy!!!

Deep Sea Fishing Boats

"Mahi Mahi" Deepsea Fishing Charter Aruba
Captain Peter Creutzberg
Length: 42ft
Engines: Two Caterpillar Diesels
Tel: (297) 587-0538 or
Cellular: (297) 594-1181
Fax: (297) 587-7778
e-mail: info@aruba-mahimahi.com

"G-String" Boat
- Capt. Eduardo Pinzon
- Length: 36 ft.
- Full day: US $450 Included: soda, sandwich, fruit and equipment for fishing
- Half day: US $240 Included: soda, and equipment for fishing

"Melinea"
- Tel (297) 993-1550, (297) 965-5478
email: adventure@setarnet.aw
Half day: US $250 Included: Fishing rods, Reels, Bait, Teasers, Ice, Refreshments
Full day: US $ 450 Included: Fishing rods, Reels, Bait, Teasers, Ice, Refreshments and sandwich
Charter: US $350 Included: Fishing rods, Reels, Bait, Teasers, Ice, Refreshments and sandwiches
Boat details: 29 ft. Chris Craft/Twin Volvo Penta/ 130 Turbo Diesel/ Fully equipped Penn Int. Reels/Fish with 5-6 lines Maximum 4 persons on each trip.

"Three Sons" Boat
Capt. Rudolfo Ras
Length: 33 ft.
Tel (297) 593-2680
Full day: US $450 Included: soda, sandwich, fruit and equipment for fishing
Half day: US $240 Included: soda, and equipment for fishing

"Lucky Star" Boat
Capt. Gregory Geerman
Length: 33 ft.
Tel (297) 593-1920
Full day: US $450 Included: soda, sandwich, fruit and equipment for fishing
Half day: US $240 Included: soda and equipment for fishing

"Kenny's Toy" Boat
Capt. Kenneth Pichardo/Milton Pichardo
Length: 35 ft.
P.O. Box 485
Tel (297) 582-5088, Fax (297) 582-4614
Half day: Us $250 Included: soda
Full day: US $500 Included: soda and lunch
Marling Fishing Full day: US $600 Included: equipment, soda and lunch

"Dorothy"
Capt. Roberto Tromp
Length: 34 ft.
Tel (297) 582-3375 / (297) 593-4030
E-mail: dorothycharters@hotmail.com
Full day: US $500-$600 Included: soda and food
Half day: US $250-$300 Included: soda

"Driftwood" (Deluxe)
Capt. Herby Merryweather
Length: 35 ft.
Tel (297) 587-7473 / (297) 583-2515
Full day: US $600 Included: soda and food
Half day: US $320 Included soda

"La Tanga"
Capt. Juan Alberto Wever (nickname Penco)
Tel (297) 587-3125 / (297) 587-3128
Fax (297) 587-9105
E-mail: latangacharters@hotmail.com
Length of boat: 31 Ft Chris Craft sport fisherman
Engines: Twin Diesel
Half day: US$260.00 includes soda or juices
Full day: US$520.00 includes soda or juices, food or sandwiches

"Sweet Mary"
Capt. Jack Christiaans
Tel (297) 582-7985
Full day: US $480 Included: soda and sandwiches
Half day: US $240 Included: soda

"Sea Doll"
Capt. Po Hing
Sisalstraat #29, Ponton
Length: 38 ft., double engine
Tel (297) 582-4478
Half day: US $230 Included: soda and equipment
Full day: US $460 Included: soda and equipment

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Shelly

Thanks! Very helpful!

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Tiffani

Indeed, very helpful info. I only have experience with a couple, which I'll add some info on:

G-String is actually 'J-String'. I don't know if the rates shown here are old or if we were overcharged, but we paid $280 this year and last year for 1/2 day.

La Tanga is the boat I originally reserved, because they were the only boat in the marina at the time. When I saw the J-String roll in, and compared prices, I cancelled and booked with J-String. Much nicer boat, nicer crew, basically same rate.

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Tiffani, if the 1/2 day charter prices are too high, go out on the Rainbow Runner. You pay a flat per person price, so it is less expensive. It's bottom fishing rather than deep sea fishing, but it's still a great morning. When we were there in May, everyone caught a lot of fish. We have friends that just came back, and they also had good luck on the Rainbow Runner. Their web site is: http://www.rainbowseekers.com/

If you need more information, send an e-mail to Captain Medina at: mimiaruba@setarnet.aw Captain Medina is great, and will be able to answer any of your questions.

The Post that Shelly did is an outdated one.

Lucky Star uses Shimano TW two speed and rods made by captain Harry plus we are equipped with GPS Garment.
The Yacht provides an extra top for cool shades. It also has 4 chairs and an automatic clean toilet for your comfort.
The tour Includes soft drinks, water and ice.
We have morning and afternoon trips
With the help of experienced captains Gregory, Humberto or Gary any body has a chance of catching a Marlin, Barracuda, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna or even a Shark.
Or we can go bottom fishing and catch a Grouper, Snapper, Yellowtail or Triggerfish.

Our friendly Captains hope to see you soon.

For more info on Pricing for the LuckyStar please go to
or call us at

Location:
Seaport Marina - Oranjestad, Aruba

Contact:
Telephone - (297) 562-3194 / (297) 742-7494