White Marlin tourn/Domin-Repub-Help a guy out here

[Turkey Feeder]

Yeah, I will be arriving in Punta Cana for the May White Marlin Tournament-Dominican Republic, May 11 to 14. I will be an IGFA "first time" observer. Going alone, wife has to stay home and take care of Tiffany and Shadow our two Border Collies. Anyway for those of you that have "been there, done that" pass along some helpful tips to an "Old Country Boy" thats never been out of the USA before.....and is there any other TFer going.

I want to get back in one piece to fish another day, so help a guy out here.

Thanks, Jim

[ken antkowiak]

Stay in resort,no need to sight see elsewhere,VERY POOR . bring along Immodium for upset stomach due to water/food differance that you will experiance. Try to drink only bottled water. Enjoy the fine fishing! Have fun

[surfperch1]

Jim,

Congrats on you COOP cert. Most of these countries you will need to stay inside of the compound for risk of personnel injury or death. They do not like or care for Americans at all.

Trust me when you are at one of these turnaments you will be very busy.

Also jump on the COOP chat board and ask others for their veiws on the subject.

I will be in Venezuala this Sunday being a COOP for the Solers Tournament.

[chilli]

Congratulations Jim,

Don't have any advice for you, but it sounds like your in for a good time. Enjoy and be sure to let us know how it turned out for you... Should be a great experience!

[Becky]

Ditto what Chilli said... Congrats and hope you enjoy it!!! I wish I could go but looks like I'll have to sit this one out...

Becky-

[Reel Fool]

sounds like you will be there for just a few days. pack EVERYTHING in one carry-on bag. they can't lose what is with you under your seat.

exchange $$ ahead of time or at the airport. that way, you won't get any "confusion" over exchange rates when you pay for something with american dollars.

expect things to cost about half of what they tell you when its not a posted price--example-taxi ride. if they say $3, it's probably really $1 or so. negotiate prices for just about everything.

enjoy

[billfishgirl]

Hey, glad to see you taking advantage of the "perks" of the COP so soon ! Have a great trip and let us hear all about it when you get home.

Deda

[seastallionmate]

[Q]ken antkowiak originally wrote:
Stay in resort,no need to sight see elsewhere
[/Q]

I agree. The resorts are nice but we had a bad experience with the food and the people. Don't get conned into taking any of the "offered excursions". All the ones the wife and I took were horrible with the exception of the diving, and even that was not the best I've ever done. Good luck, at least you’ll be on the water! Interested in getting your impression!

[HIT N RUN]

Have a great time Jim. As for advice, just stay with the group and blend in (low key) & act as if youv'e been there many times before. The trouble comes to those that give reason to be prayed apon. Also bring lots of 1 dollar bills to use for tips & small stuff, They love that American tip & if you find the right people to tip, they will really make things easy for you during your stay. I hope the boat/s they put you on see lots of action!!

[johnrogers]

Jim, Congrats. I was there 2 years ago and had a great time. Fishing wasn't so hot but I didn't go at the right time. I stayed at the sunscape resort and never had any problems with getting bad food. But I have heard many bad storys about people getting sick there from the food and water.. And when you brush your teeth make sure you use bottle water too. I did go on some tours to see the area and was very neat to see the way they live. But I did see a couple of guys with machine guns just walking around which didn't make me feel real well. I remember watching the tournament last year on i think espn. Had some great action. Hope you have a great trip and take care.