Charter Fishing in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers fishing across offshore bluewater, inshore coastal flats, and freshwater lakes and rivers.
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Puerto Rico Fishing Guide
Puerto Rico’s fisheries are shaped by its position in the Caribbean, with the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The north coast, particularly around San Juan and Dorado, drops quickly into deep water where marlin, tuna, and dorado run close to shore. The south and west coasts feature calmer seas with strong reef and inshore fishing, including snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Offshore banks like the Puerto Rico Trench hold some of the best billfish grounds in the region, while lagoons and rivers inland are known for tarpon, snook, and peacock bass.
Seasonal bite patterns follow Caribbean currents. Blue marlin peak in summer and fall, while white marlin and sailfish are more active in spring. Yellowfin tuna and dorado are consistent most of the year, with wahoo strongest in the cooler winter months. Tarpon are present year-round in lagoons and river mouths, with peak action in the summer wet season. Reef fishing for snapper, grouper, and jacks is steady throughout the year.
Charter fishing is well developed, particularly from San Juan, Fajardo, Mayagüez, and Ponce. Offshore trips range from half-day runs just outside San Juan’s harbor for dorado and wahoo, to full-day expeditions along the Trench for blue marlin. Inshore charters focus on tarpon, snook, and jacks in lagoons and bays, often using light tackle or fly gear. Freshwater trips target peacock bass in reservoirs like Lago Carraízo and Lago La Plata. Boats include modern sportfishers for offshore and smaller skiffs or flats boats for inshore fishing.
Techniques vary widely. Offshore captains troll artificial lures, teasers, and rigged ballyhoo for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado. Wahoo are targeted with high-speed trolling in winter. Inshore anglers use live bait, plugs, and flies for tarpon and snook. Reef fishing relies on bottom rigs with cut bait or jigs for snapper and grouper. Freshwater anglers use bass tactics—crankbaits, soft plastics, and live bait—for peacock bass and tilapia. Puerto Rico’s variety makes it a year-round fishery suited for every style of angler.
Fishing Seasons in Puerto RIco
Spring
Spring brings good offshore fishing for white marlin and sailfish, along with steady dorado and tuna. Inshore tarpon action improves as waters warm, with snook also active around river mouths. Reef fishing is productive, with snapper and grouper common. Light tackle and trolling both perform well.
Summer
This is peak blue marlin season, especially off the north coast near the Trench. Tuna and dorado are also abundant offshore. Inshore lagoons provide excellent tarpon and jack action, particularly during the rainy season. Freshwater lakes are productive for peacock bass. Heavy trolling gear dominates offshore, while fly and spin setups excel inshore.
Fall
Marlin action continues strong through October, with dorado feeding heavily along current lines. Wahoo become more consistent as waters cool. Inshore tarpon remain reliable, while reef fishing for snapper and grouper is steady. Freshwater fishing improves as temperatures drop, with peacock bass and tilapia more active.
Winter
Winter is prime wahoo season offshore, with trolling producing quality fish. Sailfish also peak in these months, while dorado remain steady. Inshore, tarpon fishing continues, though cooler water slows some activity. Reef fishing is consistent, with grouper and snapper reliable catches. Techniques shift toward trolling and bottom fishing this time of year.
Top Fishing Regions
San Juan & North Coast
San Juan is the island’s offshore hub, with quick access to the Puerto Rico Trench. Blue marlin, dorado, tuna, and wahoo are common here. Inshore, tarpon and snook fishing in the San Juan lagoon system is world-class, making the city a versatile starting point for anglers.
Fajardo (East Coast)
Fajardo offers a mix of offshore and inshore opportunities. Offshore boats troll for marlin, tuna, and dorado, while inshore skiffs target tarpon, snook, and jacks in bays and mangroves. The region is also a launch point for trips to nearby islands like Culebra and Vieques.
Mayagüez & West Coast
The west coast has calmer waters and excellent reef fishing, with snapper, grouper, and jacks abundant. Offshore charters still encounter marlin and dorado, though the fishing is less pressured than the north coast. Inshore tarpon are also targeted in rivers and bays.
Ponce & South Coast
Ponce offers productive inshore and reef fishing. Offshore action includes tuna, dorado, and wahoo, though pelagics are less consistent than on the north coast. The calmer Caribbean waters make this a reliable option for family-friendly trips.
Inland Lakes (Carraízo & La Plata)
These reservoirs near San Juan hold peacock bass, tilapia, and catfish. Freshwater fishing is steady year-round, with peak action in cooler months. Local guides provide gear and small boats for visiting anglers.
Top Gamefish in Puerto Rico
- Blue Marlin – 150 to 800 lb. Found offshore along the Puerto Rico Trench, peak June through October, targeted by trolling lures and rigged baits.
- White Marlin – 40 to 90 lb. Offshore north coast, best in spring months, caught trolling with ballyhoo and teasers.
- Sailfish – 40 to 120 lb. Offshore in winter and spring, targeted by trolling and live baiting.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20 to 100 lb. Found offshore year-round, peak summer and fall, taken by trolling and chunking.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10 to 40 lb. Offshore along weed lines, best spring through fall, caught by trolling and casting lures.
- Wahoo – 15 to 60 lb. Offshore drop-offs, peak December to March, targeted by high-speed trolling.
- Tarpon – 10 to 120 lb. Found in lagoons, bays, and rivers year-round, strongest in summer, targeted with fly gear, plugs, and live bait.
- Peacock Bass – 2 to 10 lb. Found in freshwater lakes and reservoirs, best in cooler months, caught with lures and bait.
Puerto Rico Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Puerto Rico?
No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing. Freshwater fishing in lakes and reservoirs may require a local permit.
What is the best time to fish in Puerto Rico?
Summer and fall are peak for blue marlin offshore, winter is best for wahoo and sailfish, and tarpon are strong year-round inshore.
Where are the most popular fishing spots in Puerto Rico?
San Juan, Fajardo, Mayagüez, Ponce, and inland reservoirs are the main fishing hubs, each offering unique opportunities.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day trips focus on inshore tarpon or reef fish, while full-day charters head offshore for marlin and tuna. Multi-day trips target the Trench during peak marlin season.
What gear should I bring for fishing in Puerto Rico?
Most charters supply gear, but anglers may bring jigs, lures, or fly tackle for tarpon. Offshore requires trolling setups, while inshore benefits from lighter spinning or fly rods.
Are there regulations on keeping fish in Puerto Rico?
Yes, bag and size limits apply to many reef and pelagic species. Billfish are often released, while tuna, dorado, and wahoo may be kept within limits.
Is Puerto Rico fishing family-friendly?
Yes, inshore tarpon trips and reef fishing are great for beginners and families. Offshore marlin trips are more demanding and suited for experienced anglers.
Can I fish from shore in Puerto Rico?
Yes, shore fishing produces tarpon, snook, jacks, and snapper in lagoons, piers, and beaches. Access is widespread and popular with locals.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Puerto Rico?
Half-day inshore trips often cost $400–$600, while full-day offshore charters range $800–$1,400 depending on the vessel and season.