Aguadilla Fishing Charters
Aguadilla fishing charters run straight into the Mona Passage and Caribbean waters for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and sailfish, with snapper, grouper, and jacks on reefs and ledges closer to shore.
Top Rated Charters in Aguadilla
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Aguadilla, PR Fishing Guide
Aguadilla sits on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast, facing the deep Mona Passage—a legendary stretch of water known for its pelagic migrations. This geography means anglers are fishing deep bluewater within minutes of leaving the dock. Most charters launch from Crash Boat Beach or nearby ports, with smaller center consoles and sportfishers making up the local fleet. Half-day trips usually troll close to the drop-offs for wahoo, mahi, and tuna, or work inshore reefs for snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Full-day charters head farther into the Mona Passage, targeting blue and white marlin, sailfish, and bigger yellowfin tuna.
The fishery structure is simple but productive. The continental shelf drops quickly offshore, so billfish and tuna are often hooked within a few miles of the beach. Reefs and ledges along the coast produce reliable bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, while wrecks and rocky points add action for jacks and barracuda. Calm Caribbean conditions are common, but the Mona Passage can get rough when currents and trade winds collide.
Seasonality is marked by pelagic runs. Winter into spring is prime for wahoo and sailfish. Summer brings mahi, blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna offshore. Fall sees continued mahi and wahoo action, with some of the best bottom fishing of the year on reefs. Snapper and grouper remain steady year-round, giving anglers a dependable option when offshore seas get choppy.
Techniques reflect the mixed fishery. Offshore, trolling skirted lures, rigged ballyhoo, and teasers is the standard for billfish, mahi, and wahoo. Tuna are also targeted with chunking and vertical jigging around current lines. Reef and bottom trips use cut bait, live sardines, and jigs for snapper, grouper, and amberjack. With short runs, varied waters, and direct access to the Mona Passage, Aguadilla is one of Puerto Rico’s most efficient and exciting fishing hubs.
Fishing Seasons in Aguadilla
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings strong sailfish action offshore, along with wahoo along drop-offs. Mahi-mahi begin to show up in better numbers as water warms, and yellowfin tuna become more consistent in the Mona Passage. Inshore, snapper and grouper provide reliable action on reefs. Calm seas and steady bites make spring one of Aguadilla’s best fishing windows.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak offshore season. Blue marlin patrol the Mona Passage, striking skirted lures and large rigged baits. Dorado are abundant offshore, often found around floating debris and weed lines. Yellowfin tuna action is strong, with chunking and trolling both productive. Inshore, barracuda and jacks keep light tackle busy along reefs and rocky points.
Fall (September–November)
Fall keeps pelagics in play, with mahi and tuna still thick offshore. Wahoo numbers rise again, taken high-speed trolling along the shelf edges. Bottom fishing improves with snapper, grouper, and amberjack feeding more aggressively before winter. Weather can bring passing squalls, but fishing pressure is lighter, leaving plenty of room on the water.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is prime wahoo season, with fish holding along the reef edges and shelf lines. Sailfish are also at their best now, giving anglers classic light-tackle billfishing opportunities. Snapper and grouper remain steady on reefs and ledges, while barracuda are common along the coast. Offshore marlin and tuna are less consistent, but the variety of reef and edge fishing keeps charters productive.
Gamefish in Aguadilla
- Blue Marlin – 150–500 lbs. Best in summer offshore in the Mona Passage, taken trolling large skirted baits.
- White Marlin – 60–120 lbs. Appear in summer, often mixed with mahi and tuna offshore.
- Sailfish – 50–80 lbs. Strongest in winter and spring, targeted offshore trolling rigged ballyhoo.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) – 10–30 lbs. Peak in summer and fall offshore, taken trolling lures and casting near debris.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–100 lbs. Best in summer offshore, caught chunking, jigging, and trolling
- Wahoo – 20–50 lbs. Peak in winter and spring along drop-offs, best with high-speed trolling.
- Snapper – 2–12 lbs. Found year-round on reefs and ledges, best with cut bait and bottom rigs.
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Reef and ledge resident year-round, targeted with live bait and vertical jigs.
- Barracuda – 10–30 lbs. Common inshore and around reefs, strike both lures and bait.
Aguadilla Fishing FAQs
Where do Aguadilla fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from Crash Boat Beach or nearby marinas, with fast access to both reefs and the Mona Passage.
What types of trips are common in Aguadilla?
Half-day trips troll close to shore for wahoo, mahi, and sails, or bottom fish reefs for snapper and grouper. Full-day charters run into the Mona Passage for marlin, tuna, and dorado.
Do I need a fishing license in Puerto Rico?
No personal license is required when fishing with a licensed charter, but operators follow federal Caribbean regulations.
When is the best time to fish Aguadilla?
Summer is best for marlin, mahi, and tuna, winter for wahoo and sailfish, and reefs produce snapper and grouper year-round.
What techniques are used by Aguadilla captains?
Trolling is standard offshore, with skirted lures and ballyhoo. Wahoo are taken high-speed trolling, while reefs are fished with cut bait and jigs.
What species can I catch close to shore?
Barracuda, snapper, grouper, and jacks are common on reefs and rocky points just minutes from the beach.
How far offshore do Aguadilla charters run?
The drop-offs begin within a few miles, and deep-water pelagics are often hooked just 5–10 miles out.
How many anglers can fish on a charter?
Smaller center consoles carry 2–3 anglers, while sportfishers accommodate 4–6 comfortably for offshore runs.
Are combo reef-and-offshore trips available in Aguadilla?
Yes, many charters troll offshore in the morning and finish on reefs for snapper and grouper in the afternoon.