Puerto Rico Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

Puerto Rico Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

Top Puerto Rico Blue Marlin Fishing Destinations

Best Blue Marlin Fishing Charters in Puerto Rico

Blue Marlin Fishing in Puerto Rico

Blue Marlin
  • Size 200 to 400lbs
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Offshore

(Makaira nigricans)

The scream and smoke of overworked drag, the shouts of the crew as they coordinate the attack, the terrifying thrill as hundreds of pounds of pure muscle explode out of the water–nothing gets the blood pumping like Marlin fishing, and the Blue Marlin Puerto Rico captains spend their lives battling are some of the toughest in the Caribbean.
 
All around the island, take on the king of Billfish just a few miles from shore. You can get double or even triple-headers when the bite’s hot. The country has only had a few granders so far, but fish in the 500-800 lb range show up each season. Trust us, they’re enough to put even the most skilled sportfishing teams to the test!

When to Visit

The best time to target Blue Marlin in Puerto Rico varied with where on the island you start. San Juan’s main Marlin season runs February-June, when monster Billfish come within a couple of miles of shore. Towards the end of the season, they’re joined by White Marlin. As if there wasn’t enough action already!
 
The south coast has a much shorter season, running March-May. There are fewer charters on this side of Puerto Rico, probably for that exact reason. The west of the island gets not one but two Marlin migrations each year. A second wave shows up in August and stays around through October. They run along the canyons and ridges of the Mona Passage, and can be even better than the spring Marlin bite!
 
A date worth saving is the International Billfishing Tournament. This is one of the world’s oldest Marlin tournaments, celebrating its 65th year in October 2018. Book well in advance if you’re visiting then. Up for a challenge? For under $2,000, you could spend two days fishing one of the world’s best competitions, with beach barbecues, cocktail parties, and award ceremony banquets thrown in for free. Sounds pretty good value when you think about it!

Fishing Techniques

Trolling rules the waves around Puerto Rico. Most charter boats prefer to fast-troll lures, either hitting the buoy FADs around San Juan Harbor or following birds and surface action on the hunt for feeding fish. Pitch baits are also very popular here, trolling unhooked teasers then throwing out a whole, circle-hooked Ballyhoo or Spanish Mackerel just as the fish comes in for the kill. 
 
The Marlin fishing Puerto Rico enjoys each year is enough to make anyone fall in love with the place. The fish are only part of the reason we love it, though. San Juan is an amazing city, the island itself is stunning, and you don’t need a passport to get there from the States. Throw in awesome beaches and great rum and you’ve got the perfect Caribbean getaway!

Puerto Rico Blue Marlin Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Blue Marlin fishing in Puerto Rico varies moderately throughout the year. High season is June to September. Low season is January to April and November to December. There is no closed season.
Puerto Rico
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 28,445 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
Puerto Rico: 24 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(105 reviews)
Cabo Rojo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $675
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(53 reviews)
Cabo Rojo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $850
Very good
3.9 / 5
(13 reviews)
San Juan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(121 reviews)
Fajardo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550

What anglers said about Blue Marlin Fishing in Puerto Rico

Tarpon fishing is a waiting game. First time tarpon fishers should bring their patience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tarpon fishing is a waiting game. First time tarpon fishers should bring their patience!
Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
First time Inshore fishing, wasn't sure what to expect but it was great. Relaxing and calm waters. Wish we would have allowed ourselves more time to travel the San Juan traffic to get to the marina (took almost 2 times longer than google maps predicted due to traffic). Make sure you eat something before the trip. Be prepared with sunscreen and make sure you bring sunglasses and a hat.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
First time Inshore fishing, wasn't sure what to expect but it was great. Relaxing and calm waters. Wish we would have allowed ourselves more time to travel the San Juan traffic to get to the marina (took almost 2 times longer than google maps predicted due to traffic). Make sure you eat something before the trip. Be prepared with sunscreen and make sure you bring sunglasses and a hat.
Bayside Fishing Charters
Bayside Fishing Charters
No restroom on board so female passengers should plan ahead for a 4 hour trip. Some bugs at night (mosquitoes) but crew provided bug spray and they only last about 20 mins at dusk. Perfect trip in inland waters with light to calm wave activity (no motion sickness.). Bring a snack and enjoy!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
No restroom on board so female passengers should plan ahead for a 4 hour trip. Some bugs at night (mosquitoes) but crew provided bug spray and they only last about 20 mins at dusk. Perfect trip in inland waters with light to calm wave activity (no motion sickness.). Bring a snack and enjoy!!
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
Not the biggest fish but certainly a lot of fish with an experienced Captain
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not the biggest fish but certainly a lot of fish with an experienced Captain
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
We were first time fishers. Captain Louis is a very good teacher, explained exactly wat to do when a fish bites. We got 3 out of 3 catches
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were first time fishers. Captain Louis is a very good teacher, explained exactly wat to do when a fish bites. We got 3 out of 3 catches
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
Consider reef fishing but go with the captainโ€™s recommendation as to whatโ€™s biting best ,if some of the anglers are inexperienced.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Consider reef fishing but go with the captainโ€™s recommendation as to whatโ€™s biting best ,if some of the anglers are inexperienced.
Salty Rod Fishing Charters
Salty Rod Fishing Charters
Constant action on good fish. Not a trophy location but the best sight casting for peacock that I have seen.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Constant action on good fish. Not a trophy location but the best sight casting for peacock that I have seen.
Peacock Bass Tours
Peacock Bass Tours
They said it had been a tough few weeks. Mid Feb might just be a bad time.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
They said it had been a tough few weeks. Mid Feb might just be a bad time.
Blue Water Fishing Puerto Rico
Blue Water Fishing Puerto Rico
Go with Luis let him show you all fishing in Puerto Rico has to offer. Heโ€™s the only guy we will use from now on!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Luis let him show you all fishing in Puerto Rico has to offer. Heโ€™s the only guy we will use from now on!!
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
Give yourself a long enough trip to hook up multiple time. Tarpon are very allusive.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Give yourself a long enough trip to hook up multiple time. Tarpon are very allusive.
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing
Backwater Tarpon & Snook Fishing
You never know what you're going to see when you leave the marina. Fajardo is some of the best around
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You never know what you're going to see when you leave the marina. Fajardo is some of the best around
787 Fishing Trips
787 Fishing Trips
I would definitely book at least 4 hours as the captain sometimes needs time to find the fish.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
I would definitely book at least 4 hours as the captain sometimes needs time to find the fish.
Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
Wear plenty of sunscreen and be patient remember it's fishing, you may have 15-45 min of no bites and all of a sudden BAAAM, all hands on deck!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear plenty of sunscreen and be patient remember it's fishing, you may have 15-45 min of no bites and all of a sudden BAAAM, all hands on deck!!
Tarpon Tours
Tarpon Tours
Theyโ€™re always biting if youโ€™re fishing for the right species at the right time and right place.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Theyโ€™re always biting if youโ€™re fishing for the right species at the right time and right place.
Double Hook Charters
Double Hook Charters
We fished in the afternoon. Sunscreen was needed, but not bug spray. Fish were biting. It was great.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We fished in the afternoon. Sunscreen was needed, but not bug spray. Fish were biting. It was great.
Reel Addiction PR
Reel Addiction PR
Be prepared for weather. Sun and possible rain. And talk with the captain of your expectations.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for weather. Sun and possible rain. And talk with the captain of your expectations.
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
Go with Clery! This was our first time to San Juan, the fishing exceeded our expectations!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Clery! This was our first time to San Juan, the fishing exceeded our expectations!
Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
Remember, itโ€™s fishing and no one can control the fish. Show up prepared with suggested items. Be patient and take direction from your captain, they all spend thousands of hours a year on the water and are experts in their craft.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember, itโ€™s fishing and no one can control the fish. Show up prepared with suggested items. Be patient and take direction from your captain, they all spend thousands of hours a year on the water and are experts in their craft.
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters
Bring sunscreen and sun shirts. Always a good idea to bring your preferred snacks/food.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen and sun shirts. Always a good idea to bring your preferred snacks/food.
Extreme Fishing Puerto Rico
Extreme Fishing Puerto Rico
This is a great trip for families and those not wanting to go offshore. Very calm waters, very relaxing. However, fish are big, exciting and a lot of fun to catch. Even the most experienced will enjoy this trip. This is a perfect all around trip for everyone.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a great trip for families and those not wanting to go offshore. Very calm waters, very relaxing. However, fish are big, exciting and a lot of fun to catch. Even the most experienced will enjoy this trip. This is a perfect all around trip for everyone.
SuFishNSea Charters
SuFishNSea Charters

Fish Species Similar to Blue Marlin in Puerto Rico