There are plenty of reasons that Puerto Rico is nicknamed “the Island of Enchantment.” This tropical archipelago is actually comprised of 143 islands, offering plenty for you to explore. White sandy beaches lead out to crystal clear waters, so wherever you are, fishing in Puerto Rico is a possibility. And boy, is it good!
Just 75 miles from the capital, San Juan, the Atlantic Ocean reaches its deepest point. And that means there are plenty of fish on offer. Thanks to the Yucatan current, some of the most sought-after creatures in the world come right up close to shore! Add that to incredible inshore and flats fishing, and access to the Caribbean’s world-famous reefs, and you’ve got yourself an angling paradise.
So without further ado, let’s jump in and see what it’s all about.
Best Fish to Catch in Puerto Rico
We’ve mentioned that some of the planet’s favorite fish are on offer in and around Puerto Rico. Now it’s time to get to know them. From the inshore shallows to the reefs, and all the way out to the deep waters of the Atlantic, there’s no shortage of prime hunting grounds full of trophy-sized monsters biting away at your line.
Bonefish and Tarpon
There are few inshore fisheries in the world as rich as Puerto Rico’s. The numerous lagoons and bays around the mainland and smaller islands offer a great haven for some tough-fighting creatures that every angler wants to catch. At the top of that list, Bonefish and Tarpon are hard to beat.
Both of these creatures require a lot of skill and patience to land. That’s why they’re so highly-rated among anglers the world over! Fly fishing is a particularly popular pastime, as it helps to ensure you don’t spook these critters. Once you attract the bite, get ready for a serious battle. Bonefish will dive away with your line, while Tarpon leap out of the water to escape your hook.
And not only that, the Tarpon here can reach up to 150 pounds. If you’re looking for that dream “Silver King,” Puerto Rico is the place for it.
Snook and Jacks
Not far behind Bonefish and Tarpon on the inshore fishing bucket list are Snook and Jacks. Found in similar shallow waters, these creatures are also prized fish that will make you work hard to catch ‘em. Both are possible on the fly, but light tackle action is also sure to get you working out properly.
Unlike their spooky neighbors, these creatures are a little less picky. Heck, Jacks are sure to take anything that moves quickly in front of them! That means that you’ll get more hits than with the other two, so keep the fun going all day long. Hit the beaches and jetties to fish from shore, or head out onto the shallow bays, lagoons, and marshes, and you’re sure to land one of these creatures.
Wahoo and Mahi Mahi
If you’re heading a few miles or more offshore, then two exciting and delicious creatures that are sure to be on your target list are Wahoo and Mahi Mahi. Pelagic by nature, these creatures come by at different times of the year. But they provide plenty of fun when trolling the open waters. And, thanks to that Yucatan current, you don’t have to go far to get them!
Just five miles out, you’ll find these strong beasts ready to take your bait. And boy will they make you work hard to reel ’em in! Don’t worry though, it’ll all be worth it as you head back to shore with a real treat for dinner. You’ll also have the added benefit of targeting them pretty much all around Puerto Rico, as they love the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
Marlin and Sailfish
If you thought it couldn’t get much better than 150 lb Tarpon, then wait until you see what the deep seas have to offer: a whole load of Billfish. Sailfish and Blue and White Marlin will get the pulses racing for any serious angler in Puerto Rico. Again, just a short trip from shore will see you come face-to-gills with these beasts who put up some of the best battles you can have on a rod and reel.
Marvel as the Marlin leap out of the water and put on an acrobatic display to wriggle off your line. Or get ready to be dumbstruck as a stunning Sailfish dwarfs you and your pals once you hook one aboard. While fishing for these beauties isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s up there with one of the best experiences you can have when casting a line. And there are few places as good to target them than Puerto Rico.
And Much More
That list should have already got you sold on the idea of a Puerto Rico fishing holiday. But, if not, there’s a long list of other creatures that you can target when here. We haven’t even started talking about the reefs that hold some of the most dazzling and delicious fish out there. Bottom fish for Snappers, Groupers, Mackerel, Barracuda, and many more, and you’re sure to land a treat.
Head offshore, and Tuna and Spearfish could also be on the menu. These migratory monsters promise a battle as good as Mahi and Marlin with the added bonus of some tasty meat to take back to shore!
And there’s also some freshwater fishing opportunities. Largemouth, White, and Peacock Bass top the list of targeted species in the rivers and lakes across the islands. However, you can also find Catfish, Panfish, and plenty of other rewards. Get the most out of your freshwater trip by hitting up the brackish waters, where you could find Snook and Tarpon, too.
How to Go Fishing in Puerto Rico
There are different ways of exploring these waters, but the following two are the most satisfying and productive.
On Foot
If you’re a huge Tarpon or Bonefish fishing fan, then you should explore Puerto Rico’s waters on foot. Its inshore fisheries are a match made in heaven for fly fishing and wading. While these methods are slightly more geared toward experienced anglers, first-timers can also try their luck. However, if this is your first time fly fishing in Puerto Rico, it might be wise to hire a local guide to help you get the hang of it.
Aboard a Charter
Speaking of guides, there isn’t a better way to see what fishing in Puerto Rico is about than teaming up with a local charter operator. Not only will you be able to cover more fisheries and target more fish species, but you’ll also have a qualified professional by your side and top-notch vessel and equipment at your disposal. You can also practice a variety of fishing methods, including trolling and bottom fishing.
Charter fishing is also the only way for you to target big game fish such as Billfish. So, if you’ve set your heart on clashing with these giants or other bluewater sport fish like Mahi Mahi, charter fishing is your ticket.
Puerto Rico Fishing Spots
So now you know what to catch, the next step is finding out where to go to get your hands on those prized fish. Fortunately, wherever you go on these islands, you’re not far from fantastic fishing. However, what you can catch will depend on where you are.
Capital Fishing in the North
Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan, is on the north of the mainland, and is the gateway to the Atlantic. This is the main port for importing and exporting, along with cruise ships, and there are plenty of charters on offer to take you to the deep in search of the big pelagics. If you’re looking for shore fishing, then the bay and river mouths offer up all the inshore favorites, too.
Further along the coast, the city of Arecibo is a popular spot for charters and shore fishing alike. The lagoons between San Juan and Arecibo are also full of Snook, Tarpon, and Jacks. Meanwhile, the beaches and river mouths will give you the chance to take on Barracuda, Mackerel, and more species you’d normally expect further out!
West Is Best – When It Comes to the Caribbean
Conjure up an image of the Caribbean, and it probably looks like the west coast of Puerto Rico. Here, you’ll find mangroves near the golden beaches, before turquoise waters lend themselves to productive reefs. From Rincón through Mayagüez, and down to Boquerón, there’s a range of hunting grounds for you to hit up.
Head inshore and the lagoons are full of Tarpon and smaller Snapper species. Meanwhile, the bays and reefs offer up bigger Snappers, Barracuda, Mackerel, and even Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. However, if you want to mix it up a little bit, then the canals and rivers offer a diverse range of species, with Snook and Bass both often in the cards.
Southern Comfort on the Reefs
There are fewer flats to explore on the south of the island, but that’s made up for with the abundance of reefs just a stone’s throw from shore. Cubera, Lane, Mutton, and many more Snappers are all available when fishing these productive waters. And Barracuda, Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi are all possible too.
Ponce is a particular hotspot, with lakes, rivers, and reefs offering up a mixed bag of prized fish. But, wherever you are, you can hardly go wrong. The number of bays in the south are almost as many as the whole island over. So take advantage of your chance to do some bottom fishing in stunning surroundings.
Eastern Delights – And Many of Them
If you’re looking for the fishing adventure of your lifetime, however, you can’t beat the east coast. The town of Fajardo is Puerto Rico’s fishing capital, giving you access to the deep waters of the Atlantic and many of the smaller islands that make up the archipelago. Here you’ll find the most charter options, along with plenty of other ways to get your fish on.
From shore, there’s always the chance of landing Snook, Tarpon, and Bonefish, with charters to the lagoons offering the best rewards. You’ve also got quick access to the reefs and deserted islands, where the colorful and delicious creatures live.
However, the main reason for fishing here is to take advantage of the delights the Yucatan current brings with it. Go after Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and all the Billfish, and write your name into the history books!
When to Go Fishing in Puerto Rico
If you think we’ve already hyped up fishing in Puerto Rico, there’s more where that came from. One of the best things about casting a line, or planning to cast a line here is that it can be done pretty much 365 days a year with similar results. Naturally, some fish have certain seasons, but when one fish leaves, another prized species comes in to replace them!
Inshore fishing is best done from fall through spring, with summer providing a relatively quiet period in the shallows. Tarpon have the longest season, lasting from October through June, with Bonefish joining early on, Jacks coming in over winter, and Snook lasting into spring.
Marlin fishing picks up in summer, meaning that you can take advantage of the warmer weather to head offshore. White Marlin arrive at the end of spring, with Blues arriving for the peak of summer. Then, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Mahi Mahi come to take you through fall and the new year. With reef and freshwater fishing available year-round, there really isn’t a bad time to come.
Puerto Rico Fishing Regulations
Before going fishing anywhere, you’re going to want to know about the local rules and regulations. Certain species are catch-and-release only, such as Tarpon, Bonefish, and Billfish. Other fish are subject to seasons and size and bag limits. For example, Lane and Mutton Snapper cannot be taken home from April-June, and there’s a variety of Groupers you shouldn’t keep from February until the beginning of May.
Any angler on a registered charter will not need to get their own license. However, fish from shore or from their own vessel, and any angler over the age of 13 should have one. However, unlike on most of the US mainland, tackle and bait stores don’t sell fishing licenses in Puerto Rico. That means you’ll have to seek out one of the seven regional offices of the Department for Natural Resources.
With all this in mind, we suggest you make the most of the opportunity to go fishing with a reputable captain aboard a charter.
The Island of Enchantment: More Than Just a Slogan
And there you have it. Hopefully, you now know what makes Puerto Rico so special. Come to the Island of Enchantment, and you’ll be able to get your hands on more prized species than almost anywhere else in the world. And don’t forget about the opportunity to kick back on the beaches, take a dip in the stunning sea, and enjoy the culture and soul of these incredible islands!
Have you ever been fishing in Puerto Rico? How was it? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
