
If you’ve heard of heard about Tarpon fishing and would like to know what all the fuss is about, then look no further than Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters. Operated by Captain Clery, they are your resident experts when it comes to tackling the Silver King in his own backyard.
You’ll be fishing on a 24’ Ranger bay boat that is powered by a single 300 HP Suzuki engine. This vessel is perfect for Tarpon fishing as the flat deck gives you enough freedom to walk effortlessly around the boat while minimizing the risk of falling and/or getting the line tangled.
This vast lagoon is perfectly suited for marine life, providing infinite sources of bait all year round for the resident fish. Targeting the Silver King will be your main priority, but there are other fish around as well. The local Tarpon population can range anywhere from 20 lbs all the way up to 150 lbs.
Captain Clery will provide you with all the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you’ll need for a fun time on the water. All you need to bring is a pair of polarized sunglasses, some sunscreen, and a go-getter attitude. Once you’ve danced with the Silver King, you’ll be hooked for life.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (512)


+509Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
85%
Nov 13, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Aug 4, 2025
Early LURES & Swimbaits Trip
Our boys (14 & 10) wanted to doing a fishing trip on our family vacation to PR. We debated between deep sea and backwater tarpon. Ultimately, we chose backwater because of the calmer waters of the lagunas and (hopefully) a solid fight with a good size tarpon. We booked an early AM 5:45 start, so we could be among the first on the water. While things started off slowly, we eventually hooked 3 tarpon, landing 2 of them, along with a snook and a barracuda. All 4 of our kids got in on the action (ages 16 down to 10). We even had a chance to feed Pepe the Pelican off the back of the boat. Our guide, Miguel, clearly knew his stuff, finding us a variety of spots and methods to get some bites. He was engaging with the kids, sharing stories of fishing excursions across PR. He also had a lot of great recos for restaurants and activities to get into while we were in San Juan for the day. All in - a fantastic trip. Well worth the early morning departure and trek across to San Juan.
Our boys (14 & 10) wanted to doing a fishing trip on our family vacation to PR. We debated between deep sea and backwater tarpon....




Jul 5, 2025
2 hours Low Season Deal (copy)
Captain Gabi was awesome. Tarpon fishing is different then our past charters because essentially your putting out 5 rods with bait and waiting for the magic to happen. If a tarpon catches you have a 45 minute fight ahead of you. But if you don't catch anything then it's a lot of sitting around and talking in a beautiful setting. My advice is ask if rods can be dedicated to tarpon fishing and a couple for catching smaller things like barracuda or snappers. That's what we ended up doing and it was best that way. If you are from out of town Pinones can seem intimidating but highly recommend eating at their food stalls and exploring the area.
Captain Gabi was awesome. Tarpon fishing is different then our past charters because essentially your putting out 5 rods with...

Jun 12, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
My lady and I came to San Juan on a cruise and had a great time fishing with Alex while we were there. He was great at answering questions, helping with my ladies' bait and line, and most importantly, finding the fish. He was great at handling the boat and putting you in a position to get strikes. We tried multiple spots and approaches to target the tarpon. We enjoyed Alex's casual approach and fun. He was super friendly and great at communicating what he saw in the water, as well as what he felt the fish were doing in terms of eating and where they would be moving to.
My lady and I came to San Juan on a cruise and had a great time fishing with Alex while we were there. He was great at answering...


May 28, 2025
3/4 Day Trip (AM)
Everything about the day was perfect. I arrived early and Tommy was already there and we launched before we were even supposed to start. I took a gamble on flying fishing because I suck and Tommy was such a patient and skilled teacher. He worked all day and gave me soooo many chances to catch fish. Hooked a bunch, I was good enough to catch a handful and missed a couple some bigger fish. Beyond that he was a great guy and very professional. I've fished all over the world and this was top notch. I will be back. See you in PR and hopefully one day in AK my friend.
Everything about the day was perfect. I arrived early and Tommy was already there and we launched before we were even supposed...



| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (512)


+509Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
85%
Trip was supposed to happen on November 13, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Early LURES & Swimbaits Trip on August 4, 2025
Our boys (14 & 10) wanted to doing a fishing trip on our family vacation to PR. We debated between deep sea and backwater tarpon. Ultimately, we chose backwater because of the calmer waters of the lagunas and (hopefully) a solid fight with a good size tarpon. We booked an early AM 5:45 start, so we could be among the first on the water. While things started off slowly, we eventually hooked 3 tarpon, landing 2 of them, along with a snook and a barracuda. All 4 of our kids got in on the action (ages 16 down to 10). We even had a chance to feed Pepe the Pelican off the back of the boat. Our guide, Miguel, clearly knew his stuff, finding us a variety of spots and methods to get some bites. He was engaging with the kids, sharing stories of fishing excursions across PR. He also had a lot of great recos for restaurants and activities to get into while we were in San Juan for the day. All in - a fantastic trip. Well worth the early morning departure and trek across to San Juan.
Our boys (14 & 10) wanted to doing a fishing trip on our family vacation to PR. We debated between deep sea and backwater tarpon. Ultimately, we chose backwater because of the calmer waters of the lagunas and (hopefully) a solid fight with a good size tarpon. We booked an early AM 5:45 start, so we could be among the first on the water. While things started off slowly, we eventually hooked 3 tarpon, landing 2 of them, along with a snook and a barracuda. All 4 of our kids got in on the action...




Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
2 hours Low Season Deal (copy) on July 5, 2025
Captain Gabi was awesome. Tarpon fishing is different then our past charters because essentially your putting out 5 rods with bait and waiting for the magic to happen. If a tarpon catches you have a 45 minute fight ahead of you. But if you don't catch anything then it's a lot of sitting around and talking in a beautiful setting. My advice is ask if rods can be dedicated to tarpon fishing and a couple for catching smaller things like barracuda or snappers. That's what we ended up doing and it was best that way. If you are from out of town Pinones can seem intimidating but highly recommend eating at their food stalls and exploring the area.
Captain Gabi was awesome. Tarpon fishing is different then our past charters because essentially your putting out 5 rods with bait and waiting for the magic to happen. If a tarpon catches you have a 45 minute fight ahead of you. But if you don't catch anything then it's a lot of sitting around and talking in a beautiful setting. My advice is ask if rods can be dedicated to tarpon fishing and a couple for catching smaller things like barracuda or snappers. That's what we ended up doing and it...


Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on June 12, 2025
My lady and I came to San Juan on a cruise and had a great time fishing with Alex while we were there. He was great at answering questions, helping with my ladies' bait and line, and most importantly, finding the fish. He was great at handling the boat and putting you in a position to get strikes. We tried multiple spots and approaches to target the tarpon. We enjoyed Alex's casual approach and fun. He was super friendly and great at communicating what he saw in the water, as well as what he felt the fish were doing in terms of eating and where they would be moving to.
My lady and I came to San Juan on a cruise and had a great time fishing with Alex while we were there. He was great at answering questions, helping with my ladies' bait and line, and most importantly, finding the fish. He was great at handling the boat and putting you in a position to get strikes. We tried multiple spots and approaches to target the tarpon. We enjoyed Alex's casual approach and fun. He was super friendly and great at communicating what he saw in the water, as well as what...



Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip (AM) on May 28, 2025
Everything about the day was perfect. I arrived early and Tommy was already there and we launched before we were even supposed to start. I took a gamble on flying fishing because I suck and Tommy was such a patient and skilled teacher. He worked all day and gave me soooo many chances to catch fish. Hooked a bunch, I was good enough to catch a handful and missed a couple some bigger fish. Beyond that he was a great guy and very professional. I've fished all over the world and this was top notch. I will be back. See you in PR and hopefully one day in AK my friend.
Everything about the day was perfect. I arrived early and Tommy was already there and we launched before we were even supposed to start. I took a gamble on flying fishing because I suck and Tommy was such a patient and skilled teacher. He worked all day and gave me soooo many chances to catch fish. Hooked a bunch, I was good enough to catch a handful and missed a couple some bigger fish. Beyond that he was a great guy and very professional. I've fished all over the world and this was top...



