Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23

If you want to find out what makes Tarpon fishing so special, then look no further than Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters. Owned and operated by Captain Clery Morales, it offers you fun and exciting fishing trips out of San Juan, Puerto Rico with a special focus on might Tarpon. Under the guidance of local experts, you’ll have a memorable time tackling the Silver King on his own grounds.

You’ll fish from the captain’s 23’ Ranger Tournament Edition bay boat used for backcountry fishing. It was restored in 2021, can fit up to 5 anglers, and is powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine. Apart from navigation technology, it’s equipped with a wireless trolling motor, a livewell, and an ice-box.

The vast lagoon you’ll explore perfectly suites marine life and provides endless sources of bait for the resident fish throughout the whole year. While the Silver King is your main target, you can also go after Jack Crevalle, Snapper, Snook, Ladyfish, and more. The local Tarpon population ranges anywhere from 20 lbs to as much as 180 lbs. You’ll use light tackle spinning and fly fishing and you’ll be releasing all the fish you catch.

Captain Clery will provide you with all the fishing tackle and bait, including that for fly fishing, as well as licenses and drinks. You should only bring some snacks, a pair of polarized sunglasses, and some sunscreen. One dance with the Silver King and you’ll always return for more.

Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters is waiting for you!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    2 hours special deal
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $320
    If you don't have enough time to do a half day, this option is for you.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    2 hours special deal (copy)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
    US $320
    If you don't have enough time to do a half day, this option is for you.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    2 hours special deal (copy) (copy)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:30 PM
    US $320
    If you don't have enough time to do a half day, this option is for you.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    2 hours special deal PM
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $320
    If you don't have enough time to do a half day, this option is for you. Enjoy a quick fishing trip, fishing spots are only 10mins from the pier.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Fly Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $415
    Spend an exciting morning on the rich inshore waterways of northern Puerto Rico as you battle some tough-fighting monsters. Tarpon, Snook, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, and many more prized species dwell in these waters home, so get ready for an action-packed moring on the water.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $415
    This fast-paced trip involves four hours of fishing some of the best inshore waters around. Your main target is the Silver King, but it's not the only one out there. You and the crew will leave the dock at 7:00 a.m. and return at 11:00 a.m.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    US $415
    This fast-paced trip will give you four exciting hours to explore some of the best inshore waters in the area. While your main target is the Silver King, you'll also have plenty of other interesting species to chase. The trip runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing PM
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    US $415
    This fast-paced trip will give you four exciting hours to explore some of the best inshore waters in the area. While your main target is the Silver King, you'll also have plenty of other interesting species to chase. The trip runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
  • Private trip
    4hrs Night Tarpon fishing trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 PM
    Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
    US $419
    In summer, we have great incoming tides that allow us to target snooks & big tarpons during the night. If we have a full moon that will be even better. If you don’t want to get sun during the day, then this trip is definitely for you. No prior experience is required.
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Snapper (Cubera)
    Cubera Snapper
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $530
    The perfect middle ground between longer and shorter trips, the 6-hour trip gives you that extra edge you need for the best results. The Silver King is your main target, but you might see other species too. The departure time is 7:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., whatever suits you the best.
    Targeted fish
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fly Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $530
    This popular trip will see you spend 6 hours on the water, exploring the exciting and productive inshore waters of Puerto Rico. These shallow fishing grounds are abundant with exciting game fish, and you'll get to test your skills on the fly for beauties such as Snook, Tarpon, JC, and Ladyfish. Take advantage of the best fly gear and plenty of tried and tested lures and get ready for the battle of a lifetime against these prized fish.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Snapper (Cubera)
    Cubera Snapper
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23

Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $290 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 2 hours special deal (2 hours)
  • US $290 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 2 hours special deal (copy) (2 hours)
  • US $290 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 2 hours special deal (copy) (copy) (2 hours)
  • US $290 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 2 hours special deal PM (2 hours)
  • US $380 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip – Fly Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $380 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $380 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $380 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing PM (4 hours)
  • US $389 per group, additional US $30 per person after 1 guest - 4hrs Night Tarpon fishing trip (4 hours)
  • US $495 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - 3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $495 per group, additional US $35 per person after 1 guest - 3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fly Fishing (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Live bait will be caught every morning unless natural circumstances like rain or quality of waters affects the fishery for live bait. )
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Waters & gatorades will be available onboard )
  • Fishing License (No fishing license is required in Puerto Rico)
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Cero Mackerel
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Ladyfish
  • Snapper (Cubera)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Tarpon

Meet the Charter Operator

Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR
San Juan, Puerto Rico
33 Fishing Reports
511 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2015
"Owning and operating a fishing charter in San Juan PR is a dream come true. I was corrupted at an early age watching my fishing heroes on ESPN outdoors wrangle saltwater species of every variety – and from the time I landed my first Tarpon at the age of 6, I knew there was nothing else I’d rather do with my life." Captain Clery Morales
Our Team
Fernando M.
Captain
Hiram A.
Captain
Miguel M.
Captain
Luis G.
Captain
Clery M.
Captain
Jorge M.
Captain
Austin K.
Captain

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Cero Mackerel Cero Mackerel
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

Boat specs

Ranger (Bay boat) originally built in 2008, and restored in 2021. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 48 knots.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Fly Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Live bait will be caught every morning unless natural circumstances like rain or quality of waters affects the fishery for live bait.
Lures
Drinks
Waters & gatorades will be available onboard
Fishing License
No fishing license is required in Puerto Rico
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Kids over 3yrs old or over 40lbs are welcome aboard.
Catch and Release Mandatory
This will be a catch & released for species like tarpon & snooks. If snappers are caught, as long as sizes complies with local regulations costumer can keep it.

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

San Juan Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 98 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (109)
Great Experience
Knowledgeable, fun, and successful guide
Knowledgeable, fun, and successful guide
+106
Angler rating
82
7
2
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
91%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
91%
Appropriate for children
89%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Caught fish
87%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 98 reviews
Kathleen J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

No Tarpon in boat

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on April 5, 2024
Despite us not landing a single tarpon in the boat, our fishing excursion was a great time. We hooked into several tarpon and...
Kathleen J. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Kathleen J. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Adam R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Knowledgeable, fun, and successful guide

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on March 25, 2024
We (dad, mom, 7.5 yo son) took an AM half day trip with Alex.  We couldn’t have asked for a guide that was a better teacher...
Adam R. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Adam R. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Josh K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

This is the one you’re looking for!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on February 3, 2024
I had captain Miguel for my trip and he’s the best charter captain I’ve ever had.  I let him know that catching a trophy...
Josh K. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Josh K. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Patrick H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great crew

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on January 27, 2024
Worked hard so move spots and make sure we could get hooked up on a tarpon. We unfortunately were met with unfavorable weather...
Patrick H. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Patrick H. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Shane C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Fernando M

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fly Fishing on November 11, 2023
Captain Fernando reached out to me the day prior to trip, made sure to answer last minute questions and made sure we had the...
Shane C. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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Shane C. recommends Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23
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You found this review helpful