Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 

4.8/5 (291 reviews)
Recent reports
 Calle Clemente, San Juan, 00772, Puerto Rico

Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23 

4.8/5 (291 reviews)
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Calle Clemente
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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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!

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Rating

4.8
291 reviews
5
247
4
26
3
6
2
2
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (296)

fishing trip was so good we left an hour early
Tarpon town
Tarpon town
Awesome time
December fishing trip
Captain Gabi was great!
+290

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
82%
Caught fish

All reviews (291)

Filter
Showing 15 of 291 reviews
Leo Yao
Leo Yao
5.0
Verified
Stongly recommend
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (PM) on December 13, 20252 adults
Captain David is an outstanding guide and extremely professional when it comes to tarpon fishing. He knows the water very well, understands tarpon behavior, and always puts you in the right place at the right time. His boat handling, positioning, and instructions throughout the fight were all spot on. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made sure everything was done correctly and safely, from the setup to landing and releasing the fish. You can really tell he has a lot of experience and passion for tarpon fishing. If you are serious about targeting tarpon and want a guide who truly knows what he's doing, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain David. I would absolutely fish with him again.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Tarpon
1
Eufemio Perez
Eufemio Perez
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Clery
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on August 9, 20253 adults
Wow!! what an unforgettable experience with Captain Fernando Montalvo! 🌊🎣 This man truly knows the waters like the back of his hand and exactly where the huge fish are hiding. With his patience and expertise, we hooked and landed a Tarpon well over 100 lbs an absolute monster! 🐟🔥 Captain Fernando's deep knowledge of fishing, combined with his awesome personality and top-notch professionalism, made the day even more memorable. Whether you catch a fish or not, you're guaranteed to have an incredible time if you trust the Captain and let him work his magic. We were lucky enough to land a true giant, and it was an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Thank you, Captain this was hands down one of the best fishing adventures we've ever had. We'll definitely be back and booking with you again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Tarpon
1
Brian Barry
Brian Barry
5.0
Verified
Had a great time with Miguel!
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing on June 11, 20251 adult1 child
Me and my 11yr old son had the opportunity June 2025 to go out with Miguel on a few trips. Had a great time and caught lots of fish, including some trophies! Miguel truly loves fishing and we had a blast fishing with him. He is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled as a captain. My son had a blast with Miguel and considers him his "bud"! :) If you are looking to experience Tarpon fishing I cant say enough good things about these guys. We had some minor confusion with our booking and Backwater jumped through hoops and went above and beyound to get it straightened out. Very professional and reputable outfit. Thank you for taking us out!
Review media 0
Review media 1
1
Troy Flagler
Troy Flagler
5.0
Verified
The Captain was Great!
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on June 5, 20254 adults
We caught one Tarpon (approx. 40 lbs), and a bunch of smalls (mangrove snappers and a poagie). The captain told us on the way out that the mornings in San Juan have been slow, which was certainly true in the beginning if the trip (we didn't catch anything the first hour and a half). But then we moved spots and got lots of bites and reeled in a nice Tarpon! The only trouble we had was finding the location as the marina gate was closed when we arrived and nobody was around to let us in. I had to get out and open the gate myself and then someone did show up to tell us where to park. The captain was fantastic! Patient with us first time anglers, very personable, and gave us tips not just about fishing but where to go for meals, nightlife, etc.! I would recommend this captain!!!
1
David Negron
David Negron
5.0
Verified
The captain was the best thing about the trip
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing on May 24, 20254 adults
Let me tell you. Our captain deserves a raise. We did a 6 hour trip and only “landed” one fish. Now most ppl would be pissed or upset about that. However, the captains knowledge, and especially ppl skills are phenomenal like even though one fish was landed . It was amazing we tried so hard in so many spots with many potential hook ups but most of us on the boat are novice when it comes to tarpon. The guide made it so comfortable. 2 guys never fished before and he made them not feel be litted or like bad or rushed or anything negative. We all had a great time and I know had we been there any other day where bites were better I’m positive we would have landed more. The amount landed is never up to the captain he can only do his best to put us on the best spots for the time of day and month. The rest is up to us to reel in and not mess up. So either way. 5+ stars if I could simply for professionalism, how comfortable the captain made us feel including our 2 newbies to fishing. Patience! And educational too. Best trip I’ve ever had. This is the vibes you want.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Tarpon
1

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
March 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 hours special deal early sunrise
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
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US $278
Entire boat: 2 people
2 hours special deal (copy)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 11:00 AM
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US $278
Entire boat: up to 3 people
2 hours special deal PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 2:00 PM
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US $278
Entire boat: 2 people
2 hours special deal (copy) (copy)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 3:30 PM
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US $278
Entire boat: 2 people
2 hours special deal AM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
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US $295
Entire boat: up to 3 people
2 hours special deal
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
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US $295
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Half Day Trip – Fly Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
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US $420
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
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US $395
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:30 PM
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US $395
Entire boat: up to 4 people
EASTER SPECIAL Tarpon Fishing PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 2:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - May 30
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US $395
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 3:00 PM
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US $395
Entire boat: up to 3 people
EARLY LURES & Swimbaits trips 4hrs
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 5:45 AM
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US $399
Entire boat: up to 3 people
4hrs Night Tarpon fishing trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
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US $399
Entire boat: up to 3 people
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fly Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
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US $530
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fish PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 12:00 PM
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US $529
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
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US $515
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 13 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
291 reviews
5
247
4
26
3
6
2
2
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (296)

fishing trip was so good we left an hour early
Tarpon town
Tarpon town
Awesome time
December fishing trip
Captain Gabi was great!
+290

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
82%
Caught fish

All reviews (291)

Filter
Showing 15 of 291 reviews
Leo Yao
Leo Yao
5.0
Verified
Stongly recommend
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (PM) on December 13, 20252 adults
Captain David is an outstanding guide and extremely professional when it comes to tarpon fishing. He knows the water very well, understands tarpon behavior, and always puts you in the right place at the right time. His boat handling, positioning, and instructions throughout the fight were all spot on. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made sure everything was done correctly and safely, from the setup to landing and releasing the fish. You can really tell he has a lot of experience and passion for tarpon fishing. If you are serious about targeting tarpon and want a guide who truly knows what he's doing, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain David. I would absolutely fish with him again.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Tarpon
1
Eufemio Perez
Eufemio Perez
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Clery
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on August 9, 20253 adults
Wow!! what an unforgettable experience with Captain Fernando Montalvo! 🌊🎣 This man truly knows the waters like the back of his hand and exactly where the huge fish are hiding. With his patience and expertise, we hooked and landed a Tarpon well over 100 lbs an absolute monster! 🐟🔥 Captain Fernando's deep knowledge of fishing, combined with his awesome personality and top-notch professionalism, made the day even more memorable. Whether you catch a fish or not, you're guaranteed to have an incredible time if you trust the Captain and let him work his magic. We were lucky enough to land a true giant, and it was an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Thank you, Captain this was hands down one of the best fishing adventures we've ever had. We'll definitely be back and booking with you again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Tarpon
1
Brian Barry
Brian Barry
5.0
Verified
Had a great time with Miguel!
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing on June 11, 20251 adult1 child
Me and my 11yr old son had the opportunity June 2025 to go out with Miguel on a few trips. Had a great time and caught lots of fish, including some trophies! Miguel truly loves fishing and we had a blast fishing with him. He is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled as a captain. My son had a blast with Miguel and considers him his "bud"! :) If you are looking to experience Tarpon fishing I cant say enough good things about these guys. We had some minor confusion with our booking and Backwater jumped through hoops and went above and beyound to get it straightened out. Very professional and reputable outfit. Thank you for taking us out!
Review media 0
Review media 1
1
Troy Flagler
Troy Flagler
5.0
Verified
The Captain was Great!
Half Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing (AM) on June 5, 20254 adults
We caught one Tarpon (approx. 40 lbs), and a bunch of smalls (mangrove snappers and a poagie). The captain told us on the way out that the mornings in San Juan have been slow, which was certainly true in the beginning if the trip (we didn't catch anything the first hour and a half). But then we moved spots and got lots of bites and reeled in a nice Tarpon! The only trouble we had was finding the location as the marina gate was closed when we arrived and nobody was around to let us in. I had to get out and open the gate myself and then someone did show up to tell us where to park. The captain was fantastic! Patient with us first time anglers, very personable, and gave us tips not just about fishing but where to go for meals, nightlife, etc.! I would recommend this captain!!!
1
David Negron
David Negron
5.0
Verified
The captain was the best thing about the trip
3/4 Day Trip – Tarpon Fishing on May 24, 20254 adults
Let me tell you. Our captain deserves a raise. We did a 6 hour trip and only “landed” one fish. Now most ppl would be pissed or upset about that. However, the captains knowledge, and especially ppl skills are phenomenal like even though one fish was landed . It was amazing we tried so hard in so many spots with many potential hook ups but most of us on the boat are novice when it comes to tarpon. The guide made it so comfortable. 2 guys never fished before and he made them not feel be litted or like bad or rushed or anything negative. We all had a great time and I know had we been there any other day where bites were better I’m positive we would have landed more. The amount landed is never up to the captain he can only do his best to put us on the best spots for the time of day and month. The rest is up to us to reel in and not mess up. So either way. 5+ stars if I could simply for professionalism, how comfortable the captain made us feel including our 2 newbies to fishing. Patience! And educational too. Best trip I’ve ever had. This is the vibes you want.
Review media 0
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Tarpon
1

FAQs about Backwater Tarpon Bay Boat Ranger 23

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2008
Restored in
2021
Boat manufacturer
Ranger
Boat type
Bay boat

Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
48 knots
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What’s biting in San Juan right now

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