San Juan Deep Sea Fishing Charters

San Juan Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in San Juan

San Juan: 20 fishing charters available
Very good
3.4 / 5
(7 reviews)
San Juan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $625
Excellent
4.5 / 5
(43 reviews)
San Juan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(44 reviews)
San Juan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $425
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(28 reviews)
San Juan
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(42 reviews)
Fajardo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $950
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(97 reviews)
Fajardo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $550
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Humacao
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $650
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(64 reviews)
Fajardo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $495

Deep Sea Fishing in San Juan

When it comes to deep sea fishing, San Juan, Puerto Rico has a reputation that doesn't stop impressing. Thanks to its rich waters and year-round fishery, Puerto Rico is a must-see destination for many passionate anglers, especially those interested in exploring the deepest of waters the Atlantic has to offer. If fishing for A-list pelagics just a couple of miles from the shore doesn't sound attractive enough, just wait until you learn what else is on the menu.
 

What to Catch

 
The combination of currents, upwellings, Fish Aggregating Devices, and deep waters just off the coast of San Juan creates unprecedented conditions for various game species, especially Marlin. This saltwater heaven is one of the best locations for Atlantic Blue Marlin, both in terms of size and quantity. Giant Marlin are not a rare sight (two monsters over 2,000 lb range made their way into boats), and the Club Nautico de San Juan Billfish Tournament is a record-breaker with 190 Blues caught in a single tournament. 
 
White Marlin are usually in the 45–65 lb range, while Yellowfin Tuna average 60–150 pounds. Mahi Mahi are usually 10–15 pounds, though 30–50 lb specimens are often caught, as well. When it comes to Wahoo fishing, San Juan waters close to the shore are the best on the whole island. And don't forget the Sailfish!
 

Where to Go

 
The best part? You can get your hands on all these heavyweights just minutes from the shore. Only a couple of miles from the coast, you will be fishing in waters 600 feet deep. Even Blue Marlin can be found 2–5 miles from the dock. The famous "Billfish Pass," also known as "Blue Marlin Alley," where the waters are 5,000 feet deep, is located just 30 minutes from the coast (about a mile and a half). And if this isn't enough for you, venture 75 miles offshore to the Puerto Rico Trench and fish in the deepest waters in the Atlantic – over 28,000 feet deep. 
 

How to Fish

 
  • All Billfish are strictly catch and release – Puerto Rico takes great pride in being one of the world leaders when it comes to conservation and sustainability. 
 
  • Trolling is the name of the game in these deep waters, be it trolling large lures at high speed or slow trolling using live and dead bait. Even though Puerto Rico is more oriented toward bait fishing in general, lures and teasers might be a bit more popular in San Juan. 
 
  • When it comes to live bait fishing, it's all about ballyhoo – locals use it for various game fish. It's great for tempting all the Billfish, as are mullets, small Tarpon, Tuna, Mahi, Barracuda, and Bonito. Blue Marlin can't get enough of Tuna, Needlefish, Mahi Mahi, and Mackerel, while White Marlin are big fans of squid, surgeonfish, blue runners, and small Tuna. Sailfish are into the same things as White Marlin, in addition to flying fish, Mahi's favorite. 
 
  • Sportfishing weapons of choice usually include 80 lb IGFA-class gear, but some Billfish and Mahi enthusiasts go even lighter than 30 pounds. Light tackle is normally paired with smaller lures. 
 

When to Go

 
Deep sea fishing in San Juan is amazing year-round, but there are times of the year that are better than others for some species. July–October is the best period for targeting Blue Marlin since they tend to be bigger than in September and October. If this is what you want to focus on, go to San Juan during the summer season when you won't be as tempted by other species. 
 
White Marlin are great throughout the year, but their prime time is from April until June. Sailfish usually start appearing in October, and the best time for them is November and mid-December. Large schools of Yellowfin Tuna are beginning to show up in early summer, and the best season for them is May–July. Mahi are also great during summer, but best from the beginning of December until early March. The end of December is perfect for Wahoo, even though other months can be good as well. 
 
With such diversity and year-round opportunities, the hardest part will be to choose when to go and what to target. You can't go wrong whatever you decide. Head to San Juan and experience the best that the deep Atlantic has to offer. 
 
San Juan
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27,695 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in San Juan

Book a morning trip if possible, afternoons can be brutal with the humidity. Otherwise, definitely recommended
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a morning trip if possible, afternoons can be brutal with the humidity. Otherwise, definitely recommended
Gilberto  G.
Gilberto G. Fort Worth, TX
Puerto Rico has some very deep waters and fishing here is truly and adventure you shouldnโ€™t miss.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Puerto Rico has some very deep waters and fishing here is truly and adventure you shouldnโ€™t miss.
Andrew  B.
Andrew B. Syosset, NY
Don't complicate it with high expectations, just enjoy the experience! J.V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't complicate it with high expectations, just enjoy the experience! J.V.
Joe  V.
Joe V. Bonham, TX
June is more focused on heavy tackle which means fewer bites, but bigger fights. I would probably leave the kids at home on big fish days and bring them out for light tackle days.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
June is more focused on heavy tackle which means fewer bites, but bigger fights. I would probably leave the kids at home on big fish days and bring them out for light tackle days.
Kevin  S.
Kevin S.
It's all about the Captain. Find a good one, trust he or she, and don't look at your watch. Just fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's all about the Captain. Find a good one, trust he or she, and don't look at your watch. Just fish!
Jason  M.
Jason M. Atwood, TN
Go early morning it heats up as the day goes on, be prepared to catch a monster.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Go early morning it heats up as the day goes on, be prepared to catch a monster.
Adam  W.
Adam W. Phoenixville, PA
Bring sunscreen, fishing/sun shirts, hats and good polarized glasses. If you are not a seasoned or experienced offshore fisher donโ€™t be afraid to take some Dramamine the night before your trip. The seas will get bumpy even on the calmest day. Oh, and be ready to reel hard, fast and often!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen, fishing/sun shirts, hats and good polarized glasses. If you are not a seasoned or experienced offshore fisher donโ€™t be afraid to take some Dramamine the night before your trip. The seas will get bumpy even on the calmest day. Oh, and be ready to reel hard, fast and often!
Patrick  B.
Patrick B. Fort Myers, FL
Bring sunscreen and a positive attitude. You're going to have a blast fishing with CPT Jose and the view is amazing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen and a positive attitude. You're going to have a blast fishing with CPT Jose and the view is amazing.
Erik  H.
Erik H. Columbia, SC
Not much the captain had everything we needed from cold non alcoholic drinks to gear and even sun block
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not much the captain had everything we needed from cold non alcoholic drinks to gear and even sun block
Paco  F.
Paco F. Fresno, California
This was our first trip. Captain rated sea roughness at 4. For us it was a 9 almost 10. Check Sea Condition don't forget your motion sickness meds. Do it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first trip. Captain rated sea roughness at 4. For us it was a 9 almost 10. Check Sea Condition don't forget your motion sickness meds. Do it.
Pedro  J.
Pedro J. Caguas
If you go in not expecting to catch any fish it will let you enjoy the fishing trip better. You get a really cool view of old San Juan
Excellent
4.7 / 5
If you go in not expecting to catch any fish it will let you enjoy the fishing trip better. You get a really cool view of old San Juan
David  O.
David O. United States
Every day is different, if you are not an avid fisherman please do the reasercb.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Every day is different, if you are not an avid fisherman please do the reasercb.
Vanessa  W.
Vanessa W. Dallas, TX
Bring a cooler if you want to keep your catch. Leave the little ones at home - these are substantial fish that I would recommend for teenagers and above. Pick a charter like Captain Jose with the larger boat to make the trip smoother than on a smaller boat and invest in the 3/4 or full day trip to insure value and catch potential.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a cooler if you want to keep your catch. Leave the little ones at home - these are substantial fish that I would recommend for teenagers and above. Pick a charter like Captain Jose with the larger boat to make the trip smoother than on a smaller boat and invest in the 3/4 or full day trip to insure value and catch potential.
Vincent  W.
Vincent W. St. Petersburg, FL
Keep in mind that covid regulations are in affect. So the experience might be a little different than you would normally expect. Bait shops are closed and you have to catch your own bait.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Keep in mind that covid regulations are in affect. So the experience might be a little different than you would normally expect. Bait shops are closed and you have to catch your own bait.
Alister  K.
Alister K. Grapevine, TX
If you are looking for a Captain who's passion is putting his customers on fish than Captain Carlos is your man. My experience with Carlos was the high point of my trip to this beautiful paradise. I look forward to returning next year to put in some more time in fishing these productive waters. Fish on Captain, Fish on. Peace
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are looking for a Captain who's passion is putting his customers on fish than Captain Carlos is your man. My experience with Carlos was the high point of my trip to this beautiful paradise. I look forward to returning next year to put in some more time in fishing these productive waters. Fish on Captain, Fish on. Peace
Peter  F.
Peter F. West Roxbury, MA
Beginners stay in shore. Off shore is for experienced anglers with patience to hope for a hit on a big sports fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Beginners stay in shore. Off shore is for experienced anglers with patience to hope for a hit on a big sports fish.
Andrew  H.
Andrew H. Wolcott, CT
Definitely use this company. Make sure to stay hydrated. Enjoy yourself. It is hard not to when you fish with Captain Luis.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely use this company. Make sure to stay hydrated. Enjoy yourself. It is hard not to when you fish with Captain Luis.
Daniel  S.
Daniel S. Gurabo
This was our first tarpon fishing trip and we had a great trip so I would highly recommend Bayside Charters 2 and Carlos Torres as your guide.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first tarpon fishing trip and we had a great trip so I would highly recommend Bayside Charters 2 and Carlos Torres as your guide.
Jason  W.
Jason W. Broken Arrow, OK
If you're not used to it, the sun can be nearly overwhelming. Come prepared.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you're not used to it, the sun can be nearly overwhelming. Come prepared.
Kevin  G.
Kevin G. Guaynabo
Check the weather because the water can be rough if you're not use to 3 to 5 foot waves.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the weather because the water can be rough if you're not use to 3 to 5 foot waves.
Tyrone  P.
Tyrone P. Zephyrhills, FL

Top Targeted Deep Sea Fishing Species in San Juan