deep sea fishing in puerto rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico as a Fishing Destination

Puerto Rico is one of the best offshore fishing locations due to short runs to deep water, low boat traffic and proximity to the mainland U.S. There are various types of fishing options, everything from bone fish to blue marlin.

Fishing charters in Puerto Rico can range anywhere from $450 to $2,000, depending on the species targeted, size of boat and gear. Half day trips will run about $450 to $700, while full days can be closer to $1,100 to $2,000. In general, more time on the water will give you better odds of success when targeting a specific species or practicing a style of fishing. Curate Fishing’s charter rates are available on our website as well.

Fishing Techniques in Puerto Rico

There are several fishing techniques that anglers can use in Puerto Rico, including offshore fishing, trolling, bottom fishing, live baiting, fly fishing and vertical jigging. Trolling is mainly for pelagic species such as tuna, sailfish, wahoo and mahi-mahi. Bottom fishing targets snapper and grouper. This option tends to be popular as it tends to be more consistent. Live baiting and Vertical jigging are used mostly for tuna, kingfish and wahoo. Both techniques use lighter tackle with heavy drags, making it very fun to fight fish this way.

what is offshore fishing in Puerto Rico?

Offshore or deep sea fishing in Puerto Rico offers the opportunity to catch large pelagic fish species like blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. The waters off the coast of Puerto Rico drop off to great depths very close to shore, with the Atlantic Ocean reaching its deepest point just 75 miles from the capital city of San Juan

Some of the best areas and regions for offshore fishing include:

"Marlin Alley" off the east coast near Fajardo, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. This is a prime spot for targeting blue and white marlin, especially from June to September
The north coast facing the Atlantic, accessible from the port of San Juan, where charters head out in search of large pelagic species
Palmas del Mar in Humacao, where there are underwater sea mountains and trenches where fish such as wahoo, yellowfin tuna and Spanish mackerel are plentiful

Common offshore fishing techniques in Puerto Rico include trolling with outriggers to drag multiple lines at various depths, deep dropping with electric reels to target fish over 1000 ft down, and fly fishing for species like tuna and mahi mahi near the surface.

Most offshore fishing is done by local fishermen or through charters, as we can provide the necessary equipment and expertise to target these prized game fish. Charters such as Curate Fishing also handle licensing and help ensure anglers follow all relevant Puerto Rico fishing regulations.

top Fish Species in Puerto Rico

There are various species of fish that anglers can catch in Puerto Rico, and the best season to fish for different species varies. Between October and March, wahoo are plentiful, and swordfish can be caught November-April. Blue marlin are typically caught between May and September, while sailfish can be caught between November and April. Mahi-mahi, tuna, and kingfish can be caught throughout the year consistently as well. Below is a summary of the top game fish you can target while fishing in Puerto Rico.

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are large, powerful billfish that can reach over 1,000 pounds. They are highly prized by sport fishermen for their fighting ability.

Wahoo (Peto)

Wahoo are fast, aggressive predators known for their long, slender bodies and razor sharp teeth. They are popular with anglers for their speed and hard-fighting nature.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish or dorado)

Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are colorful, acrobatic fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are fast-growing and provide excellent food quality.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped fish with yellow fins that can reach weights over 400 pounds. They are highly migratory and put up an incredible fight when hooked.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna species, rarely exceeding 40 pounds. They are hard fighters and make excellent table fare.

Sailfish

Sailfish are known for their spectacular, tall dorsal fin that resembles a sail. They are among the fastest fish in the ocean and are popular light tackle gamefish.

Spanish Mackerel (sierra)

Spanish mackerel are large, fast, powerful fish renowned for their fighting ability. They have razor sharp teeth and commonly reach 20-40 pounds.

Red Snapper (chillo)

Red snapper are highly sought after bottom fish known for their bright red color and excellent eating quality. They inhabit deep reefs and wrecks.

Grouper (mero)

Groupers are large, heavy-bodied fish that are ambush predators on the reef. They are challenging to pull away from structure and are prized for their mild, flaky meat.

Tarpon

Tarpon are huge, prehistoric-looking fish that can exceed 250 pounds. They are known for their immense strength, acrobatic jumps, and shimmering silver scales.

Puerto Rico’s Fishing Regions

There are different fishing areas and regions in Puerto Rico, including the North coast (San Juan), South East (Palmas del Mar), South (La Parguera), and West (Aguadilla and Rincon). Different fishing cultures and styles have developed in each area. The North coast anglers have a tendency to target blue marlin. There are many tournaments and marlin clubs in different areas. Some prefer light tackle and others still troll big lures on 80 pound class line. The South is known for its wahoo- the South’s geography features some offshore banks that hold 30-80 pound wahoo when they are in season. The South also has a lot of bottom structure making bottom fishing a lot easier than up North. The West coast has the calmest water and has a big live bait tuna fishery due to the easy access of live bait. They have phenomenal deep dropping off Mona Island and have seasons that feature a lot of small blue marlin. La Parguera is most known for its mahi-mahi fishery; they are always feeding on frigate birds and it is not uncommon for multiple 50 pound bulls to be caught.

deep sea fishing Rules and Regulations

Puerto Rico DRNA has strict rules and regulations regarding fishing and the quantity of fish that can be kept, known as “Vedas Puerto Rico”. Bottom fish including snappers and groupers have closed seasons. Pelagic species such as yellowfin tuna and swordfish fall under a “highly migratory species permit” that is federally managed. It's important to familiarize oneself with the current regulations before embarking on a fishing trip. All fishing licenses are covered by the cost of the trip with Curate Fishing.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters & Things to Do

For those interested in deep sea fishing in Puerto Rico, various fishing charters are available in different parts of the island. Most options are either half or full days and boats typically accommodate up to four-six people. The best things to make sure you bring on a trip are snacks, sunblock, and Dramamine (in case someone gets seasick!). Curate Fishing is based out of Palmas del mar on the South East coast and offers a diversity of fishing styles and target species.

Aside from fishing, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy around Palmas del Mar. Hiking trails, El Yunque National Rainforest, and the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo are great options. There are many great dining options in Palmas del Mar including La Pescaderia, Volea Bar & Grill, and Pura Vida which incorporate fresh fish into their menus.

Questions about deep sea fishing in puerto rico

What are the best places for fishing charters & tours in Puerto Rico?

Below is some specific information about the best places for fishing charters across Puerto Rico’s various regions.

San Juan: The capital city is a hub for fishing charters, offering easy access to deep-sea fishing grounds. You can target species like marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The San Juan Bay is also great for tarpon and snook fishing.
Humacao (East Coast): This region is Curate Fishing’s specialty. There are various trenches that create an abundance of wahoo, mahi-mahi, various types of tuna and occasionally marlin. There are also great spots for jigging and targeting grouper, snapper and king mackerel. Inshore, there is great snook and tarpon fishing near marinas.
Fajardo: Located on the eastern coast, Fajardo is known for its access to excellent offshore fishing spots, including the famous Puerto Rican Trench, one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean. Ideal for catching blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
Cabo Rojo and La Parguera (Southwest Coast): These areas are famous for their inshore fishing, targeting species like tarpon, snook, baracuda and jack crevalle. The mangroves and flats provide excellent opportunities for light tackle and fly fishing.
Vieques and Culebra: These smaller islands off the east coast of Puerto Rico offer unique fishing experiences with less crowded waters. These islands are known for various types of fishing including tarpon and permit in the flats and shallows, as well as many pelagics if you go fish further offshore.
Rincón (West Coast): Rincón and nearby areas are great for deep-sea fishing, particularly during the winter months. Common catches include marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna.
Mayagüez: On the west coast, Mayagüez is another excellent spot for deep-sea fishing. The Mona Passage near Mayagüez is a popular area for big game fishing.

Which experiences are best for fishing charters & tours in Puerto Rico?

Curate Fishing and other local fishing charter experiences offer diverse experiences for anglers to experience deep sea fishing in Puerto Rico. Our most recommended experiences include:

Vertical Jigging: This is an exciting and productive technique that has gained popularity among anglers. It is effective for enticing strikes from a variety of fish species, both in freshwater and saltwater. In Puerto Rico, vertical jigging is used to catch species like Spanish mackerel, jacks, tuna, great barracuda, and occasionally wahoo.
Trolling: Trolling in Puerto Rico is mainly for pelagic species such as tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. This technique involves dragging lures or baited lines behind a moving boat. It's a popular method for targeting fast-moving and larger fish in deeper waters.
Bottom Fishing: This method targets fish like snapper and grouper that dwell near the seabed. Bottom fishing in Puerto Rico is popular because of its consistency. Anglers typically use baited hooks or lures and drop them to the bottom, waiting for fish to bite.
Swordfish "Dropping": This technique involves dropping specific bait targeting swordfish at depths beyond 1,000 feet. Swordfish in Puerto Rico can be caught year-round but primarily between November and April.
Fly Fishing and Poppers (Not as Common in Puerto Rico): Fly fishing in Puerto Rico involves casting large, flashy flies in areas where tarpon are known to feed or travel. It requires more experience, as well as the right equipment, including a 10 to 12 weight fly rod with a saltwater reel and tropical line. Tarpon in Puerto Rico are known to follow the bait or fly for a while before striking, making patience and precision key in this method.

how much does it cost to go deep sea fishing in Puerto Rico?

The cost of deep sea fishing charters in Puerto Rico can vary depending on factors such as the targeted species, boat size, and fishing gear provided. Generally, prices range from around $500 for a basic half-day trip up to $2,000 for a full-day excursion targeting big game fish like marlin. Most half-day charters will cost between $450 to $850, while full-day trips are typically in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. The exact price will depend on the specific experience, type of fishing and the amenities requested.

Curate Fishing Customer Reviews

Curate Fishing is proud to have a 5-star review rating on Google Reviews across our 27 customer reviews. We also have a 5-star review rating on Fishing Booker across 37 customer reviews.

mike placko

1 month ago

“What an amazing captain. We caught a bunch of black fin tuna Rainbow runners and strawberry grouper. The captain was extremely friendly and didn't waste time. We caught some live bait on the way out and within 10 minutes, it was fish-on. It slowed up after a bit and instead of grinding it out. He changed locations and style of fishing and we were on the fish. I highly highly recommend him. I fish all over and he is one of the best .”

Carter Lawrence

2 months ago

“Had a great time, could not of been any better. Looking for someone that does a variety of things he is your guy. He knows hot to catch fish and have a good time on the boat. Highly recommend Captain Alberto.”

Christopher