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 To catch 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 and are highly prized by sport fishermen for their fighting ability. They are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often leaping out of the water multiple times. Blue marlin are considered one of the most challenging fish to catch, requiring skill, patience, and specialized heavy tackle.

Wahoo (Peto)

Wahoo are fast, aggressive predators known for their long, slender bodies and razor sharp teeth, reaching speeds up to 60 mph. They are popular with anglers for their speed and hard-fighting nature, often making blistering runs and putting up an incredible fight. Wahoo are also prized for their excellent meat quality, making them a favorite for sport fishermen.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish or dorado)

Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are colorful, acrobatic fish found in tropical and subtropical waters, growing rapidly and reaching up to 50 pounds. They are fast-growing and provide excellent food quality, with a mild, sweet flavor that makes them a popular choice for seafood lovers. Mahi-mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often jumping and thrashing at the surface.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped fish with yellow fins that can reach weights over 400 pounds and are highly migratory, putting up an incredible fight when hooked. In Puerto Rico, we’ve tend to find specimen between 10 pounds up to 100 pound prized catches. They are prized for their high-quality meat, which is often used in sashimi and sushi. Yellowfin tuna are known for their powerful, sustained runs and deep dives, making them a challenging and exciting catch for anglers.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna species, rarely exceeding 40 pounds, but are hard fighters and make excellent table fare. They are known for their aggressive feeding habits and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including trolling, live baiting, and jigging. Blackfin tuna often travel in schools, providing anglers with the opportunity for multiple catches in a single outing.

Sailfish

Sailfish are known for their spectacular, tall dorsal fin that resembles a sail and are among the fastest fish in the ocean, popular as light tackle gamefish. They can reach speeds of up to 68 mph and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and tail-walking across the water's surface when hooked. Sailfish are often caught and released, as they are valued more for their sporting qualities than their food value.

Swordfish

Swordfish are large, powerful fish that can grow up to 1,000 pounds and are named for their distinctive, sword-like bill. They are highly prized by anglers for their challenging fight and excellent meat quality, often referred to as the "steak of the sea." Swordfish are typically caught at night or in deep waters during the day, requiring specialized techniques and equipment - Curate Fishing’s speciality!

Spanish Mackerel (sierra)

Spanish mackerel are large, fast, powerful fish renowned for their fighting ability, with razor sharp teeth and commonly reaching 20-40 pounds. They are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs, making them an exciting catch for anglers. Spanish mackerel are also valued for their tasty meat, which is often smoked or grilled.

Red Snapper (chillo)

Red snapper are highly sought after bottom fish known for their bright red color and excellent eating quality, inhabiting deep reefs and wrecks. They can grow up to 40 pounds and are prized for their firm, white, and flavorful meat. Red snapper are challenging to catch due to their habitat, often requiring specialized bottom fishing techniques and strong tackle to pull them away from structure.

Grouper (mero)

Groupers are large, heavy-bodied fish that are ambush predators on the reef, challenging to pull away from structure and prized for their mild, flaky meat. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some species reaching over 100 pounds. Groupers are known for their powerful initial run towards structure when hooked, requiring skilled anglers to prevent them from breaking the line on coral or rocks.

Tarpon

Tarpon are huge, prehistoric-looking fish that can exceed 250 pounds, known for their immense strength, acrobatic jumps, and shimmering silver scales. They are often referred to as the "silver king" and are primarily caught for sport rather than food. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, sometimes jumping more than 10 feet out of the water.

Snook

Snook are hard-fighting, inshore game fish that can grow up to 50 pounds and are highly prized by anglers for their challenging nature and excellent table fare. They are known for their distinctive lateral line and protruding lower jaw, giving them a unique appearance. Snook are ambush predators, often found around mangroves, bridges, and other structures, requiring skillful presentation of bait or lures to entice a strike.

how to go fishing in puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Here's how you can enjoy fishing in this Caribbean paradise:

Book a Charter for deep sea fishing

Booking a charter is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico's rich fishing grounds. Charter services such as Curate Fishing offer guided trips that typically provide all necessary equipment, including rods, reels, and bait. Let us know what your preference is and we can help target species like marlin, wahoo, and tarpon with our experienced local captain. We operate out of Humacao, Puerto Rico and offer convenient access for tourists looking to embark on a deep sea fishing adventure.

Pier and Shore Fishing

For a more relaxed fishing experience, try pier and shore fishing in Puerto Rico. Popular spots include coastal areas and lagoons near San Juan, where you can target species like snapper, grouper, tarpon, snook and smaller game fish. Light tackle and live bait such as sardines often yield the best results. We’d be happy to put you in touch with an onshore fishing guide or customize an option to take you to various of the top onshore fishing locations in Puerto Rico

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is a thrilling way to catch fish in Puerto Rico's clear waters. Joining guided spearfishing tours is recommended for a safe and legal experience, especially if you're new to the activity. These tours often target species like snapper, grouper, and lionfish. Curate fishing also offers blue water spearfishing to target wahoo and mahi-mahi. Always prioritize safety and use appropriate gear when spearfishing in Puerto Rico's waters.

Lake Fishing

Puerto Rico's lakes offer excellent freshwater fishing opportunities for anglers. Lakes like Carraízo, Cerrillos, La Plata, and Lucchetti provide diverse fishing experiences. You can target species such as peacock bass, largemouth bass, and various cichlids. Lake Carraízo is particularly known for its peacock bass, with 80% of catches being this species. For the best results, consider hiring a local guide like Captain Angel Campos, who can provide valuable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques. Some lakes, like La Plata, offer additional amenities such as picnic areas and BBQ grills, making for a great day out with family or friends.

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.

North Coast (San Juan)

The North coast, particularly around San Juan, is renowned for blue marlin fishing. Anglers here often target these prized billfish, with many tournaments and marlin clubs in the area. Fishing styles vary from light tackle to trolling big lures on heavy 80-pound class lines.

SouthEast (Palmas del Mar)

Palmas del Mar and the southeast region is Curate Fishing’s specialty. Palmas del Mar offers a mix of offshore and inshore fishing opportunities due to its location on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and we have the best spots already identified. Whether you want to target large gamefish such as tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi or if you’re looking for the chance to try jigging for grouper and snapper, we have the best fishing spots identified off the coast of Palmas del Mar.

South (La Parguera)

The South, including La Parguera, is famous for its wahoo fishing, with offshore banks holding 30-80 pound wahoo during season. This area also features abundant bottom structure, making it ideal for bottom fishing. La Parguera is particularly known for its excellent barracuda, tarpon and mahi-mahi (dorado) fishery, where anglers can catch multiple large bulls weighing up to 50 pounds.

West (Aguadilla and Rincon)

The West coast boasts the calmest waters and is known for its live bait tuna fishery, thanks to easy access to live bait. This region offers excellent deep dropping opportunities off Mona Island and seasonal fishing for small blue marlin and wahoo.

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