Fishing in San Juan, Puerto Rico


Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

San Juan, the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the Caribbean and the world. As a seasoned fishing captain with Curate Fishing, I've had the privilege of exploring these rich waters and guiding anglers to unforgettable catches. We offer all sorts of fishing experiences in San Juan - from targeting large pelagics while deep sea fishing, casually finding great spots for shore fishing, fly fishing for technical anglers, and even spearfishing fo the most adventurous. Let me take you through the exciting world of fishing for the top gamefish in San Juan.

Best San Juan Fishing Regions

Cangrejos Lagoon Fishing

Cangrejos Lagoon is a hidden gem for inshore fishing enthusiasts. This brackish water system is teeming with life, offering excellent opportunities for light tackle and fly fishing. The mangrove-lined shores provide perfect habitats for species like snook and tarpon.

When fishing here, I recommend using live bait such as mullet or crabs, especially around mangroves and estuaries. Artificial lures that mimic local baitfish can also be effective. The key is to cast close to the mangroves where these predators often lurk

For fly fishing enthusiasts, Cangrejos Lagoon offers a particular joy in targeting tarpon. This requires a mixture of skill, timing, and a bit of luck. Large, flashy flies work well in areas where tarpon are known to feed or travel. You'll need a 10 to 12 weight fly rod with a saltwater reel and tropical line.

North Atlantic Fishing from Cangrejos or El Nautico

Nearshore Fishing

The waters just off the coast of San Juan are incredibly productive. When we head out from Cangrejos or El Nautico, we often start by targeting species like kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, barracuda, small grouper, and jack crevalle within sight of land.

These areas are great for trolling with live bait or lures, and the action can be fast-paced. Sight fishing is also popular here, so keep your eyes peeled at all times. The key is to match your bait and technique with the behavior of the fish you want to land.

Offshore Fishing

As we venture further out into the Atlantic, the real deep-sea action begins. The waters off San Juan drop off quickly, giving us access to pelagic species like mahi-mahi, wahoo, and various tuna species.

We often use a combination of trolling and live baiting techniques to target these offshore giants. Trolling with outriggers to drag multiple lines at various depths is a common technique. For tuna, chunking with baitfish and trolling with lures are the best methods to entice these warriors to bite.

Best Fish to Target in San Juan

Tarpon and Snook (Inshore)

San Juan's inshore waters are famous for tarpon and snook. These species are prized for their fighting ability and acrobatic displays.

Tarpon, often called the "Silver King," can grow to over 100+ pounds in these waters. They thrive in the brackish waters of San Juan Bay, providing year-round excitement. The best season for tarpon is from October through June, with peak action occurring from February to May and again in October.

Snook, while typically smaller, are known for their clever tactics and delicious meat (unlike Tarpon). They can be found in various regions across Puerto Rico, with San Juan Bay being a hotspot, especially during the summer spawning season.

Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Tuna (Offshore)

Offshore, we target a variety of pelagic species. Mahi-mahi, with their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, are a favorite among anglers. Wahoo, one of the fastest fish in the sea, provide an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Kingfish are abundant and offer great action, while various tuna species, including yellowfin and blackfin, are prized for both their fight and their meat. Yellowfin Tuna, ranging from 30 to 80 pounds, are relentless fighters, often diving deep with your line after being hooked.

Targeting Marlin, swordfish & Billfish

One of the most unique aspects of fishing in San Juan is the opportunity to catch marlin incredibly close to shore. Just off El Morro, there's a deep trench where blue marlin frequent. This means we can sometimes hook into these magnificent creatures within sight of the historic fort - a truly special experience you won't find in many other places. White marlin are rare but can also be caught in water near San Juan.

The peak season for blue marlin is between May and September. Sailfish can be caught between November and April. The waters off San Juan are part of the "Blue Marlin Alley," making it a prime location for billfish enthusiasts.

One of Curate Fishing’s specialties is targeting swordfish. This requires “deep drops” of up to 2,000 feet to target these deep sea dwelling monsters. We offer swordfish fishing during the daytime, but nighttime trips are especially effective.

Other Fishing Spots in San Juan

  1. Condado Lagoon: Known for its tarpon and snook fishing, this urban lagoon offers great light tackle action

  2. Laguna San José: This lagoon is popular among local anglers for its variety of species, including tarpon and jacks

  3. Torrecilla Lagoon: Another excellent spot for inshore fishing, particularly for tarpon

  4. La Plata Trench: This deep-water area offshore is prime territory for big game species like marlin and tuna

  5. Isla Verde Beach: Great for shore fishing, targeting species like snook, jacks, small snapper and bonefish

  6. Cangrejos Yacht Club Area: The waters near this club are known for kingfish, barracuda, and occasional tarpon

Fishing Tournaments in San Juan

San Juan hosts several prestigious fishing tournaments throughout the year. The most notable is the San Juan International Billfish Tournament (IBT), held annually by Club Nautico de San Juan. This tournament, running for over half a century, attracts anglers from around the world to compete in the "Blue Marlin Alley" just off San Juan's coast.

Fishing Seasons in San Juan

While fishing is excellent year-round in San Juan, certain species have peak seasons:

  • Spring (March-May): Great for tarpon, snook, and the start of the mahi-mahi run.

  • Summer (June-August): Peak season for blue marlin, with excellent offshore fishing for tuna and mahi-mahi.

  • Fall (September-November): Wahoo fishing picks up, and it's still good for marlin and tuna. Wahoo is Curate Fishing’s specialty!

  • Winter (December-February): Excellent for kingfish and wahoo, with some of the best inshore fishing for tarpon and snook. Club Nautico also hosts other tournaments throughout the year, focusing on various species and fishing styles. These events not only provide great competition but also contribute to conservation efforts and fisheries research.

How to Get to San Juan from Major U.S. Regions/Airports

San Juan is easily accessible from many U.S. cities:

  • From New York (JFK/Newark): Numerous daily nonstop flights, about 4 hours.

  • From Miami: Frequent nonstop flights, approximately 2.5 hours.

  • From Dallas/Houston: Nonstop options, about 4.5 hours.

  • From Los Angeles:/California No direct flights available, roughly 10-12 hours total trip, but worth it for the warmer waters!

San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main gateway, located just a short drive from the city center and major fishing areas

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice looking to try your hand at tropical fishing, San Juan offers an incredible variety of options. From the thrill of hooking a marlin within sight of El Morro to the serene experience of fly fishing in a lagoon, the waters around San Juan have something for everyone. Come join us at Curate Fishing for an unforgettable Puerto Rican fishing adventure!