fly fishing in puerto rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the Caribbean, with a variety of species to target, including the prized tarpon. At Curate Fishing, we offer some unique offshore fly fishing charters to help anglers experience the thrill of catching top gamefish in the island's pristine waters.

Tarpon Fly Fishing

Tarpon are the main draw for fly fishing enthusiasts visiting Puerto Rico. These "Silver Kings" can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 100 pounds not uncommon.The best time to target tarpon is from January to May, when the big migratory fish arrive in the island's bays and lagoons, but they are available year-round. Our captain is also skilled in recommending certain flies to match the local baitfish and entice strikes from tarpon and other top gamefish. Some of the most productive tarpon fishing spots are found near San Juan, including the Torrecilla and San Jose Lagoons. These lagoons are home to a large concentration of juvenile tarpon in the 5-20 pound range, with the occasional monster over 40 pounds.

Snook Fly Fishing

Puerto Rico's inshore waters offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts to target the elusive and hard-fighting snook. These powerful fish can be found lurking in the island's numerous mangrove-lined lagoons, channels, and river mouths. When fly fishing for snook in Puerto Rico, it's important to use the right gear and techniques. Opt for 8 to 10 weight rods with plenty of backbone to handle larger fish and cast bigger flies. Floating lines work well for most situations, allowing you to present flies like Deceivers, Clousers, and shrimp patterns along mangrove edges and over grass flats. Some of the best snook fishing spots in Puerto Rico include the San Jose Lagoon near San Juan, La Parguera Natural Reserve in the south, and the shallow flats of Vieques Island. These areas feature prime snook habitat with a mix of mangroves, grass beds, and sandy potholes.

Other fly fishing species in puerto rico

In addition to tarpon, Puerto Rico's inshore waters hold a variety of other game fish that are exciting to catch on fly. Snook, jack crevalle, barracuda, bonefish and snapper can all be found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and channels. For anglers looking to target permit, Puerto Rico has some excellent flats fishing opportunities. Permit can often be found tailing in shallow water, providing the ultimate challenge for fly anglers.

Offshore Fly Fishing for pelagic gamefish

While Puerto Rico is best known for its inshore and flats fly fishing, the offshore waters also provide some exciting opportunities for adventurous anglers. Species like mahi mahi, tuna, and king mackerel can be targeted around floating debris and weed lines. Fly fishing for these pelagic species requires specialized equipment and techniques. Heavier 10 to 12 weight rods are needed to cast large flies and fight powerful fish. Our fishing tactic will often troll until fish are located, then anglers cast to feeding frenzies around the floating structure. The best time for offshore fly fishing is during the summer months when mahi mahi are abundant. Tuna and king mackerel can be caught year-round. While not as consistent as the inshore fishing, targeting these species on fly provides an exciting challenge with the chance for some impressive catches

Booking a fly fishing Charter

At Curate Fishing, we offer half-day and full-day fishing charters tailored to your skill level and target species. Our experienced captains will put you on the fish and provide expert instruction to help you make the most of your time on the water. Anglers are encouraged to bring their favorite fly fishing rods, flies, polarized sunglasses, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for a day on the water. Puerto Rico's close proximity to the U.S. mainland and ease of travel make it an attractive destination for a fly fishing getaway. With a little planning and the right guide, you can experience world-class tarpon fishing and so much more on this beautiful Caribbean island.