Top game fish in puerto rico
Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez
Puerto Rico is a fishing paradise. A relatively low quantity of commercial and recreational fishing along with an abundance of different marine habitats allows for all types of game fish to find refuge in Puerto Rico’s waters. In one day of fishing in Puerto Rico, anglers of any experience can fish for tarpon in the mangroves and blue marlin in an offshore drop within the span of a couple miles. These are the top 10 game fish that can be caught in Puerto Rico - there are dozens of other species you can target!
Wahoo
Known for their impressive runs and delicious meat, wahoo are a highly prized game fish in Puerto Rico. They can grow up to 100 pounds but tend to be caught more frequently in the 20-55 pound range. Wahoo is a common catch in the waters of Puerto Rico, particularly during the winter months between October to February (with a peak in December).
MAHI-mAHI OR dORADO
Mahi-mahi, also known as dorado, are an exciting catch for any angler. They are the fastest growing fish in the ocean - making them a very sustainable fish to harvest. Their bright colors and acrobatic tendencies make them a favorite amongst many anglers. Their size varies, a typical range will be between 5-30 pounds, but one can often find bulls weighing over 40 pounds! Mahi-mahi is found in abundance in the waters of Puerto Rico, particularly in the summer months.
Yellowfin and Blackfin tuna
Yellowfin and blackfin tuna are highly prized game fish in Puerto Rico. They are known for their strength, making them a challenging catch. Puerto Rico’s government recently placed FADS (fish aggregating devices) - which have created a great and consistent fishery for different tuna species. Yellowfin tuna is more commonly found in the summer months, while blackfin tuna are present throughout the year.
Blue marlin
Blue marlin is the ultimate game fish in Puerto Rico. Catching a blue marlin (one of the most prized game fish in existence!) is on the bucket list of many anglers around the world. These giants are known for their incredible strength, speed, and crazy jumps. A fight can last hours! Blue marlin can grow up to 1,000 pounds, making them one of the largest fish in the world - a highly prized catch.
sailfish
Sailfish are a fast and elusive game fish in Puerto Rico. They require a perfect bait presentation to be hooked. Sailfish are mostly known for their acrobatic displays, making them a thrilling catch for any angler. Sailfish are more commonly found in the waters of Puerto Rico during the winter months. They are rarer in Puerto Rico, but incredibly fun to target, catch, and release.
kingfish or king mackerel
Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, is a common catch in the waters of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico holds the all-tackle world record for the species at 93 pounds. Kingfish tend to average between 10-20 pounds. This species is found close to shore and they tend to “school up”, making multiple hooks-ups with two or more kingfish at a time very common. Kingfish are present throughout the year, particularly in the winter months.
snapper
Snapper is a popular game fish in Puerto Rico and they are known for their delicious taste. There are over 7 types of snappers found in these waters, but yelloweye snappers are the most common. Snappers are caught in deep water anywhere from 200-1,200 feet of depth. Silky snapper, blackfin snapper, queen snapper, cardinal snapper and lane snapper are other snapper species found in Puerto Rico.
grouper
Grouper is another popular game fish in Puerto Rico and are also known for their great tablefare. Rock Hind grouper (“cabrilla” grouper in spanish) are the most common - they tend to be smaller in size averaging 1-4 pounds. Grouper are great for novice anglers as they are found year round and tend to be easier to catch.
tarpon
Tarpon is a thrilling game fish caught consistently in Puerto Rico. Tarpon are known for their fighting spirit and aerial displays. They can grow up to 200 pounds and are commonly found in the waters of Puerto Rico all year long. They are caught inshore - making tarpon a good target for anglers who get seasick or want to stay closer to shore. Tarpon found in Puerto Rico’s waters are known to be more aggressive than tarpon caught in Florida.
great barracuda
Great barracuda is a fierce game fish in Puerto Rico, known for their sharp teeth and high numbers. They can grow up to 100 pounds and are commonly found in the waters of Puerto Rico throughout the year. While trolling, great barracuda is the most commonly caught fish, as they are aggressive hunters that go after many types of lures. These powerful predators always make for a fun catch for new anglers.
Other top gamefish in Puerto Rico
swordfish
Swordfish are a highly sought-after game fish in Puerto Rico. These powerful predators are known for their long, sword-like bills and their incredible bursts of speed. In Puerto Rican waters, swordfish can often be found in the deeper offshore areas. In Puerto Rico, swordfish are typically caught using deep-drop techniques at depths over 1,000 feet, with the peak season occurring from November to April. Anglers targeting swordfish in Puerto Rico can expect a challenging fight, with these fish often reaching weights in excess of 200 pounds, but they can reach over 600 pounds.
jack crevalle
Jack Crevalle, also known as the common jack or toro in Puerto Rico, are a popular inshore game fish that offer anglers a thrilling experience. These powerful fish are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs, making them a true test of an angler's skill and equipment. Puerto Rico's mangrove-lined estuaries and coastal flats are prime hunting grounds for jack crevalle, where they can be found in large schools throughout the year. They have a deep, compressed body and can grow up to 40 lbs. In Puerto Rico, jack crevalle are popular targets for light tackle and fly fishing anglers in lagoons, bays, and around reefs. The fish readily strike lures, flies, and live bait.
false albacore
False albacore, locally known as "bonito," are a common gamefish in Puerto Rican waters. These small tuna cousins are renowned for their blistering speed and explosive strikes, making them a favorite among light tackle anglers. False albacore can be found in the offshore waters of Puerto Rico, particularly during the fall months when they congregate in large schools to feed on baitfish. Their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting nature make them a true test of an angler's skill. They form fast-moving schools and provide great light tackle action. False albacore are not the most sought after gamefish in Puerto Rico compared to other species.
Snook
Snook, known as "robalo" in Puerto Rico, are a highly prized inshore game fish that can be found in the island's coastal estuaries and mangrove-lined lagoons. These powerful fish are known for their tenacity and explosive strikes, making them a favorite among fly anglers and light tackle enthusiasts. Puerto Rico's snook fishery is particularly renowned, with the island's warm waters providing a year-round opportunity to target these sought-after gamefish. Juvenile snook inhabit rivers and mangrove habitats, while adults are found in estuaries and coastal waters. In Puerto Rico, snook can be caught on lures, flies and bait in lagoons and inshore waters
White marlin
White marlin, while not as large as their blue and black counterparts, are nevertheless a highly prized game fish in Puerto Rican waters. These acrobatic fighters are known for their incredible jumps and blistering runs, making them a true test of an angler's skill and endurance. White marlin can be found in the offshore waters of Puerto Rico, particularly during the summer months when they migrate closer to the surface in search of baitfish and squid. They are found throughout the tropical and temperate Atlantic, including off Puerto Rico, often in shallower waters than blue marlin. White marlin are a popular but less common target than blue marlin for bill fishing anglers in Puerto Rico
Lake fish in puerto rico
Puerto Rico also offers a diverse lake fishing experience for those who want to stay closer to shore. Puerto Rico has over 20 man-made lakes that are full of largemouth bass, peacock bass, and tilapia. Largemouth bass are the top prize for many anglers, and can be targeted with fly-fishing techniques. Peacock bass are another favorite - these colorful, hard-fighting fish provide an exciting freshwater challenge. Tilapia are also very common, and while not a true sport fish, they make for good eating. Other species you may encounter include catfish and sunfish. Some of the top lakes for fishing include Carraizo (spanning Trujillo Alto, Caguas, Gurabo), Dos Bocas in Arecibo, La Plata in Toa Alta and Guajataca (spanning San Sebastián, Quebradillas and Isabela).
Puerto Rico offers an exciting range of gamefish that provides a thrilling experience for any angler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time fisherman, the island's crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life make it a fishing paradise.