Night Fishing in Puerto Rico
Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez
As a captain at Curate Fishing with over a decade of experience navigating Puerto Rico's waters after dark, I can tell you there's something truly magical about night fishing in the Caribbean. When the sun sets over our beautiful island, the waters transform – not just in appearance, but in the fishing experience itself. Curate Fishing specializes in swordfish night fishing, but we can offer other experiences to target tarpon, snook and other top gamefish.
Night fishing in Puerto Rico offers unique opportunities to target species that are more active after dark, experience cooler temperatures, and witness the stunning bioluminescence that often appears in our tropical waters. Whether you're an experienced angler or a curious beginner, this guide will introduce you to the exciting world of Puerto Rican night fishing.
Why Choose Night Fishing in Puerto Rico?
The waters surrounding Puerto Rico provide some of the best night fishing opportunities in the Caribbean for several reasons:
Unique Biodiversity: Puerto Rico's position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea creates a rich ecosystem where diverse species converge, many of which are more active at night.
Year-Round Opportunity: Our tropical climate means night fishing is available throughout the year, with water temperatures remaining comfortable even after sunset.
Less Competition: While daytime charter fishing is popular, fewer anglers venture out at night, giving you better access to prime fishing spots.
Cooler Temperatures: Escape the daytime heat and enjoy the refreshing night breeze while pursuing your catch.
Natural Phenomena: Experience the magic of bioluminescent bays while fishing – Puerto Rico is home to three of the world's few bioluminescent bays.
Top Night Fishing Locations in Puerto Rico
Humacao
Curate Fishing is based out of Humacao, Puerto Rico and has some great nearby drops and open water passages for night fishing. We have several spots identified for deep dropping to target swordfish that are 30-60 minutes away.
La Parguera
Located on the southwest coast, La Parguera offers excellent mangrove fishing at night for snook and tarpon. The bioluminescent bay here adds a magical element to your fishing experience.
San Juan Bay and Surrounding Areas
The capital's waters provide convenient access for night fishing with opportunities for tarpon, snook, and various reef fish around structure and bridges.
Fajardo
The eastern coast offers excellent opportunities for deeper night fishing, with access to both inshore and offshore species within a short distance.
Cabo Rojo
The southwest tip of the island provides excellent shoreline access for night anglers targeting snapper and grouper around the rocky points.
Vieques Sound
For those willing to make the trip, the waters between the main island and Vieques offer exceptional night fishing for pelagic species.
The Magic of Nighttime Swordfish Fishing
If you're looking for the ultimate night fishing adventure in Puerto Rico, look no further than pursuing the magnificent swordfish. As a captain who specializes in nighttime swordfish expeditions, I can tell you this is truly a bucket-list experience for any serious angler.
Why Swordfish at Night?
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are primarily nocturnal feeders, making them perfect targets for night fishing. During daytime hours, these magnificent billfish typically descend to depths of 1,500+ feet where they're virtually inaccessible to recreational anglers. But as darkness falls, they rise toward the surface to feed, sometimes coming within 100-300 feet of the surface.
Puerto Rico's deep waters off the northern and southern coasts provide ideal habitat for swordfish. Our proximity to the Puerto Rico Trench (the deepest part of the Atlantic) creates the perfect environment for these deep-dwelling predators.
Swordfish Techniques
At Curate Fishing, we typically employ these specialized techniques for nighttime swordfish:
Deep Dropping with Lights: We use specialized LED fishing lights attached near the bait to attract swordfish in the darkness. These lights mimic bioluminescent creatures that swordfish naturally feed upon.
Drift Fishing: Rather than anchoring, we often drift through productive areas, covering more territory and increasing our chances of encountering feeding swordfish.
Specialized Baits: Rigged squid is our go-to bait, but we also use mackerel and bonito. The key is using fresh, quality bait that will hold up at depth.
Electric Reels: For deeper drops, we employ electric reels to reduce fatigue and ensure you have energy for the fight when a swordfish strikes.
The average swordfish we catch weighs between 80-200 pounds, but specimens over 300 pounds are encountered every season. The Puerto Rico record stands at just over 500 pounds!
What to Expect
A typical swordfish trip departs in the late afternoon, allowing us to reach the fishing grounds as darkness falls. We typically return in the early morning hours. This is definitely a specialized expedition that requires dedication, but the potential reward of battling one of the ocean's most majestic creatures under a starlit Caribbean sky makes it all worthwhile.
Top Species for Night Fishing in Puerto Rico
Tarpon (Sábalo)
These "silver kings" are prolific around Puerto Rico and particularly active at night. We target them around bridges, mangrove channels, and harbor areas. Tarpon in Puerto Rico typically range from 20-80 pounds, with larger specimens exceeding 100 pounds. Their spectacular aerial displays make them a favorite target for night anglers.
Snook (Róbalo)
Perhaps the ultimate night predator in Puerto Rico's inshore waters. Snook patrol the mangrove shorelines, river mouths, and structure after dark, hunting baitfish. Our local snook average 5-15 pounds, but trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds are not uncommon. They're ambush predators, so fishing around structure with live bait or plugs is particularly effective.
Puerto Rican Shark Species
Night fishing presents excellent opportunities to target several shark species found in our waters:
Caribbean Reef Shark: Common around Puerto Rico's reef systems, these sharks become more active at night and typically range from 4-6 feet.
Blacktip Shark: These athletic sharks provide exciting fights and are often found in shallow waters after dark, especially around bait schools.
Nurse Shark: While generally docile, nurse sharks feed more actively at night and can be targeted around reefs and sandy bottoms.
Lemon Shark: These yellowish predators frequent the shallow flats around Puerto Rico at night and are prized for their fighting ability.
Snapper (Pargo)
Several snapper species are prime targets for night anglers in Puerto Rico:
Mutton Snapper: Among the largest snapper in our waters, feeding voraciously at night around reefs.
Mangrove Snapper: Abundant around structure and particularly active during evening hours.
Lane Snapper: Smaller but delicious, they gather in schools that can be targeted around reefs and drop-offs.
Night fishing for snapper typically involves fishing near bottom structure with natural baits like squid, sardines, or cut bait.
Grouper (Mero)
Puerto Rico's grouper species become more active feeders after dark:
Red Grouper: Common around reefs and rocky bottoms, typically 5-15 pounds but can grow much larger.
Black Grouper: One of the larger grouper species, known for powerful runs toward structure when hooked.
Nassau Grouper: Though protected (catch and release only), these distinctive grouper are encountered around reefs at night.
Grouper fishing typically requires heavier tackle as these powerful fish will quickly retreat to rocky hiding spots if given the chance.
Night Fishing Techniques in Puerto Rico
Inshore Techniques
Bridge Fishing: Targeting tarpon, snook and snapper around illuminated bridges and docks.
Mangrove Fishing: Slow trolling or drifting live baits along mangrove shorelines for snook and juvenile tarpon.
Dock Lights: Fishing the perimeter of illuminated docks where baitfish gather and predators lurk.
Offshore Techniques
Deep Dropping: Using electric reels and specialized rigs for swordfish and deep-water snappers.
Drift Fishing: Allowing your baits to naturally move with currents over productive areas.
Slow Trolling: Presenting live baits at various depths for pelagic predators.
Essential Safety Tips for Night Fishing in Puerto Rico
Night fishing requires additional safety precautions, which we strictly adhere to at Curate Fishing:
Navigation Safety
Proper Lighting: Our vessels are equipped with all required navigation lights plus additional LED lighting for safety.
Reduced Speeds: We always operate at slower speeds at night to allow for proper reaction time.
Updated Charts: We use the latest electronic charts with marked hazards specific to Puerto Rican waters.
Local Knowledge: Our captains have intimate knowledge of Puerto Rico's coastline and potential hazards.
Personal Safety
Life Jackets: Always required for all passengers during night fishing trips.
Emergency Protocols: All our guests are briefed on emergency procedures before departure.
First Aid: Our boats carry comprehensive first aid kits and our captains are first aid certified.
Weather Monitoring: We continuously monitor weather conditions and have access to real-time radar.
Fishing Safety
Proper Hook Handling: Extra caution with hooks in low-light conditions.
Designated Fishing Areas: Specific zones on the boat for casting to prevent hook accidents.
Headlamps: All clients are provided with hands-free lighting options.
Caution with Gaffs: Special protocols for landing fish at night to prevent injuries.
Communication
Radio Contact: Maintained with shore and other vessels throughout the trip.
Cell Phone Backup: Waterproof cases for cell phones as secondary communication.
Regular Check-ins: Scheduled communication with our shoreside team.
What to Bring on Your Puerto Rico Night Fishing Trip
Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Clothing: Protection from both the elements and mosquitos
Non-Slip Footwear: Boat shoes or shoes with rubber soles
Bug Repellent: Essential, especially if fishing near mangroves
Snacks and Hydration: We provide water, but feel free to bring additional beverages (non-glass containers)
Camera: For capturing those night fishing memories (waterproof recommended)
Medication: Any personal medication you might need
Light Rainwear: Even in clear forecasts, tropical showers can develop
Book Your Puerto Rico Night Fishing Adventure
At Curate Fishing, we specialize in customizing night fishing experiences to match your interests and skill level. Whether you're looking to battle a mighty swordfish, target inshore predators around structure, or simply experience the unique atmosphere of fishing under Puerto Rico's starlit skies, we have the expertise to make it happen.
Our night fishing charters include:
All necessary fishing equipment
Bait and tackle
Fishing licenses
Experienced captain and crew
Cooler with ice for your catch
Safety equipment
Don't miss the opportunity to experience Puerto Rico's waters from this unique perspective. Night fishing reveals a completely different side of our island's marine ecosystem and provides memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact Curate Fishing today to book your customized night fishing adventure in Puerto Rico's pristine waters. Spaces are limited, especially for specialized trips like swordfish expeditions, so advance booking is recommended.