Tuna Fishing in Puerto Rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico, a renowned fishing destination, offers an abundance of tuna species, making it a prime location for anglers. The island's waters are teeming with Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Bonito, False Albacore, and Skipjack Tuna, each providing a unique fishing experience. Curate Fishing has over 15 years of experience of deep sea fishing in the rich waters surrounding Puerto Rico and has built an expertise in pursuing the island's renowned tuna species. Puerto Rico's location and aquatic diversity create prime tuna habitat, from the deep azure to the vibrant reefs. The abundant tuna here are unrivaled in their sporting challenge and culinary value.

TUNA FISHING TACKLE, EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNIQUES

Successful tuna fishing in Puerto Rico requires specialized tackle and techniques. Jigging, a method involving heavy lures, is effective for deeper waters. Live baiting, utilizing smaller fish to attract tuna, and trolling, dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat, are also popular methods. Each technique requires robust gear to handle the strength and speed of tuna. The diversity of tuna behavior necessitates adapting approaches. To target the larger, deep-running Yellowfin Tuna and Blackfin Tuna, we employ heavy jigging outfits combined with extensive local knowledge. Curate Fishing utilizes live mackerel or pilchards on robust conventional or spinning tackle to entice reactive bites. This method produces massive Yellowfin Tuna testing even the most rugged rods to their limit. There have been recorded yellowfin tuna of over 400 pounds caught in Puerto Rico!

Meanwhile, to target the speedy Bonito and False Albacore near the surface, the ideal technique is trolling with artificial lures or live bait. Their preference for faster approaches means keeping multiple lines with bright skirted lures in their view to trigger instinctual strikes.

BEST BAITS FOR CATCHING TUNA

Choosing the right bait is crucial for tuna fishing. Live baits such as mackerel and pilchards are highly effective for Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna. For artificial lures, brightly colored and skirted jigs can attract tuna species, especially when jigging or trolling. For targeting the surface-dwelling False Albacore and Bonito, brightly colored and skirted trolling lures work well to entice strikes.

TUNA SPECIES IN PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico's waters hold Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Bonito, False Albacore, and Skipjack Tuna. Each species provides a unique fishing experience.

  • Yellowfin Tuna: Known for their size and fighting ability.

  • Blackfin Tuna: Smaller than Yellowfins but equally challenging.

  • Bonito: Fast and agile, providing an exciting catch.

  • False Albacore: Not true tuna but offer a similar fishing experience.

  • Skipjack Tuna: Smaller, but known for their speed and agility.

TUNA SEASONS, SIZES, AND RECORDS

The best season for tuna fishing in Puerto Rico varies by species but generally spans from early spring to late summer. Yellowfin Tuna can reach record sizes of over 200 pounds, with Blackfin and Bonito typically smaller. Records include impressive catches, showcasing the potential for trophy-sized fish.

Seasonal patterns emerge, with spring and late summer peaks in abundance for large Yellowfin Tuna that can reach 100 - 180 pounds. Blackfin Tuna are smaller, but large specimen and approach 40 pounds and unleash a tough fight with acrobatics in the summer. Bonito are typically more common in the fall months.

TUNA CULINARY TECHNIQUES AND COOKING STYLES

Tuna is not only a prized catch for its sporting challenge but also for its culinary value. Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna are particularly sought after for dishes such as sashimi and grilled steaks. Cooking styles vary, with preferences for fresh, lightly seasoned preparations to highlight the tuna's natural flavors.

Yellowfin Tuna earns the nickname “steak of the sea” for its exquisite rich buttery flavor simply grilled or seared rare. While Blackfin Tuna stands up deliciously in salads, tacos, poke and more.