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Damn Good Flats Fishing Charters In Puerto Rico

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Puerto Rico flats fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Flats Fishing Charters In Puerto Rico

Fishing in La Parguera

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in La Parguera

West Coast Flats Fishing

100% (1)
16 ft 1 - 2 People From $375
Fishing in Carolina

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Backwater Tarpon, Snook, & Jacks

100% (1)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $375
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Carolina

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Tarpon And Snook Night Classic -22'

75% (8)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Loiza

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Loiza

Tarpon And Snook Thriller- 18'

75% (8)
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Pole Ojea

Deep Sea, Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Pole Ojea

Combate Private Fishing Charter

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $850

Top Cities for Flats Fishing in Puerto Rico

Top Species for Flats Fishing in Puerto Rico

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Other Trips in Puerto Rico

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Caribbean Nighttime Adventure- 18' in Carolina

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of San Juan! On this 4 hour action-packed adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings" and maybe even some Snook. You'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants," located at the heart of San Jose and Torrecilla lagoons. These 6 lagoons interconnected by mangrove canals are a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Caribbean Nighttime Adventure- 18'

75% (8)
18 ft 1 - 5 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Tarpon & Snook - 22' Quick Bite in Carolina

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of San Juan! On this 4 to 8-hour action-packed adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings" as well as Snook, Jack Crevalle and Mangrove Snapper. You'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants," located at the heart of San Jose and Torrecilla lagoons. These 6 lagoons interconnected by mangrove canals are a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Angel's 22' Nautic Star Sport 2200 powered by a 150 HP Suzuki engine. She can accommodate 6 anglers and has 2 live bait wells on board. This boat is equipped with Garmin electronics will get you to where the fish are biting. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Tarpon & Snook - 22' Quick Bite

75% (8)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Tarpon and Snook Smash! - 16' in Carolina

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of Loíza! On this 4 to 8-hour action-packed adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings" and maybe even some Snook, Jack Crevalle, or Spanish Mackerel. On this trip, you'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants" in the heart of the Torrecilla lagoon. This is one of the 6 lagoons around San Juan interconnected by mangrove canals, which are collectively a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Tarpon And Snook Smash! - 16'

75% (8)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Loiza
Fishing in Loiza
Fishing in Loiza
trip description for Tarpon and Snook Thriller- 18' in Loiza

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of Carolina, Puerto Rico! On this 4 to 8-hour action-packed adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings" as well as Snook, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper and Spanish Mackerel. On this trip, you'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants" in the heart of the Torrecilla lagoon. This is one of the 6 lagoons around San Juan interconnected by mangrove canals, which are collectively a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Angel's 16' Cape Horn Flats Edition powered by a 90 HP Yamaha engine. She can accommodate 4 anglers and has a live bait well on board. This boat is equipped with Garmin electronics will get you to where the fish are biting. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Loiza

Tarpon And Snook Thriller- 18'

75% (8)
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Tarpon and Snook Night Classic -22' in Carolina

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of Carolina, Puerto Rico! On this 4 hour action-packed adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings" as well as Snook, Jack Crevalle and Mangrove Snapper. On this trip, you'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants" in the heart of the Torrecilla lagoon. This is one of the 6 lagoons around San Juan interconnected by mangrove canals, which are collectively a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Angel's 22' Nautic Star Sport 2200 powered by a 150 HP Suzuki engine. She can accommodate 6 anglers and has 2 live bait wells on board. This boat is equipped with Garmin electronics will get you to where the fish are biting. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Tarpon And Snook Night Classic -22'

75% (8)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Caguas
Fishing in Caguas
Fishing in Caguas
trip description for San Juan Offshore - 42’ Egg Harbour in Caguas

Hit the water with Captain Angel and go after monster fish off the coast of San Juan! On this 4 to 8-hour action-packed adventure, Captain Angel will help you target Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Spearfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, White Marlin, and Yellowfin Tuna. Whether you want to go after these fish using Tackle, Trolling, Bottom Fishing, Deep Dropping or Jigging, this hefty boat will have you covered. Anything you reel in on this trip is guaranteed to be worthy of a picture, and the Blue Marlin is no exception. These fish are found in tropical and warm temperate oceanic waters. Growing to over 1,000 lbs, they are the true Apex sportfish of the Atlantic. Other catches like Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi or Swordfish will be sure to provide an unforgettable at home meal. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Angel's 42' Egg Harbour Golden Egg powered by 2 550 HP Detroit engines. One of the most equipped vessels in San Juan, she can accommodate 6 anglers and has its own generators, ac interiors, bathroom and Simrad electronics GPS/Fishfinders. This top-of-the-line boat is powerful and luxurious, and will have no problem getting you offshore. Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive day on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water, a variety of soft drinks, dry snacks, and all-day trips will include lunch sandwiches. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Caguas

San Juan Offshore - 42’ Egg Harbour

75% (8)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Loiza
Fishing in Loiza
Fishing in Loiza
trip description for Night Fishing CFA - 16' in Loiza

Hit the water with Captain Angel and fish the inshore areas of San Juan! On this 4-hour night fishing adventure in one of the top Tarpon fishing spots in the world, Captain Angel will help you target these "Silver Kings," and maybe some Snook, Spanish Mackerel, or Horse-eye Jack. You'll be fishing right at the home of these "inshore giants," located at the heart of San Jose and Torrecilla lagoons. These 6 lagoons interconnected by mangrove canals are a top 5 Tarpon fishing location Worldwide. Listen closely to Captain Angel’s advice - he knows where the fish bite! Tarpon are acrobats of the ocean and put on a spectacular show in the air! Whether you’re using rod and reel or fly fishing, these sometimes 100 plus pound fish love to fight hard. Tides, weather, and moon phases play an essential factor in a Tarpon’s behavior, but these kings are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Bring your camera because catching a tarpon is a stunning experience that you will want to capture. These fascinating sport fish are catch and release. It only takes one battle with these prehistoric creatures to become completely mesmerized, and you’ll be longing to catch more. Tons of fish love to feed at night. The big fish especially tend to hunt after the sun goes down. On top of feeding time, Captain Angel likes to depart in the evening to escape the heat as well. On these trips, you will target a multitude of different fish as you aim for an inshore slam! Captain Angel will provide everything you need for a productive night on the water. He will have all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait (included in the price). Trips also include bottled water and a variety of soft drinks, but be sure to bring any snacks that you might need! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Loiza

Night Fishing CFA - 16'

75% (8)
16 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Puerto Rico Tarpon Adventure in Carolina

Get out there on the Torrecilla and San José Lagoons, two of the most exciting inland fisheries in San Juan, Puerto Rico! Your trip will be run by one of five captains—Armando, Randy, Karim, Carlos, or Pantoja—all business partners and experts in inshore and nearshore fishing with several decades of combined experience. This Puerto Rico charter fishing experience includes not only world-class Tarpon and Snook fishing, but also incomparable scenery and wildlife. The location of these beautiful lagoons guarantees the calm waters, which means no seasickness! For our hardcore fishing enthusiasts, the best part of Tarpon fishing in Puerto Rico is that it's a year-round activity! The waters around San Juan are known for having a large concentration of Tarpon, but they also produce big Snook, Jacks, Lady Fish, Barracuda, and Snapper. San Juan Tarpon love the rain and cloudy days. Usually, fishing here is best when its cloudy or pouring rain! So unless a hurricane is making landfall, you can expect to go out and chase these "Silver Kings" no matter the weather. You'll use Threadfin Herring, Anchovies and Sand Perch for bait—all of which these fish love to hit! For those customers that prefer artificial lures, he has an excellent set of lures as well. In addition, if you're interested in fly-fishing, this is a perfect environment to throw some flies! Just let your captain know ahead of time so that he can bring fly rods and flies. You'll be fishing from the deck of an 18' Action Craft skiff, powered by a 150-HP Evinrude engine. She's kitted out with a Garmin fishfinder, live well, storage area, Minn-Kota Trolling Motor, and a great casting deck for light tackle fishing or fly fishing. Your captain will provide everything you need for an awesome trip, including rods, reels, live bait, and tackle. Just bring proper clothing, a hat, and a pair of polarized sunglasses and you'll be good to go! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Puerto Rico Tarpon Adventure

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $370
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Extreme Tarpon - 20’ Twin Vee in Carolina

Head out with Captain Juan Carlos to chase down the Silver King! Captain Jaun will take you to the back country waters of Torrecilla, San Jose and Los Corozos lagoons in San Juan. Down in San Juan, Tarpon in habit the waters year round! So no matter what time of year it is, the Tarpon fishing is always on! You will be fishing from his 20' Twin Vee dubbed: "The EXTREMIST" which is designed to fish two guests at a time, but can handle three if the need arises. This trip is also great for the family since the backcountry lagoons are calm and are always protected from the wind. Captain Juan caught 156 tarpon in just 6 days of fishing in December of 2001! Captain Juan is willing to cater to any level of experience and any technique you want to use! From 15 pound test line spinning rods to 50 pound braided line jigging rods, the EXTREMIST carries the best equipment from Shimano and St. Croix rods, and if fly fishing is your flavor, equipment from Nautilus, Able and St. Croix rods are all part of the EXTREMIST’S arsenal as well. All Captain Juan's trips include your expert guide (Juan himself), live bait, fishing tackle, bottled water, and sodas for your enjoyment. He provides top of the line tackle from Shimano, St. Croix rods, Yozuri and Fathom Inshore. All Captain Juan recommends you bring are your sunglasses, hats &/or visors, and sun block! Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages along, all Captain Juan requests is that they be consumed in a moderate fashion. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Extreme Tarpon - 20’ Twin Vee

100% (3)
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $400
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Extreme Reef Trip - 26' Twin Vee in Carolina

Head out with Captain Juan Carlos to hit the Reefs for some rod bending action and tasty table fare! The incredibly productive La Peña reef is just a scant 10 minute boat ride away from our docks. This underwater pinnacle rises from 130 foot depths to 78 feet of the surface and is home to many exciting gamefish including kingfish, snappers, jacks and barracuda.. Captain Juan has personally guided three IGFA world records from La Peña On the day of your trip you will launch from the Cangrejos Yacht Club, a private marina located 5 minutes from San Juans international airport and an easy 5-8 minutes from all the major hotels and city center. Captain Juan is willing to cater to any level of experience and any technique you want to use! From 15 pound test line spinning rods to 50 pound braided line jigging rods, Captain Juan's boat comes loaded with all the best equipment from Shimano and St. Croix rods. All Captain Juan's trips include your expert guide (Juan himself), live bait, fishing tackle, bottled water, and sodas for your enjoyment. He provides top of the line tackle from Shimano, St. Croix rods, Yozuri and Fathom Inshore. All Captain Juan recommends you bring are your sunglasses, hats &/or visors, and sun block! Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages along, all Captain Juan requests is that they be consumed in a moderate fashion. Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carolina

Extreme Reef Trip - 26' Twin Vee

100% (3)
26 ft 1 - 3 People From $400
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
Fishing in Carolina
trip description for Extreme Offshore Trip 26’ Twin Vee in Carolina

Head out with Captain Juan Carlos to battle some mighty offshore pelagic species off the coast of San Juan! On these offshore trips, you will spend most of your time trolling for Blue and White Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna. Sailfish can also be targeted a couple of months out of the year but those trips are heavily dependent on the weather so are more difficult to schedule. If Sailfish is what you're after, give us a call and we can lend advice on the best times of the year to try and schedule your trip. If conditions aren't perfect on the day of your trip, Captain Juan would be more than happy to take you out to the La Pena reef for some rod bending action and some delicious table fare, or take you to explore the back bays (where it is almost always calm) to chase Tarpon. These trips are at a discounted rate as well. No matter the conditions or the type of trip, you will always meet up with Captain Juan at the Cangrejos Yacht Club, a private marina located 5 minutes from San Juans international airport and an easy 5-8 minutes from all the major hotels and city center. All Captain Juan's trips include your expert guide (Juan himself), live bait, prepared dead bait, fishing tackle, bottled water, and sodas for your enjoyment. He provides top-of-the-line tackle from Shimano, St. Croix rods to help you land these epic fish. All Captain Juan recommends you bring are your sunglasses, hats &/or visors, and sun block! Feel free to bring alcoholic beverages along, all Captain Juan requests is that they be consumed in a moderate fashion. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Carolina

Extreme Offshore Trip 26’ Twin Vee

100% (3)
26 ft 1 - 3 People From $800
Fishing in Vega Baja
Fishing in Vega Baja
Fishing in Vega Baja
trip description for Puerto Rico Peacock Bass Slam in Vega Baja

If you thought that America's best Peacock Bass fishing ended in Florida, think again! Puerto Rico has many lakes chock full of these big, aggressive fish, which are just waiting to hammer your lure or bait. Let Captain Luis be your guide to the best freshwater fishing that the "Isla de Encanta" has to offer on this awesome trip. Contrary to their name, Peacock Bass aren't "true" bass at all, but are actually a type of cichlid native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. However, they've been introduced to many warm freshwater environments in the Southeast U.S. and the Caribbean, giving you a great opportunity to feel the fight on these champion gamefish. In addition, Puerto Rico's many lakes are also home to prizewinning Largemouth Bass, which compete with Peacocks for territory and prey. Captain Luis has years experiences chasing both of these fish, and knows exactly how to put you on 'em, whether you're an advanced angler or still pretty green. You'll be fishing with classic Bass techniques, such as jigging and topwater retrieval. Bring your A-game on this trip, because when a big Peacock hits your line, you better be ready for a fight! You'll be casting from the deck of Captain Luis shallow-draft Mako, a perfect vessel for chasing freshwater gamefish in shallow water! She sports an Evinrude outboard so you can get to the hot spots quickly, plus a fishfinder to help you locate your targets. Captain Luis will bring everything you need for a great trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring is proper clothing, sun screen, a cooler with your snacks and drinks, and a smile! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Vega Baja

Puerto Rico Peacock Bass Slam

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $375

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Puerto Rico flats fishing charter

What are the best flats fishing charters in Puerto Rico?

Why should I book a flats fishing charter in Puerto Rico with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 5 flats trips in Puerto Rico, and the most popular trips in the area are West Coast Flats Fishing guided by Luis, Tarpon and Snook Night Classic -22' guided by Angel, and Backwater Tarpon, Snook, & Jacks guided by Santiago.

Our guides in Puerto Rico are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3512 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly flats guides / fishing lessons in Puerto Rico? Check out our beginner and family friendly flats guides in Puerto Rico.

What types of flats fishing charters are common in Puerto Rico?

The most commonly sought after species for flats fishing are: 1. jack crevalle, 2. tarpon, 3. snook, 4. yellowtail snapper, and 5. mutton snapper.

The most common fishing techniques in Puerto Rico are light tackle fishing, fly fishing, and bottom fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Puerto Rico flats fishing charters cost?

Prices for flats fishing in Puerto Rico can range anywhere from about $400 to $950, but the average price for a half day trip for flats fishing in Puerto Rico is $518. The average price for a full day trip for flats fishing in Puerto Rico is $708.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for flats fishing in Puerto Rico?

The most popular season for flats fishing in Puerto Rico is spring, and most anglers book their trips 29 days in advance.

Do I need a Puerto Rico fishing license and what are the bag limits in Puerto Rico?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Puerto Rico, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Puerto Rico. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Puerto Rico.

What is flats fishing in Puerto Rico all about?

Flats fishing in Puerto Rico offers an exceptional experience for anglers seeking a diverse array of species in stunning tropical settings. The island's expansive and pristine flats provide ideal conditions for targeting species such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The shallow, crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot fish and present an exciting challenge for those using light tackle and fly fishing gear. These flats, found around areas like the lagoons of Fajardo and the waters off Culebra, are renowned for their abundance and variety of fish, making them a prime destination for both seasoned anglers and newcomers.

One of the highlights of flats fishing in Puerto Rico is the opportunity to chase after the elusive permit. Known for their wariness and selective feeding habits, permit offer a rewarding challenge for anglers who are skilled in casting and presentation. The flats around Puerto Rico’s east coast and the surrounding keys are particularly known for holding these prized fish. Anglers often use crabs or shrimp patterns to entice permit, and the thrill of a successful catch makes for a memorable fishing experience.

Tarpon fishing is another exciting option on Puerto Rico’s flats. These large, silver fish are famous for their impressive acrobatics and powerful runs. Flats in areas like La Parguera and the waters near Vieques Island provide excellent opportunities for targeting tarpon, especially during their seasonal migrations. The sight of a tarpon launching out of the water is a spectacular sight and offers an unforgettable challenge. Overall, flats fishing in Puerto Rico provides diverse opportunities and a scenic backdrop, making it a top choice for anglers looking to enjoy the best of Caribbean fishing.

What are the most popular months to go flats fishing in Puerto Rico?

Nearshore flats fishing in Puerto Rico is influenced by seasonal changes, which can significantly impact the availability and behavior of target species. Generally, the best time for flats fishing is from spring through fall. During these months, the weather is warmer and more stable, with clear, calm waters that make it easier to spot fish. This period coincides with the peak activity of popular species such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon, which migrate to the flats in search of food and favorable conditions.

Bonefish are particularly active from late spring to early fall, making these months ideal for targeting them in the flats. The warmer water temperatures and abundant food sources encourage bonefish to frequent the shallow areas, where they are more likely to be seen and caught. The summer months, especially June through August, are prime time for bonefish fishing, as they are actively feeding and can be found in good numbers in the flats around Puerto Rico.

Permit and tarpon fishing also benefits from the seasonal patterns, with both species being more accessible during the warmer months. Permit are typically found in the flats from late spring through early fall, while tarpon are most active during the summer and early fall. These species are known for their migratory behavior, and their presence in the flats aligns with seasonal changes that bring them closer to shore. Anglers can take advantage of these patterns to maximize their chances of a successful catch, making nearshore flats fishing in Puerto Rico a rewarding experience during the peak seasons.

What techniques are popular for flats fishing in Puerto Rico?

Flats fishing in Puerto Rico offers a unique and engaging experience for anglers seeking to target species that thrive in shallow, coastal waters. One popular technique is sight fishing, where anglers actively search for fish in the clear, shallow flats. This method involves using polarized sunglasses to cut through the glare on the water and spot fish such as bonefish, permit, and tarpon as they swim or feed. Once a fish is spotted, anglers cast a carefully selected fly or lure to entice a strike. Sight fishing requires patience and precision, but it can be incredibly rewarding when you successfully hook a fish in its natural environment.

Another effective technique for flats fishing is the use of fly fishing gear. Fly fishing in the flats involves casting lightweight flies that mimic the appearance of baitfish or other prey. Flies such as shrimp patterns or baitfish imitations are commonly used to attract species like bonefish and permit. The key to successful fly fishing in the flats is presenting the fly in a natural manner and using a stealthy approach to avoid spooking the fish. This technique is highly regarded for its challenge and the skill required to effectively land fish on a fly rod.

Additionally, using light tackle with spinning or baitcasting gear is a popular approach for flats fishing. Anglers often use small jigs, soft plastics, or surface lures to target species such as snook or redfish that frequent the shallow waters of the flats. This method allows for versatile presentations and can be effective when fish are feeding aggressively. Whether using artificial lures or live bait, light tackle fishing in the flats requires attention to detail and an understanding of the fish’s feeding behavior to achieve success. Each of these techniques provides a different way to enjoy the diverse flats fishing opportunities that Puerto Rico has to offer.

What species are popular for flats fishing in Puerto Rico?

Flats fishing in Puerto Rico is renowned for its opportunities to catch a variety of exciting species that thrive in the shallow coastal waters. One of the most sought-after targets is the bonefish. Known for their speed and agility, bonefish are a favorite among fly anglers and are often found in the sandy or grassy flats. They can be challenging to catch due to their wary nature and quick reflexes, making them a prized catch for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

Permit are another top species that anglers aim for while flats fishing in Puerto Rico. These fish are known for their impressive fighting ability and distinctive appearance, with their deep bodies and broad, flat heads. Permit are often found in similar habitats to bonefish, such as shallow, clear flats with sandy or muddy bottoms. Catching a permit requires precise casting and the right fly or lure, as they can be selective feeders and are known for their wariness.

Tarpon are also a popular species for flats fishing in Puerto Rico, particularly in the estuarine and mangrove-lined flats. These large, powerful fish are known for their spectacular jumps and strong runs, providing an exhilarating experience for anglers. Tarpon are often targeted using live bait or large, flashy lures that mimic their natural prey. Fishing for tarpon in the flats can be especially productive during their migration periods when they move closer to shore to feed. Each of these species offers unique challenges and rewards, making flats fishing in Puerto Rico a diverse and exciting adventure.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Santiago made the trip fun despite the tarpon being hard to catch. He was on time and interesting to talk with. Seeing manatees and jumping sting rays made the trip. Great guide, would book again!

    Jesse P. | February 15, 2024

    Trip: Backwater Tarpon, Snook, & Jacks

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