Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, known for its landscape of green mountains, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches and coral reefs, popular for snorkelling, diving, surfing and sailing.
A rich variety of fishing is available from deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean to light-tackle and fly fishing in mangrove lagoons and freshwater lakes. Inshore fishing in the mangroves, lagoons, and shallow waters are great for tarpon, snook, jacks, and snapper. For offshore fishing head out into the Atlantic Ocean's deep waters for species such as blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, dorado (mahi-mahi), and tuna.
In San Juan, the capital and largest city, the Isla Verde area is known for its beach bars, nightclubs and casinos. There are also multiple lagoons like Torrecilla and San José, which are known hotspots for tarpon.
Torrecilla Lagoon, a short drive from San Juan, is one of the top fishing spots on the island and our chosen destination. The lagoon offers a rich environment with mangrove channels and flats that attract a variety of fish. Tarpon is the primary target for most anglers visiting the lagoon. Torrecilla is renowned for its high population of tarpon, which range in size from juveniles to large adults. Another targeted species is snook and the lagoon provides a suitable habitat for snook to thrive. Jack Crevalle are also prevalent and can provide exhilarating experience on light tackle. Ladyfish and Barracuda are less targeted but are still present.
While tarpon and other species are present year-round, the best months for tarpon fishing tend to be between November and April. Tarpon are prolific and big, expect silver fighting machines from 5 to 150 pounds plus. They can be seen hitting big shoals of bait fishing or just cruising. Often they hang under the mangrove branches ready to pounce on shoals of fry.
Whether fishing baits or fly fishing or both, it is difficult to predict the size of tarpon you might hook up with. It could be any size; you just never know until you hook one. The bulk of the Tarpon are resident. Occasional Tarpon enter the lagoons from the sea and these are more silver, sleeker and slightly harder fighting. These rich lagoons hold a massive head of food fish and also the big predators.
Snook like features and ambush points, they can be targeted on light tackle along the mangroves or out in the middle of the lagoons over shallower water and you will find plenty in the 1 to 15-pound range.
Caribbean Fishing Adventures are our accommodation and guide company based just 15 minutes from the City and San Juan International Airport. They are serious professionals who take a great interest in clients and their excellent product.
Please note when travelling to Puerto Rico an USA ESTA is required (tourist visa).
Flights:
Please note flights are not included. If you require assistance booking your flights, please call Martins World Travel on Tel: 01246 220020 for the latest information. Please do not confirm any flights without contacting us first to check that they will connect with the transfers.
You are advised to book your flights direct with your chosen airline and pay on your credit card. This gives you maximum protection in the event of an airline failure.
Passports:
Ensure your passport is valid for your trip. It should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Holiday Insurance:
We strongly advise that you take out adequate comprehensive holiday insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip as soon as you book your holiday.
Check the following Government website for rules for travelling to Puerto Rico:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa