Expert-Guided Flats Fishing in Puerto Rico

Flat Fishing Adventure in Puerto Rico

Ready to hit the flats and chase some of the most exciting inshore species Puerto Rico has to offer? Hop aboard our 16 ft Hewes Bonefisher for a 3- or 4-hour private trip that'll get your heart racing and your line screaming. We're talking permit, jacks, barracuda, and snapper - all within casting distance as we cruise the scenic shallows. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer to sling some spinning gear, we've got you covered. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, guaranteed.

Trip Overview

Picture this: crystal clear waters, a light breeze at your back, and fish tailing just yards from the boat. That's what you're in for on this focused flats adventure. We'll zip out to some of Puerto Rico's most productive shallows, where the action can be fast and furious. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing - our guides are patient teachers and will tailor the trip to your skill level. And for you seasoned anglers? Get ready to test your skills against some of the wiliest fish in the Caribbean. We've got a livewell stocked with fresh bait and an ice chest to keep your drinks cool, so all you need to focus on is the fishing. Just remember, these trips book up fast, and deposits are non-refundable - so when you're ready to pull the trigger, don't hesitate.

Flats Tactics & Gear

Flats fishing is all about stealth, accuracy, and quick reflexes. We'll be sight-casting to fish in shallow water, which means you'll need to be on your toes and ready to make that perfect cast when a fish appears. If you're fly fishing, we typically use 8-weight rods with floating lines and leaders in the 10-12 pound range. For spinning gear, light tackle is the name of the game - think 10-15 pound test line on a 2500-3000 size reel. We'll provide all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a favorite setup. Our guides are experts at reading the water and spotting fish, so even if you're new to this style of fishing, you'll be in good hands. We'll teach you how to spot fish, make quiet presentations, and most importantly, how to seal the deal when a big permit or jack decides to play ball.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some monster permit - talking 20+ pounders that'll test your drag and your nerves. The jack crevalle have been thick too, busting bait on the surface and providing some of the most exciting topwater action you'll ever see. And for you snapper fans, we've been finding some solid mangrove snapper hanging around the deeper edges of the flats. These fish might not be the biggest, but they fight like crazy and taste even better. Of course, there's always the chance of hooking into a big barracuda - nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like watching one of these toothy critters slash at your lure.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Permit: The holy grail of flats fishing. These silvery ghosts are notoriously picky eaters and will test your patience and skill. They average 10-20 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for their sickle-shaped tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs in the sand. Permit are most active in the warmer months, but can be caught year-round in Puerto Rico. Landing one of these fish is a true accomplishment that'll have you grinning for days.

Jack Crevalle: If you're after a pure, drag-screaming fight, jacks are your target. These muscle-bound bruisers hunt in packs, often creating huge surface commotion as they chase bait. They'll eagerly take flies or lures and put up a stubborn battle all the way to the boat. Jacks in the 10-15 pound range are common, but 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. They're around all year but seem to be most aggressive in the fall and spring.

Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are the perfect target for anglers who love explosive strikes. These predators lurk on the edges of the flats, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. We often target them with tube lures or large streamers, and the hits are nothing short of spectacular. Barracuda in the 3-4 foot range are common, and they're a blast on light tackle.

Snapper: While we often catch mangrove snapper, you might also encounter mutton or lane snapper on the flats. These tasty fish are known for their quick, powerful runs and tendency to dive for cover. They respond well to live bait or small jigs worked near structure. Snapper fishing is consistent year-round, but seems to peak in the summer months. And if you're lucky enough to keep a few (within regulations, of course), you're in for some of the best eating the ocean has to offer.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of stalking fish on the flats, the rush of a topwater strike, or the satisfaction of putting a client on their first permit. But the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Our 3-4 hour trips are the perfect introduction to the world of flats fishing, and with our experienced guides and top-notch gear, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check some species off your list or a complete novice wanting to try something new, we've got you covered. The flats are calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let another season slip by - book your trip now and get ready for some of the most exciting fishing Puerto Rico has to offer. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a big jack or watched a permit tail in gin-clear water, you'll be hooked for life.