Catching Tarpon in Puerto Rico
Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 250 pounds.
Since being protected in Puerto Rico many tarpon live to be upwards of 50 years old.
Tarpon are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but its not uncommon to see them cruising around the offshore reefs too
Our favorite method to catch tarpon is sight casting swim baits to feeding fish.
Since Tarpon are extremely hard fighting & very acrobatic they are a great target to fish for if your not worried about food fair.
Tarpon have the capability to gulp air at the surface when they are in a habitat that doesn't provide enough oxygen.
Tarpon can be caught on live bait, dead bait, and artificial lures on all coast lines of Puerto Rico.
When and Where to Target Tarpon in Puerto Rico
Tarpon fishing on Puerto Rico’s west coast offers anglers an exciting year-round opportunity to target one of the most powerful and acrobatic gamefish in the Caribbean. Areas like Aguadilla, Rincón, and Boquerón are prime spots for inshore tarpon, where calm bays, mangrove lagoons, and river mouths provide the perfect habitat. The best time to catch tarpon is during the early morning or late afternoon, especially around a moving tide when baitfish are active. While tarpon can be caught year-round, the peak season on the west coast typically runs from late spring through early fall, when warmer waters and increased baitfish activity draw larger schools closer to shore.
These silver giants are often found rolling on the surface in calm backwaters or ambushing prey near structures and drop-offs. Local guides, like those at Simply Caught Charters, know how to read the tides and locate the best feeding zones using live bait, lures, or even fly gear. Since many tarpon on the west coast are juveniles or sub-adults, catch-and-release practices are mandated to support healthy populations. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying tarpon fishing for the first time, Puerto Rico’s west coast offers a dynamic and scenic setting to battle one of the ocean’s most iconic sportfish. For guided trips and expert instruction, visit SimplyCaughtCharters.com.
Tarpon Fishing Tactics in Puerto Rico
Catching tarpon in Puerto Rico combines thrilling action with technique and top-tier gear—and having the right setup is key to success. For anglers searching for best tarpon lures, inshore fishing tackle, or light tackle tarpon fishing, proven options include soft plastic swimbaits, DOA shrimp, and suspending twitchbaits like the MirrOlure MirrOdine. In low-light conditions or early mornings, topwater lures for tarpon such as the Heddon Super Spook can trigger spectacular surface explosions. Match your lure color to water clarity, and upgrade your chances with premium tackle available from Melton Tackle and TackleDirect, two of the best online tackle stores for saltwater anglers.
For those looking to improve their skills or book a professional guide, tarpon fishing charters in Puerto Rico offer the best chance at landing a trophy fish. Accurate casting, slow retrieves, and strong fluorocarbon leaders (30–50 lb) are essential when battling these silver giants. Don’t forget to “bow to the king” when they jump—dropping your rod tip to prevent pulled hooks. Whether you’re looking for shore fishing tips, tarpon gear setups, or a full-service inshore fishing charter, Simply Caught Charters in Rincón, Puerto Rico provides guided trips with top-quality equipment and expert local knowledge. Book your tarpon adventure today at SimplyCaughtCharters.com and get ready to experience some of the best sport fishing in the Caribbean.
