5.0(4 Reviews)Cabo Rojo Inshore Charter for Snook & Tarpon
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2hour private inshore charter targeting snook, tarpon, and snapperCaptain Tony provides tackle, bait, and guidance in Puerto Real watersEarly morning departure with slow trolling near mangrove channels
Captain Tony's 2-hour private inshore fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Puerto Real's shallow estuaries, where the fishing is as good as it gets in southwest Puerto Rico. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – it's just you, one other angler, and a captain who knows every mangrove channel and grass flat like the back of his hand. You'll be targeting snook, tarpon, snapper, jacks, and great barracuda in some of the most productive shallow water on the island. The 7:00 AM departure gets you on the water when the fish are most active, and Captain Tony provides all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need to make it happen.
Your morning starts at the marina in Puerto Real, where Captain Tony will get you set up with light tackle perfectly suited for inshore work. The shallow estuaries here are protected from ocean swells, so even if it's choppy outside, you'll be fishing calm water where you can actually see what's happening below. The trip focuses on slow trolling near mangrove channels and working the edges where baitfish stack up. Captain Tony moves between multiple spots throughout the 2-hour trip, reading the water and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling him. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll match the approach to your skill level and make sure you're in the game.
The fishing here is all about finesse and reading the water. Captain Tony uses light tackle that lets you feel every bite and puts you in direct contact with the fish. The slow trolling technique covers water efficiently while keeping baits in the strike zone longer than traditional trolling. When you're working the mangrove edges, it's all about presentation – getting your bait to where the fish are holding without spooking them. The captain handles boat positioning and drift control, so you can focus on working your bait and setting the hook when fish bite. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are included, along with safety equipment. The light tackle setup means even smaller fish put up a real fight, and when you hook into a tarpon or big snook, you'll know it immediately.
"Me encanta" - Maggie. "I finally got a chance to take my son fishing on a much anticipated charter fishing adventure in Puerto Rico and Capt. Antonio Zapata of the Reel Knowledge made our trip extremely memorable. We hit it off right away after meeting up at his marina in Puerto Real just because he has a friendly and easygoing personality. Once we launched, he was quick to point out the local attractions and beaches while explaining the different fishing techniques we would employ to catch fish. By the time we got to our spot, we quickly fell into a rhythm and we're catching fish in no time. Almost immediately, we were hooked up on Red Grouper, Yellow Tail snapper and red snapper. Figuring the fish out and their subtle bites while Cpt. Zapata managed the drift made this a very cool experience. I even caught my son smiling to himself as he fought a fish. Drifting and trolling was relaxing as we dreamed of what type of fish might bite but as is the case with fishing, there were no takers on this trip. But to cap the day off perfectly, once we got back to the shallow bay, Cpt. Zapata changed out the rigs and showed us how to cast and instantly my son was hooked tight to an awesome 50+ lb. Tarpon. The fight was on and after a grueling 20 or so minutes and more than a fair share of jumps, the beast was landed. Mission accomplished Capt. Antonio Zapata, I will be back." - Yakin. "Best experience in Cabo Rojo. Thanks Capt. Tony" - Reinaldo.
Snook are the crown jewel of Puerto Rico's inshore fishery, and the mangrove-lined channels around Puerto Real hold some serious fish. These ambush predators hang around structure waiting for baitfish to get too close, and when they strike, it's explosive. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can grow over 30 inches in these waters. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which is why the early morning departure time is perfect. What makes snook so special is their fighting ability – they'll make blistering runs toward cover and jump multiple times. The shallow water here means you can often see them before they bite, adding a visual element that gets your heart pumping.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish, and landing one is something you'll never forget. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds in Puerto Rican waters, though the fish you're likely to encounter in the shallows run 30-80 pounds. Tarpon are famous for their aerial displays – when hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and gill-rattling in an attempt to throw the hook. The fight can last 30 minutes or more on light tackle, testing both your endurance and the equipment. They're present year-round in these waters but are most active during warmer months. The shallow flats and channels around Puerto Real are prime tarpon habitat, especially during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed into the shallows.
Great Barracuda add serious excitement to any inshore trip with their aggressive strikes and blazing speed. These toothy predators can reach 4-5 feet in length and are built for pure speed, capable of hitting 35 mph in short bursts. They're visual hunters that often follow baits before striking, sometimes right at the boat. Barracuda fight differently than snook or tarpon – instead of jumping, they make long, powerful runs that will test your drag settings. They're present year-round in these waters an
This restored 2002 Clearwater center console is your ticket to serious inshore fishing in Cabo Rojo's productive waters. At 20 feet with a brand-new 2023 Suzuki 90HP engine, she'll get you to the fish quickly while providing a stable platform for casting into those shallow mangrove channels where snook and tarpon love to hide. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, though your private charter keeps it intimate with just 2 guests. Essential fishing features include a reliable fish finder to locate schools of snapper and jacks, GPS navigation to hit those secret spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those early morning starts. Built for the demanding Puerto Rican waters, this boat combines the reliability you need with the fishing-focused design that makes the difference between stories and empty coolers.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver bullets are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Most barracuda we see range 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 5+ feet and really test your drag. They patrol shallow flats, reef edges, and mangrove channels, usually near the surface hunting baitfish. Year-round fishing here in Puerto Rico, but they're most aggressive early morning when bait is active. What guests love? Lightning-fast strikes and blistering runs - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight is intense but short, so keep steady pressure. Pro tip: use a wire leader and bright, flashy lures. They're curious fish that'll follow your bait, so keep it moving fast to trigger that strike instinct.
Centropomus UndecimalisThese sleek predators are what make our mangrove fishing so exciting. Most snook we catch run 18-30 inches, with that signature black lateral line and golden color. They love hiding in structure - around docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths where fresh meets salt. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard with powerful runs and jumps, plus they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. Here's my tip: cast your bait just past the mangrove edge and let it drift naturally into the shadows - that's where the big ones wait.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king - there's nothing like watching a 4-6 foot tarpon explode out of the water right next to the boat. These giants cruise our shallow bays and channels, rolling on the surface as they gulp air. Spring through fall is prime time, especially early mornings when they're feeding actively. Why do guests go crazy for them? Those aerial shows are pure magic - they can jump 10 feet high and run like freight trains. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating anyway. The fight is what matters. My advice: when one jumps, bow to the fish - lower your rod tip to give slack, or they'll throw the hook every time. Keep steady pressure but let them run.
5.0 out of 5.0Me encanta
I finally got a chance to take my son fishing on a much anticipated charter fishing adventure in Puerto Rico and Capt. Antonio Zap...
Best experience in Cabo Rojo. Thanks Capt. Tony
Cabo Rojo