Private Fishing Charters in Puerto Rico
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6-8 hour fishing trips targeting trophy species offshoreAll equipment, refreshments, snorkeling gear, and licenses included completelyAccommodates up to 6 guests with seasonal Monday-Saturday availability
When you're serious about fishing in Puerto Rico's rich waters, Maragata Charters delivers the kind of experience that gets anglers talking. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking 6 to 8 hours of prime fishing time, heading up to 17 miles offshore where the big fish live. You'll have the boat to yourself and up to 5 friends, so no strangers crowding your lines or rushing your shots at trophy fish. We run Monday through Saturday, and every trip comes loaded with top-shelf gear, fresh bait, cold drinks, snacks, and even your fishing license handled. Plus, if the fish take a break, we can drop anchor at a prime snorkeling spot – all gear included, no extra charge.
Your day starts early when the conditions are prime and the fish are active. We'll motor out past the inshore crowds to where the water turns that deep blue that means business. Puerto Rico's offshore waters are legendary for good reason – the continental shelf drops off quickly here, creating upwellings that attract baitfish, and where bait goes, the predators follow. You're looking at water temperatures that stay comfortable year-round, meaning fish activity rarely slows down completely. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, but honestly, in these waters, it's often about reading the signs – birds working, debris lines, color changes in the water. Your captain knows these patterns like the back of his hand and will position you where the action is most likely to happen. With 6 to 8 hours out there, you've got time to work different areas, try various techniques, and really maximize your shots at multiple species.
Most of your fishing will be trolling, which is the bread and butter for targeting pelagic species in Puerto Rico's offshore waters. We're talking outriggers spread wide with a mix of lures and rigged baits working at different depths and distances. The tackle provided includes heavy conventional reels spooled with 50 to 80-pound test, paired with rods that can handle the weight and fight of big fish. Lure selection changes based on conditions and target species – ballyhoo rigs for sailfish and marlin, high-speed wahoo lures that can handle 15+ knot trolling speeds, and diving plugs that mimic the smaller tunas these fish crush. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot feeding activity, we might switch to live bait fishing or vertical jigging. The captain will handle all the rigging and placement, but don't worry – you'll get plenty of hands-on time fighting and landing fish. Circle hooks are standard for billfish conservation, and we follow all local regulations for protected species.
Atlantic Sailfish: These are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Puerto Rico's waters host them year-round with peak action typically from December through April. Sailfish here average 30 to 60 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They cruise the edge of the continental shelf hunting ballyhoo and small tunas, often traveling in small groups. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a fight that tests your technique. The thrill isn't just the battle – it's watching that distinctive sail light up electric blue when they're excited or hunting.
Blue Marlin: The holy grail for many offshore anglers, blue marlin in Puerto Rican waters can range from 100-pound schoolies to monsters pushing 400 pounds or more. Peak season runs from June through October, but fish are caught year-round. These apex predators patrol the deep water drop-offs and seamounts, hunting everything from small tuna to flying fish. When a blue marlin takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod loads up, line screams off the reel, and you're in for the fight of a lifetime. Even smaller blues have incredible power and stamina.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the deep, wahoo are prized for both their blistering runs and excellent table fare. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and are famous for making reels smoke when they decide to run. In Puerto Rico, they're most active during the cooler months from November through March, typically caught while trolling at higher speeds with wire leaders to prevent their razor-sharp teeth from cutting through. They average 20 to 40 pounds here, with occasional fish pushing 60 pounds.
Great Barracuda: Don't let anyone tell you barracuda aren't exciting – these ambush predators pack serious attitude and fight harder than their reputation suggests. Puerto Rico's offshore barracuda often exceed 20 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet long. They're opportunistic feeders that will crush trolled lures or live baits, especially around debris lines and structure. Their initial run is explosive, and they'll jump and thrash at the boat. Plus, they're actually excellent eating when prepared properly.
Yellowfin Tuna: These powerful, fast-swimming tuna are among the most sought-after game fish in Puerto Rican waters. Yellowfins here typically range from 30 to 100+ pounds, with their distinctive yellow fins and incredible stamina making every fight memorable. They school around underwater structure and feed heavily on flying fish, small jacks, and squid. When hooked, they make long, powerful runs toward the bottom and rarely give up easily. The meat is premium grade, perfect for sashimi or grilling.
Here's the bottom line – 6 to 8 hours of private charter fishing in some of the Caribbean's most productive waters, with all the gear and extras included, represents serious value for serious anglers. You're not just buying fishing time; you're getting access
Meet Wave Rider, your ticket to some serious fishing action off Puerto Rico's coast. This 38-foot Benchmark catamaran packs twin 450HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 32 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. Built in 1998 and fully restored in 2017, she's got the space and stability that makes all the difference when you're battling yellowfin tuna or waiting for that marlin strike. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility to spot diving birds and bait schools, while the fish finder helps locate where the big ones are holding. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a head for those long 6-8 hour trips, Wave Rider handles everything from close inshore action to running 17 miles out for the trophy fish. The twin hull design means a smooth, stable platform whether you're casting for mahi mahi or fighting a sailfish. She comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese beauties are what dreams are made of - reaching 7-8 feet and averaging around 50 pounds. They cruise our warm waters between 30-65 feet, often hunting in small groups using those massive dorsal fins to herd baitfish. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you talking for years. We see them year-round here in Puerto Rico, but they really turn on during the warmer months. The secret to landing one? When they take the bait, let them run first before you start working them. They'll try to shake that hook immediately, so keep steady pressure and be patient. Their speed and acrobatics make every hookup memorable.
Makaira NigricansThe king of billfish around here - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males stay closer to 300. These giants patrol the deep blue water we fish, following the warm currents. They're migratory, so timing matters, but Puerto Rico's waters offer solid shots year-round. What guests love is the raw power and those famous jumps when hooked. Blues are apex predators that feed on tuna and mackerel, so they hit hard and fight harder. The meat's decent, though many prefer the catch-and-release experience. Here's a tip from years on the water - when you hook one, make sure your drag is set right from the start. These fish will test every piece of your gear, so industrial-strength tackle is a must.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese toothy predators are pure attitude - averaging 2-4 feet but capable of hitting 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They patrol coral reefs, grass flats, and nearshore waters, often alone except when hunting in packs. Barracuda are visual hunters attracted to flash and movement, making them exciting on topwater lures. They hit like freight trains and can reach 35 mph in short bursts. Spring brings the best action when they're most active. The fight is intense but short - they burn out quick after that initial run. While some avoid eating them due to ciguatera concerns, smaller ones are usually fine. My advice: use a wire leader and gloves when landing. Those teeth are no joke, and big ones will jump right at the boat. Keep your hands clear!
Acanthocybium SolandriSpeed demons of the deep - these silver rockets with distinctive blue stripes can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. They patrol the open water around 60 feet, often around floating debris or structure. Wahoo are fantastic eating - firm white meat that's mild and sweet, perfect for the grill or fish tacos. We catch them year-round here, but they really fire up during the cooler months. The key is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will cut through anything else. What makes them fun is that lightning-fast strike and the way they peel line. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep the boat moving. They'll throw the hook if you give them slack, so maintain steady pressure throughout the fight.
Thunnus AlbacaresPure muscle wrapped in a torpedo shape - these guys average 60 pounds but can push 400+. They cruise the top 300 feet of open water, often traveling in schools following baitfish. Yellowfin are prized for their incredible sashimi-grade meat and that blistering 50 mph speed. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up during summer months. They're eating machines, so trolling rigged ballyhoo or chunking live bait works great. What guests love is the sustained fight - these fish just don't quit. When surface fishing goes quiet, drop jigs deep where they're marking. Here's the trick: when chunking, match whatever baitfish they're feeding on that day. Patience pays off with these smart fish.
Palmas del Mar