Quick Cast Mackerel And Amberjack Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Light tackle reef jigging aboard 20foot Shamrock vesselTarget grouper, snapper, jacks, and mackerel speciesMaximum two guests with experienced crew guidance
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without breaking the bank? This reef jigging trip puts you right where the action is - Puerto Rico's productive inshore waters where mackerel and amberjack hang out in good numbers. We'll take you out on our 20-foot Shamrock, a boat that's perfectly sized for getting into those sweet spots where the bigger boats can't reach. You'll be working light spinning tackle that gives you real feel for what's happening down there, plus the satisfaction of actually fighting these fish instead of just cranking them up. Whether you've been jigging reefs for years or you're ready to step up from basic bottom fishing, this trip delivers consistent action and teaches you techniques you'll use forever.
We keep this simple and focused - it's all about putting jigs where the fish are and working them right. The 20-foot Shamrock is rigged specifically for this kind of fishing, with enough room for two anglers to work comfortably without getting lines crossed. Puerto Rico's inshore reefs are loaded with structure, and that's exactly what holds these pelagic species when they're feeding. You'll be dropping jigs in 40 to 80 feet of water, working them with that lift-and-drop action that drives mackerel and amberjack crazy. The beauty of this approach is you're always connected to what's happening - no waiting around hoping something finds your bait. When fish are around, you'll know it immediately. Our crew knows these waters and will put you on spots that produce, but the real satisfaction comes from mastering the technique and feeling those aggressive strikes that make reef jigging so addictive.
Forget the heavy gear and brute-force approach. This trip is all about finesse and reading what the fish want. We use light spinning tackle in the 20 to 30-pound class that lets you feel every bump, every follow, and every strike. The jigs we're throwing range from 1 to 4 ounces depending on current and depth, and the technique is more art than science. You'll learn to vary your retrieve - sometimes a steady lift and drop works, other times you need to add some erratic hops or let it flutter on the fall. Mackerel often hit on the drop, while amberjack tend to slam it on the lift. The key is staying connected and being ready for that sudden weight or line movement that signals game time. Our crew will walk you through reading the bottom with your jig, finding the edges where fish position themselves, and adjusting your presentation based on what's working. It's hands-on learning that makes you a better angler, not just someone who got lucky.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're exactly what you want when you're learning to read jigs. These fish run anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They school up over structure and when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on. Their strikes are lightning fast and they make screaming runs that test your drag settings and reflexes. King mackerel are the bigger cousins that show up less frequently but make up for it with serious power. A good king will go 15 to 25 pounds and can easily spool you if you're not ready for that first run. They're ambush predators that often follow the jig up before striking, so staying alert on every retrieve is crucial. Yellowtail amberjack might be the most fun fish in these waters - they're built like underwater bulldogs and fight with pure determination. They average 8 to 15 pounds but every ounce counts when they're trying to get back to their reef. These fish test everything about your setup and technique, making them the perfect target species for anglers who want a real challenge.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience where you sit back and hope for the best. You'll be actively working these reefs, learning techniques that work in waters all over the Caribbean, and building skills that make you more effective every time you hit the water. The small boat size means personal attention from the crew and plenty of chances to perfect your jigging technique. Puerto Rico's inshore waters fish well year-round, but the consistency of this particular fishery makes it a top choice for anglers who want action without the long run to blue water. At just two anglers per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and one-on-one instruction that helps you understand not just what to do, but why it works. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. But once you experience the satisfaction of working light tackle over productive reef structure, you'll understand why this style of fishing has such a dedicated following among serious anglers.
Our 20-foot Shamrock is perfectly rigged for productive reef jigging in Puerto Rico's inshore waters. This well-equipped fishing boat takes up to 2 anglers to prime spots where grouper, snapper, jacks, and mackerel gather around the reefs. The light spinning tackle setup gives you great action and control when working jigs through the structure. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over productive bottom where the fish are feeding. The boat's compact size lets us get into spots larger vessels can't reach, giving you access to less pressured fish. With an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, you're set for a solid day of reef fishing. Whether you're dialing in your jigging technique or just want to catch dinner, this boat puts you in the right position to connect with Caribbean reef species that call these waters home.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speedsters that'll really test our light spinning gear - most run 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ in deeper water. They cruise the edges of reefs and drop-offs in 40-120 feet, usually following schools of smaller fish. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll strip line like few other fish. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoking. We target them year-round, but they're most active when water temps hit 75-80 degrees. Their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly, so we always use wire leaders. My trick: rig live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit from the rear, so that back hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for our light tackle setup - they typically run 1-3 pounds and move in schools near the surface. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots when they're feeding aggressively on baitfish. Around Puerto Rico, we find them year-round in 20-80 feet of water, especially near reefs and drop-offs. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making multiple runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills beautifully or works great for ceviche. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get your small spoons and jigs ready. These fish are speed demons, so retrieve your lures quickly to trigger strikes. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail amberjack are the bruisers of our reef trips, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ in these waters. They hang around rocky structure and deeper reefs, usually 60-150 feet down. Those bright yellow fins give them away when you see them on the finder. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll make long, punishing runs toward the bottom that'll burn your arms. The fight is what keeps people coming back, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. We see them best during warmer months when baitfish are thick around the reefs. Here's the key: once you hook one, don't let it get back to the rocks. Keep steady pressure and work it up slowly. If it dives deep into structure, you're probably done.
Puerto Rico