5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Triggerfish & Grunt Fishing in Fajardo
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Halfday reef fishing trip targeting triggerfish and groupersFourhour charter accommodates up to five guests totalBottom fishing and drift techniques near structured areas
Looking for solid reef fishing action without burning your whole day? This 4-hour morning trip with Reel Bless Fishing Charter gets you on productive waters just a short run from Fajardo's harbor. Starting at 8:00 AM, you'll hit structured bottom where triggerfish and grunt are stacked up, plus have shots at yellowtail snapper and strawberry groupers. With room for up to 5 anglers and priced at $550 total, it's a customer favorite for groups wanting quality fishing without the full-day commitment. The best part? Free cancellation up to 3 days out, so weather worries won't cost you.
Captain Jorge and his crew know these Fajardo reefs like the back of their hand, and they'll get you rigged and ready before you even clear the harbor. The run to the fishing grounds is quick – usually under 20 minutes – which means more time with lines in the water. You're targeting structured bottom where fish congregate, think coral heads, ledges, and rocky areas that hold baitfish. The water here tends to fish best in the morning hours when the triggerfish are actively feeding and the grunt are schooled up tight. Don't be surprised if the crew moves you around to different spots throughout the trip – that's just good captaining, putting you where the fish are biting rather than hoping they'll show up.
This is primarily bottom fishing and light tackle work, perfect for targeting the reef species that call these structures home. You'll be using circle hooks with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. Drift fishing is the name of the game here – letting the boat move naturally with the current while your baits work the bottom. The crew will have you rigged with appropriate tackle for the conditions, usually spinning gear that's forgiving for newer anglers but still sporty enough to make the fight fun. When the triggerfish are being picky, expect to switch up baits and presentation until you find what they want. These fish can be finicky, but when you dial it in, the action picks up fast.
"unfortuantely for us, the wind had blown in and the water had gotten a bit choppy, so we trolled that day. overall the weather was GREAT, though. we got there a little early and Jorge and Robert had us ready to get out early. First spot we hit was a bit of a dead spot but he took us to a couple of others. our boys each got to reel in a barracuda so that made the day for them. i had a couple small ones that we couldnt hook. overall, though, having them each reel one in was worth it. sucks to not have brought in a few more but thats why its called fishing and not catching." - Ted
Grey triggerfish are the main event here, and for good reason – these fish are absolute bulldogs once hooked. They typically run 2-5 pounds around Fajardo's reefs, with the occasional bigger fish pushing 8 pounds or more. Triggers are notorious for their strong jaws and aggressive strikes, but they're also smart fish that will test your patience. They're most active during morning hours when they're feeding on crustaceans and small fish around the reef structure. The key to triggerfishing success is staying patient and keeping your bait close to the bottom where they're comfortable feeding. Once you hook one, be ready for a fight – they'll use every inch of structure to try and break you off.
White grunt might not be the flashiest fish in the reef, but they're reliable producers and excellent table fare. These silver-sided fish school up in good numbers around Fajardo's coral heads and rocky bottom, making them perfect targets when you want consistent action. Most white grunt here run 1-3 pounds, with fish over 4 pounds considered solid catches. They're typically more cooperative than triggerfish, readily taking cut bait and small jigs worked near the bottom. Grunt fishing really shines when you find a productive school – you can often catch them one after another until the school moves off or gets spooked. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for local Puerto Rican preparations.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for reef fishing around Fajardo – long enough to get into some solid action but short enough to leave your afternoon open for beach time or exploring the area. The morning departure takes advantage of the best fishing hours when these reef species are most active. With only 5 spots available and that free cancellation policy, there's really no reason not to lock in your date. The crew at Reel Bless knows how to put you on fish, and even if conditions change the plan like they did for Ted's group, they'll adapt to make sure you have a memorable day on the water. Book now and get ready to see why Fajardo's reef fishing keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Step aboard our classic 28-foot 1974 Bertram, a beautifully restored fishing machine that's been turning heads in Fajardo waters for decades. Twin 210HP Volvo engines push this sturdy boat to a smooth 30-knot cruise, getting you to the productive reef structures quickly so you can maximize your time with rod in hand. The spacious cockpit comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without tangling up. This isn't just a pretty boat – she's built for serious fishing. Our GPS navigation pinpoints the hottest spots where triggerfish, grunt, yellowtail snapper, and strawberry groupers love to hang out around the underwater structures. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while our VHF radio keeps us connected to the fishing fleet for real-time reports on where they're biting best. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper or working spinning tackle on drifting yellowtails, this Bertram handles beautifully in Puerto Rico's coastal waters. The classic design cuts through chop like butter, keeping you comfortable while you focus on putting fish in the cooler.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers that'll test your patience and skills. These medium-sized fish average 12-17 inches but can push 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them around our reef structures in 60-180 feet, where they use those sharp teeth to crunch sea urchins and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers - they'll nip and nibble before committing to a bite. What makes them special is their unique "trigger" mechanism - when threatened, they wedge into cracks and lock their dorsal spine to stay put. The meat is excellent, with firm white flesh that's perfect for the grill. Here's the trick: when you feel those light taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it, then reel fast and steady to keep them from ducking back into the reef. Squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook through all that nibbling.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunts are steady producers that make any reef trip worthwhile. These silver-blue beauties average 6-12 inches but can reach 20 inches and 5 pounds. They hang around our shallow reefs and rocky bottom from 20-100 feet, often schooling with French grunts and other reef fish. The name comes from the grinding sound they make with their throat teeth when you bring them up - you'll hear it! They're active year-round but fish best during warmer months when they're feeding heavy on shrimp and small crabs. Guests love them because they're willing biters, great table fare with flaky white meat, and perfect for families since kids can catch them easily. They're opportunistic feeders, so almost any bait works. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp pieces and fish right on the bottom - they're nocturnal feeders but will bite during the day when the bait's in their face.
5.0 out of 5.0unfortuantely for us, the wind had blown in and the water had gotten a bit choppy, so we trolled that day. overall the weather was...
Fajardo, Puerto Rico