Light Tackle Tarpon & Snook Fishing Charter
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
San Juan, PR is home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. Light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts journey to San Juan, PR from all over the world to fish the brackish waters of Laguna San Jose & Laguna Torrecilla for tarpon, jacks, and snook. Gorgeous and seemingly endless red mangroves span the horizon right on the middle of the hotel district, the marina (Cangrejos Yacht Club) is just a mere 3 to 5 mile run from isla verde, condado and old san juan. Making Backwater Tarpon Fishing Puerto Rico, one of the premier fishing charters in San Juan, Puerto Rico come and enjoy a perfect day of light tackle angling. Backwater fishing in Puerto Rico affords anglers the opportunity to explore endless mangroves of Puerto Rico while targeting several of the most coveted light tackle species. If you’re looking for a tarpon fishing charter in Puerto Rico who will put you on the fish, be sure to give Backwater Tarpon Fishing PR a call to learn more about availability and what’s biting!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
San Juan, PR is home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. Light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts journey from all over the world to fish the brackish waters of Laguna San Jose and Laguna Torrecilla for tarpon, jacks, and snook. This vast lagoon is perfectly suited for marine life, providing infinite sources of bait all year round for the resident fish. Targeting the Silver King will be your main priority, but there are other fish around as well. The local Tarpon population can range anywhere from 20 lbs all the way up to 150 lbs. Captain Clery will provide you with all the necessary rods, reels, and terminal tackle you’ll need for a fun time on the water. All you need to bring is a pair of polarized sunglasses, some sunscreen, and a go-getter attitude. Once you’ve danced with the Silver King, you’ll be hooked for life. Gorgeous and seemingly endless red mangroves span the horizon right on the middle of the hotel district. The marina is just a mere three to five mile run from Isla Verde, Condado and old San Juan.
Options
4HRS Tarpon Fly Fishing Trip
Fly Fishing for Tarpons: We currently provide all the tackle needed for fly fishing in Puerto Rico. Our weapon of choice would be the Sage X 9wt. Duration: 4 hours 20FT Bay Craft
2hrs Spinning Tackle Trip
Duration: 2 hours Hydra Sport 20FT bayboat
4hrs Spinning Tackle Trip
Duration: 4 hours 20ft Bay Craft
4hrs Night Fishing Trip
Duration: 4 hours 23Ft Bay Boat
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
391 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Captain Mateo was amazing...
Adriana B,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mateo was amazing and went above and beyond for us! We saw so many fish, they were everywhere just didn’t want to bite for us! But that’s okay! Such a beautiful morning and we spotted some manatees! Thanks again!
Caption Mateo the best guide
nathanmujahid n,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ask for captian Mateo he put us and kept us right on top of the fish even got to experience a tarpon feeding frenzy. Well worth it
Great guide, bad experience
michaelsY5139YE,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00My wife and I booked a 4.5-hour trip with high hopes and left disappointed. To be clear, Captain Alex was fantastic. He was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and worked hard throughout the trip. This review is not directed at him personally. We understand that fishing is never guaranteed and that no captain can make fish bite. We accepted that risk when booking the charter. However, spending nearly $400 and 4.5 hours on the water without catching a single fish, getting a bite, or having any action whatsoever was frustrating. What made the experience more disappointing was learning that other boats were at least catching some fish that day while we never had a single opportunity. We were told our boat was the only one using live bait, which made the outcome even more surprising. After the trip, we reached out to see whether the company would consider any type of goodwill accommodation given the experience. We were not asking for a guaranteed catch, only some recognition that spending hundreds of dollars and coming away completely empty-handed is disappointing for customers. That request was declined. Again, we recognize that fishing is unpredictable. Unfortunately, from a customer perspective, paying $400 to catch absolutely nothing—not even a nibble—made this trip feel like poor value for the money spent.
Captain Manny
tonysF8059ON,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Manny was great and very good with the kids and making us feel comfortable and have fun
Fly fishing for Tarpon
Richard B,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fly fishing 1.5 days with captain Tommy and Miguel. Had a good time- guides put us on tarpon but since we were exclusively fly fishing it made it hard. Lots of tarpon around but sight fishing was limited while we were there. Boats are perfect for this water- stable with big casting platforms. We had our own equipment but borrowed some from the guides which was excellent. Would suggest they add trolling motors to be able to position the boats in deeper water where we couldn’t cast to keep us in the “zone” better and avoid right shoulder winds. (Unless you’re good at backcasting!). We saw lots of big tarpon but mostly rollers which were deeper when feeding. Suggest intermediate sink tips and selection of flies to bring. We got best results on the rollers from large (9-10inch) baitfish patterns that moved some water. Overall would do again but not really for beginner fly fisherman unless you just want to practice and get a saltwater experience. (Guides will help you cast and one of our group ((77 yr old with no saltwater fly casting experience) did jump one tarpon and got a nice snook. Had a
Highly Recommend - Great Fun!!
Brad D,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Went out, tried our best had five fish on. And just had a great time! Capt. Mateo was so great and really made the trip!
Excellent fishing experience!!!
Janae C,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This could have been a miserable trip with the rain, mosquitoes, and being towed back to shore, but it was not! Captain Miguel did a great job of getting us on fish immediately! When we were waiting for the fish to bite, we talked and had an enjoyable time! This was a memorable and amazing experience! Thank you Captain Miguel! I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys nature and fishing!
Tarpon Trip
Tyler S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Manny was awesome. Got us on a few Tarpon and other fish. Great trip.
Great time for family on the lagoon!
kcross04,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Captain Abi on our tour today with me, my wife, and our 10 and 12-year-old boys. We did the 7 AM for our tour and had probably around 10 bites and were able to land one solid tarpon, about 15 pounds)! Even though can’t ever guarantee fish on a fishing trip, more importantly, we had great conversation and a peaceful morning on the lagoon. Abi was great with the kids, and they really enjoyed seeing the tarpon come up for air all around us. A few barracuda bites made for some excitement also! Make sure to bring extra bag/cooler with snacks and additional drinks. Great way to see a different side of Puerto Rico. Highly recommend!
Amazing
61lancev,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Captain Manny! He took great care of us and we caught some nice tarpon. I would definitely go again and highly recommend!
Related Experiences
Operated by Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters Puerto Rico