{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Fly Fishing Puerto Rico

I just got back from a 2-week vacation in Puerto Rico, and, even though this was a family vacation I managed to get out twice to do some guided fly fishing.  My Wife and I first went to the small island of Culebra off the East coast of Puerto Rico.  This small island has some beautiful beaches including Flamenco Beach which has consistently ranked in the top 5 most beautiful beache in the world.  While there I hired fly fishing guide Chris Goldmark (www.culebraflyfishing.com) to do some bonefishing.  Chris divides his time between guiding in Culebra and New Jersey.  I found Chris to be and excellent guide who was patient and very willing to coach this neophyte bonefisherman.  We found  schools of tailing bonefish but unfortunately we were plagued by consistent 30+ mph winds which made casting problematic.  The high winds also limited our ability to get out of the main harbor to where Chrisaid were the prime flats.  Although I had several shots at these fish when some  showed some interest but did not take, we called it a day after 3 hrs of futile casting.

From Culebra my Wife and I returned to the main Island and traveled to the town of Rincon on the West side of the island.  Rincon is known as the surfing capital of Puerto 
Rico ( I don't surf) with, again, beautiful beaches.  From here I hired Fransisco (Pochy) Rosario, aka Tarpon Hombre (www.lighttackleadventure.com) for some tarpon fly fishing near the coastal town of Boqueron.  As with Chris Goldmark, Pochy was an excellent guide.  Although I had fly fished for tarpon only one previous time before, Pochy was patient and instructive and before long he had me into tarpon.  In 4-hours of fishing from his flats boat I managed to hook 6 tarpon ranging from 30-60 lbs all sight fishing.  Of the 6 hooked I only manged to land only one (see photo). One other one of about the same size was lost boatside when we tried to take the hook out of it mouth and he jumped.  Pochy considered it landed since he touched the leader. All others were lost in the battle when they jumped out of the water to spit the hook back at me with disdain.

Puerto Rico should probably not be considered premier bonefish or tarpon destinations like Belize or Mexico however if you are going there on vacation don't pass up the chance for fish and give Chris Goldmark and/or Pochy Rosario a call even if it is for a half day trip.  I don't think you will be disappointed.