Some hot bites in Puerto Rico the past few weeks. Capt. Marcos Hanke, featured in the June issue of Florida Sportsman, reported solid bait schools along the shores of Fajardo. “We’re sight-casting for tarpon on fly, and also catching jacks, mackerel and even blackfin tuna as shallow as 20 feet,” he said.

The island’s north shore summer marlin bite has also been gearing up. Capt. Juan Carlos Torruella, featured in the same article, “Puerto Rico Light,” said: “I fished Saturday June 18 and was 1 for 3, a 150-pounder. On a half-day Tuesday, we were 1 for 4, with a 500-pounder. Half day Thursday, 0 for 2. And Sunday, June 26, we were 2 for 3, tagging 150- and 300-pounders.” Capt. Omar Orraca, a leading tarpon expert in the San Juan lagoons, reported solid tarpon fishing, averaging more than 6 fish landed per day heading into summer.

FS