Welcome Aboard!
Here we will lay out any information you may need to ensure a great experience with Travel Creel in Puerto Rico!
Here is information regarding your trip,
This information can also be found in the printable planner in the link below.
TRAVEL INFO
- Fly into San Juan, (SJU) the capital city of Puerto Rico. Many major cities and airlines offer flights to San Juan
- Take a jumper flight from San Juan (SJU) to Mayaguez, PR (MAZ) via Cape air.
https://www.capeair.com/#/availability
There are several flights a day from San Juan to Mayaguez with the last being at 5:30pm. If it is necessary you can overnight in San Juan, plan accordingly for this by adding an extra day to your trip so that you will arrive to Mayaguez on the same day as the rest of the group.
Please arrive to Mayaguez as close to 3pm on arrival day as possible.
Once in Mayaguez we will be there to pick you up and shuttle you back to the lodge!
If you have any questions about flights or getting to Puerto Rico please reach out to us. Once you are all booked, please be sure to fill out the travel details form we have sent so we can plan the shuttles accordingly.
Documentation
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory! No passports or going through customs!
We will be able to make a pit stop during the shuttle for booze and any other treats you may want to bring back to the lodge.
PLEASE INFORM US OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR RESTRICTIONS TO ENSURE THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE
Arrival -
Arrive at the SJU airport with at least 1 hour buffer to catch your Cape Air flight to Mayaguez. In Mayaguez the No Name team will meet you in a fleet of Toyota Tacomas (Sand and Grey colored). You will not miss us; walk out the double doors and we will be front and center ready to load up your gear. Transport from Mayaguez is approx. 40 minutes.
*Please note ground transportation is available from San Juan for an additional charge.
Once we are at the lodge we will settle into our rooms. Freshen up after a day of travel and head out for dinner around 6pm. Night one we will have dinner and an evening on the town! The downtown area of Boqueron is just a 5 minute walk from the lodge. There are awesome restaurants with excellent Puerto Rican cuisine, and a few local bars that we will hit to immerse ourselves in the culture!
The Fishing -
Cabo Rojo is a region located on Puerto Rico's southwest coast, to the southeast Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. This area boasts a diverse ecosystem of mangroves and coral reefs. A sanctuary for tarpon and permit! To the Southwest, Los Morrillos lighthouse overlooks limestone cliffs and Playa Sucia. In Puerto Rico anglers are stuck in-between a sandwich of rich ecosystem and vibrant culture.
- Tarpon -
Each day begins with about a shuttle to the boat ramp with your guide. Depending on What you are targeting, the boat ride can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes. These fish are aggressive and mostly in gin clear water. Unlike many tarpon fishing locations in the states, these fish are less "spooky" when it comes to fly placement. Catch 15-40 pound fish on gurglers in the morning, and hunt larger cruising fish on classic tarpon patterns throughout the day. The island has endless habitat and these tarpon have seen very few flies, in addition the variety of fishing zones allows anglers to fish the most productive areas depending on seasons, weather conditions, and tidal movement.
- Permit -
Unlike the tarpon, permit are still permit! Thats what keeps you coming back for more... The flats act as the barrier reef to Southern Puerto Rico. Depending on the tides and Conditions you will be targeting these fish either from the skiff, or on foot! Unlike other permit fisheries, Walking on rocks and turtle grass while searching for tailing fish is truly a unique Puerto Rico experience. They might not get as much pressure as other destinations, but feeding these fish is still no walk in the park!!
Please practice your casting before you get to Puerto Rico!
This is the big leagues of saltwater Fly fishing.. bring your A game!!! Flats fishing is all about opportunities! Being accurate, quickly at distances of 50-60 feet will give you the best chance at feeding these amazing fish!
- Gear -
Travel Creel always recommends that you bring your own equipment, however rods/reels can be provided if needed.
If you need to borrow gear, please be sure to let us know prior to the trip so we can communicate your needs to the team.
For permit, 9 ft, 9wt rods are the rod of choice.
A 10wt for smaller class tarpon and an 11 or 12 for bigger tarpon. Reels to accompany the appropriate sized Rods, preferably with a sealed saltwater compatible drag.
Be sure to inspect that your reels are properly functioning well before your trip!
Permit reels need to be loaded with at least 250 yards of backing.
Tarpon reels with 300-350yds. Floating lines are preferred.
Please see the printable planner for a more in depth gear list. If you have any questions at all please reach out to us!
Travel Insurance
TCH Highly recommends travel insurance for all your adventures.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance choosing the right insurance for you.
- The Lodge/Food Program -
Travel Creel will be taking care of all of your meals at the lodge and on the boat!
There will be one evening on the town, please budget yourself at least 50$ for this night, as well as any other nights you wish to hit the town.
Typical Day in Puerto rico
6:30am - Coffee is served
7:00am - Eat breakfast and pack up your lunch bag with snacks for the day
7:30am - Jump in the Truck with your guide to head down to the boat ramp
8:00am - Launch the boat, head out to the fishing grounds 4:00pm - Head back to the ramp, back in the truck and back over to the lodge
4:30pm - Kick your feet up for some R&R. Take a dip in the pool, hangout on the boat dock in the backyard. Then freshen up for dinner 5:30pm - Appetizers and dinner are served.
6:30pm - Play it by ear! The town with some happening night life is only a short walk from the lodge. Head out or stay in. Just remember the mornings come early!
- Departure -
We will be preparing a grab and go breakfast on the morning of departure.
We will run shuttles based on when you need to leave.
When booking departing flights, please try to book between 9-11am
If you have made other arrangements or have concerns, please let us know prior to the trip.
- What is included -
- 6 nights accommodations
- 5 days guided fishing with No Name Guides
- All meals provided by Travel Creel (Expect a night out on the town, $60-$80 will cover you for a nice dinner/night out)
- Airport Shuttles
- Terminal Tackle
Leaders, Flies will be provided. Rods/Reels are available for you to use, however we always recommend that you bring your own
- What is not included -
- Airfare / Travel Expenses
- Booze
The lodge has some booze and beer on hand, we will be making a stop at the store during the shuttle to load up on goodies for the week
-Gratuities
*Gratuities are a personal decision based on the service that you received. It is customary to tip your guide after each day, and the lodge staff at the end of your stay*
Typical gratuities
- Guide tips - $150 per day - per person
- Lodge Staff tips - please budget $300-$400 per person - per week
