Salinas
PUER T O RI C O
• Rapala Magnum and large Yo-Zuri plugs • Guide provides Shimano and Penn reels on St. Croix rods, DOA, Yo-Zuri, Rapala and Z-Man lures
KAYAKS Ocean Kayak Trident 15, Ocean Kayak seats, MTI PFDs and Bending Branches paddles.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Pack a pair of closed-toe water shoes, as wading is an effective way to fish, but walking barefoot can be hazardous.
TRAVEL NOTES
No fishing licenses are required for visitors. GET THERE
Fly into San Juan. Rent a car ($40/day) and drive two hours south to Salinas.
STAY
LOCATION Puerto Rico’s south shore, Caribbean Sea. 17º57’N 66º17'W
TOUR GUIDE Captain Jose Aponte has spent the past six years guiding out of Salinas.
AERIAL VIEW In the shadow of Puerto Rico’s largest mountain, Cordillera Central, Salinas is a dry landscape dominated by steep mountains and extensive mangrove forests. The city is famous for incredible seafood brought fresh from the pristine green-blue water of Salina’s Bay. The bay boasts the largest population of manatee in Puerto
Rico and one of the most extensive red mangrove forests. Grass flats and 11 cays dot the coast.
TARGET SPECIES Tarpon are available from September to November. Snook are available year-round. Best time for mutton snapper is May to November. Mackerel turn on from February to July. During this time, the weather is usually hot, dry and still. No strong currents and consistently calm seas. On rare windy or rainy days, anglers can fish the flats. Hurricane season runs from June to October.
TACTICS Cast five-inch jerk baits to docks for snook, tarpon and snapper. Or use an eight to 10 weight fly rod to throw bunny or desirer patterns. Target mackerel, jacks and snapper by trolling Rapala and Yo-Zuri plugs off the reef. Best fishing is early and late in the day.
TACKLE • Light-action spinning or casting gear spooled with 15-pound braided line and a short leader of 20-pound fluorocarbon
• Heavy action spinning or casting rod spooled with 50-pound braid and a five- foot leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon • Jerk baits, jig heads, worm hooks
Salinas Marina ($80/night):
www.marinadesalinas.com Manatee Eco Resort ($90/night):
www.manateeecoresort.com
SIDE TRIPS Ladi’s Place restaurant invented the world famous mojo isleno creole sauce. Take a stroll along the El Tuque boardwalk for night life. Don’t miss feeding tarpon from the docks and snorkling and island hopping the 11 cays nearby.
IDEAL ITINERARY Fishing in the morning, followed by snorkeling and island hopping in the afternoon.
CONTACT
Eco Journeys Kayaking Excursions:
www.ecojourneypr.com
www.kayakanglermag.com… 47
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: COURTESY JOSE APONTE
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