Vieques Puerto Rico Reccomendations

[smoof]

Hello to all ~

I am headed to the island of Vieques in November and would really like to do some fishing from the shore/rocks, etc. Not sure if the fishing is different from the island than it would be from the main island but I'd like to just understand what types of lures/tackle might work. I'll certainly book some form of fishing boat but I'd love to get up in the mornings and just relax with my fishing pole and cast out from shore. Any thoughts on what I should bring when I am fishing solo?

Thank you in advance!

Regards,

Robert

[PanamaJack]

Hi Robert
Greeting from across the 'Pond', and welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately our Club members - Sportfishing Club of the British Isles - have only ever fishing there, offshore, during the summer months, competing in the Billfish tournaments.

However it appears like classic Flats country and, during November you should expect Bonefish, Jacks, Barracuda together with Tarpon, and possibly Permit. There's a bit more information on these web sites that you might not have picked up on - http://www.enchanted-isle.com/vieques/fishing.htm, http://www.isla-vieques.com/puerto-rico/fishing.html and http://www.isla-vieques.com/puerto-rico/culebra-fly-fishing.htm.

So, in terms of the Bones, either a light spin rod - rated 8 to 12lb test - or an 8 / 9 weight fly rod. As to micro jigs or flies I suggest you e-mail the 'fly shop', there's a link on one of those urls. For the other species you'll need somewhat heavier tackle - 10/12lb spin or a 10/11 weight fly rod. The Jacks will respond best to a fast cranked popper, something like a Yo-zuri Hydro Tiger, and the Barracuda to the 'classic' tube lures, again cranked fast. For the Tarpon through-wired, sub surface plugs or livebait will work - make sure you use a heavy mono leader and, preferably, with the livebaits circle hooks. I've found you tend to get a much better hook hold with those. Permit respond best to free-lined crab.

One thing I hadn't been aware of though is that there's excellent freshwater fishing in the reservoirs on the island. The federal authorities have stock the reservoirs with Largemouth and Peacock Bass, together with hard fighting Tilapia. The latter grow up to nearly 5lbs in weight. There're details on this url - http://www.elyunque.com/Fishing.html.

Just back to the flats fishing though. Have you tried posting to the respective http://reel-time.com forum? I've always found the respondents knowledgeable and well-travelled. And even though you may not necessarily want to fish the 'long rod' I'm sure they'll be more than prepared to help.

I know November's a long way off but please, if you remember, post back a note of your experiences. I'm sure it will be of interest to the other forum members.
Kindest regards
Dave

[PanamaJack]

Whoops, more haste less speed! Sorry Rober, for the flats species other than the Bonefish I actually meant a spin rod rated 10 to 20lb test.

[smoof]

Dave,

Thank you so much for the great information. I will indeed have my Penn Prion 2400 set with either 12 or 15lb test.

In addition, thank you for the extra links as I will continue my research and certainly report back on what I have found as well as my results after the experience.

Cheers!

Robert