There are so many exciting things to do and fascinating sights to see in Puerto Rico that you'll have a hard time trying to fit everything into your vacation time. One activity you'll definitely want to save time for is the great fishing in and around the island.

SHALLOWS
Fishing in the saltwater shallows will produce catches of barracuda, jacks, tarpon, bonefish, snapper, snook, a variety of reef fish, and needlefish 2-5 feet in length. Fish in the surf, in the lagoons, around the mouths of rivers, or around rocks, reefs, and mangroves. Some fishermen fish along the beach in kayaks, drifting with the currents. Try casting a topwater plug or a jig around any type of structure.

If you prefer fishing with live bait, use a tiny hook baited with a small shrimp, and fish right on the bottom for croakers. They make excellent bait for game fish. Or for a real thrill, try fly fishing on light line for tarpon in the bays and lagoons and around mangroves.

A couple of the best spots are the Mona Passage and the area just north of Barrero Beach, where you'll find exposed rocks and reefs that attract fish.

OFFSHORE
If you want to battle a huge gamefish, you've come to the right place. Puerto Rico offers world-class angling for albacore, wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, bonito, sailfish, and marlin. Blue marlin are so abundant, the area has been nicknamed "blue marlin alley," and anglers often catch several blues in the same day! Book a charter from Mayaguez, San Juan, Humacao, or Fajardo, where it's only a thirty-minute trip to great fishing. Or take a boat from Ponce, where you'll find virgin fishing grounds just 45 minutes from shore. The charter will supply everything you need, but bring your camera along. Most offshore boats practice catch and release.

DEEP-SEA FISHING
If you're looking for more relaxing fishing that's better suited for the whole family, take a fishing boat out to deep water and fish the wrecks and reefs for grouper, amberjack, and snapper. These fish are fun to catch, and they make excellent table fare. The boat will provide bait, tackle, ice, and maybe even snacks and drinks. Most crews do all the work, like baiting your hook, removing your fish, and filleting and bagging your catch. all you have to do is enjoy reeling them in!

FRESHWATER FISHING
Visitors to Puerto Rico often overlook the fantastic freshwater fishing available at some of the large lakes in the interior. Most of these bodies of water are well stocked with largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, and delicious tilapia. Some of the top fishing lakes are Dos Bocas, five miles from Utuado; Lake Guineo and Lake Matrullas, both located in the island's central region; and Lake Toa Vaca, just south of Villalba.

Whether you're an experienced angler, or if you've never fished before, the friendly guides will assist you on a deep-water charter and will put you on some great action. Or just go it on your own and toss out a line from the beach, catching some rays as you wait for a tug. You'll enjoy a fishing adventure in Puerto Rico's warm beautiful waters, where something's always biting!

This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee.

You know what goes well with fresh-caught tilapia?  Fresh-caught margaritas.  And you know where you can eat and drink to your heart's content?  On the patio of the Puerto Rican condo or villa readied especially for you.  Sip and serve your surf and...surf in luxury.