A Note from the Guides at No Name Lodge

At No Name Lodge, we believe the best days on the water are about more than just fish. They’re about stories, laughter, and the unique connection between anglers and guides. Our guides spend every day chasing tarpon and permit across Puerto Rico’s waters, and they see the highs and lows of fishing up close.

Today, we’re handing the mic to Jake—one of our favorite salty storytellers—for his take on what makes a good day on the skiff.

Hello from Your Favorite Fishing Guide

This might sound a little salty—but trust me, I’m holding back! My goal here isn’t to rant; it’s to give you a glimpse into how guides think about “good” versus “slow” fishing days.

Expectations vs. Reality

Coming into a trip, I know expectations are sky-high—and they should be. Most anglers wait all year for these moments. You’ve worked long hours, carved out precious time away from family and responsibilities, and traveled to Puerto Rico to chase fish.

What I also know is that life doesn’t always leave time to practice casting. And that’s totally fine—as long as you’re honest with yourself about your ability as an angler. The beauty of fishing here in Puerto Rico is that, with our guide staff, you can still catch tarpon even if you’re a little rusty. You don’t have to be Andy Mill to get the tug you’re dreaming of.

Why Attitude Matters

Saltwater guides have a reputation for being…well, assholes. Sometimes deserved, sometimes not. Here’s my take: guides feed off their anglers’ attitude.

  • Scenario 1: You feed a tarpon, miss the hook set, the fish comes off—and you laugh it off, crack a joke, maybe even high-five. That tells me you’re here to have fun. I’ll still give you a tip or correction to up our chances on the next one, but the whole boat stays positive.
  • Scenario 2: Same fish eats, you miss the set, and when I yell, “He ate it!!!” you argue it never happened. Maybe you didn’t see it (you told me 15 minutes ago you have cataracts) or you didn’t feel it (because you weren’t tight on your line). Instead of owning it, you blame it on “slow fishing.” That makes for a very long day for everyone.

Your guides spend every day on the water. That daily experience gives us a perspective you just can’t get from the occasional trip. So while past experiences in the Keys or Mexico are great stories, they don’t necessarily make anyone a tarpon expert—it’s a bit like a weekend flag-football player trying to tell Tom Brady how to run plays.

You’re Not Buying a Fish

Traveling outfitters have made it easier than ever for anglers around the world to experience bucket-list fisheries. But booking a trip doesn’t mean you’re buying a guaranteed fish. What you’re really signing up for is an adventure.

On a good day, that means stories, laughs, good times, and hopefully a fish or two. On a tough day, it means your guide throws every trick in the book to get you shots—and then the ball is in your hands. Either way, we put our reputation on the line every single day we push off the dock.

What Makes a Good Day

For me, a good day is simple: sharing a skiff, making fun of each other, laughing hard, and throwing feathers at big silver minnows. The fish will come if you make it a point to have fun first.

Tight lines,
Jake
Your Favorite Fishing Guide

Closing Thoughts from No Name Lodge

Fishing in Puerto Rico is an adventure. Some days bring big eats and bent rods, while others remind us that it’s the laughter and shared moments that make the trip unforgettable. Our guides are here to give you everything they’ve got—knowledge, patience, and a whole lot of heart—so all you need to bring is your best attitude.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the lodge, push off the dock, and share a skiff with you soon.

Ready to plan your adventure? Book your trip with No Name Lodge today.