Costa Rica – A fishing paradise
Costa Rica is a real haven for the fishing enthusiast with its two coastlines, multiple rivers and wetlands as well as lakes. Other than locals fishing for commercial purposes and tourists fishingfor sports, Costa Rica also hosts world-renowned fishing tournaments in Quepos. Because of the strong conservational efforts Costa Rica is now trying to encourage, all non -edible and all bill fish have to be released.
Let us introduce you to the best season for the ultimate fishing trip in Costa Rica as well as some of the fish species you can hope to catch here.
Fishing techniques
There are different ways to fish for big game. You can fish with the so called ‘troll lures’ or you can use live bait. Troll luring has the advantage that you can cover more ground at a higher speed where live bait has a more natural appeal. The areas that would host predatory game fish such as large tuna or marlins, could be taken on woth the procedure of live bait.
Top places for deep sea fishing in Costa Rica
- Los Suenos Marina, Central Pacific: This Marina is located close to the Los Suenos Resort and has a full-service port where luxury sport fishing boats can dock.
- Crocodile Bay Sport fishing Resort, Osa Peninsula: the sport fishing enthusiast will love this bay that offers a fleet of over 40 fishing boats.
- Tamarindo Sport fishing, Guanacaste: Tamarindo offers you great year-round options although you may have to visit during specific months depending on the fish you want to catch. For the Billfish, you will have most luck from mid-April to August.
- Marina Papagayo, Papagayo Peninsula: As the newer amongst the country’s marinas, Papagayo has invested in a more sustainable approach and put and environmental design as higher priority. With the capacity to house super-yachts, you can fish for rooster fish, marlins and tuna here.
- Quepos – Marina Pez Vela, Central Pacific: The port town of Quepos has a reputation as one of the top sport fishing destinations in Costa Rica and has earned the title of Sailfish Capital of the World. Marina Pez Vela has gained a lot of prominence due to the Offshore World Championship held there.
Fishing season
Off-shore fishing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica for tourists and locals alike, especially during the months of December through April. This is the Costa Rica high season and also when you have the best shot at catching the bigger fish. During the rainy season, fish dissipate because of the shift in wind currents. Billfish, Dorados and Tuna rely on oxygen rich waters for proper nutrients and from May to November these levels drop too low. During the High season, however, there are two ocean currents that push all this oxygen enriched water towards the Costa Rican coast.
In-shore Fish and where to find them

Roosterfish
Roosterfish are a fighting fish and one of the most sought after species of fish.
Size: 30-40lbs sometimes up to 80-100lbs
Where Found: Near rocky shores of the Pacific
Season: November-March

Grouper
The Grouper is a large mouthed fish with several different variations.
Size: 3m long and 450kg
Where Found: Near Coral Reefs on the Pacific
Season: December-April

Snapper
Snapper tends to be a very wary fish and keep to themselves.
Size: 50-100lbs
Where Found: They stick close to Coral Reefs on the Pacific
Season: July-December

Amberjack
The Amberjack is a tough fish and very heavily built.
Size: 50-100lbs or more
Where Found: Near wrecks and rocky shores on the Pacific
Season: December-April

Mackerel
The Mackerel is colorful, with a bronzy back a bluish side scales.
Size: 10-20lbs and 2-3ft long
Where Found: Found both Atlantic and Pacific sides
Seasons: Year round
Off-shore Fish and where to find them

Marlin
Marlin is one of the most powerful fish in the seas and put up a fight when you try to catch it.
Size: Ave 100-200lbs Max 1200lbs
Where Found: All up the pacific side
Season: December-April

Sailfish
The Sailfish are known for its sail, one of the most popular between December and April.
Size: Ave 100-200lbs Max 1200lbs
Where Found: Normally in the deeper waters outshore
Season: December-March

Dorado
Dorado is an extremely colorful fish in Costa Rica and normal change their colors.
Size: 30-60lbs
Where Found: Found on both coasts with smaller ones near island and coasts
Season: May-November

Yellow Fin Tuna
The yellow fin tuna is a feisty fish known for its jumping ability and large size.
Size: 50-300lbs
Where Found: All over the Pacific Coast
Season: January-July
Lake Arenal, Tortuguero, And Caño Negro

Guapote
Guapote is very common to Lake Arenal. The larger they get the more colorful they will be being part of the Cichlid family.
Size: Guapote reach to 14inches or more in length
Where Found: Lake Arenal and Caribbean

Machaca
Machaca is another feisty fish and known for jumping in the air if you try to catch them.
Size: 3-10lbs
Where Found: Lake Arenal

Tarpon
Tarpon is a large freshwater fish. Mainly found in the canal of Tortuguero.
Size: 50-100lbs
Where Found: Caribbean
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