Fishing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is fishing! Costa Rica is home to some of the best sportfishing and deep sea fishing in the world, with over 79 world records to its credit. Be Prepared to catch Yellow Fin Tuna, Black Fin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Grouper, Snapper, Roosterfish, Snook, dorado and more!

Fish the tropical waters of Jaco, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Tambor, Quepos and the Gulfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula on the Pacific side. Most of the sportfishing services in Costa Rica believe in the catch and release program for Marlin and Sailfish. By rod tipping to the fish with a bait or artificial lure, the fish is hooked in the forward part of the mouth area. The uninjured fish jumps more and fights longer. The fish runs hard, making handling the exhausted fish by the mate feasible so the hook can be taken out of the forward part of the mouth. Since the fish has not swollowed the bait, a healthy, but tired, fish is can be released.

Costa Rica’s rich waters boast giant marlin, super sailfish, vigorous tarpon, record-class snook and more than a dozen hard-hitting freshwater species. On the Pacific, it is not uncommon to catch and release 30 sailfish and even a marlin or two – in just one day. Boat operators release all billfish that are not record contenders; the waters hold many world records. Even deep-sea fly-fishing nets a record number of fish.Here are some of the fish and their seasons, listed geographically. Keep in mind though, fish don’t use calendars.

NORTH PACIFIC WATERS

Marlin: Caught 12 months a year. Peak periods are from November to early March and August and September. Sailfish: Caught year-round, with May through August the top months. Tuna: Available year-round, peaking between August and October. Several fish between 200 and 400 lbs caught annually. In addition to these, there are plenty of dorado, wahoo and roosterfish.

CENTRAL PACIFIC WATERS

Marlin: Caught 12 months a year, but October and its shoulder months are best. Sailfish: The middle of December to the end of April is best rated, but sometimes October has big schools. Tuna: Peak months are June through September, but tuna is available year-round. A dozen or more 200-lb-plus fish are taken every year. Snook: The rainy season seems to be best; a world record Pacific black snook was caught near Naranjo River.

SOUTH PACIFIC WATERS

The Golfito area is famous for its big roosterfish yearround. Marlin: August through December is peak. Sailfish: December to the end of March is best, then again in August and September. Tuna: August through March is the best time for the 100 pounders, but fish of up to 30 lbs are caught year-round. Snook: The rainy season seems to be best; a world record Pacific black snook was caught near Río Naranjo.

CARIBBEAN WATERS

Tarpon: Traditionally these fish are caught most often during the dry season, December through May. Snook & Fat Snook: Snook catches generally peak March through May, September and November. Fat snook (Calba) become plentiful November through January. Billfish: Out in the deep blue water are Atlantic blue marlin and Atlantic sailfish. Most are caught between February and September. Also caught in great numbers here are wahoo, dorado, tripletail, kingfish, Spanish and cero mackerel, jack crevalle and barracuda. Fantastic Fishing . 21 Introduction The Caribbean coast offers fine lodges for those in pursuit of tarpon, snook and other sport species. There is no greater thrill than hooking an acrobatic tarpon, having it sail 12 feet above the water, only to return, twist, and leap again. Plus, there is always action somewhere along Costa Rica’s shore. The best time to come is whenever you can!