Jacó Fishing Charters & Guides

Jacó, Costa Rica

Dark green jungles. Calming blue oceans. The colors of Costa Rica are vibrant and enticing. People from all over the world are drawn to this Central American country for its beautiful nature and trailblazing excursions. If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat while visiting, consider Jacó, a town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Jacó is almost 100 kilometers from Costa Rica’s capital, San José. That’s about a 90-minute drive between the mountains to this coastal city. It’s known for some of the best surfing in the world, and travelers will come from near and far to experience the beauty of this tropical paradise. Here you’ll find waterfalls and rainforests, ATV tours, and birdwatching. In fact, one of the world’s best bird-watching destinations is nearby at the Carara National Park. It homes endangered scarlet macaws, toucans, egrets, and more. There are also several hiking trails. Or visit the “Crocodile Bridge” where you can see several 15+ foot crocodiles. Sportfishing in Jacó is another popular activity. Locals and visitors alike will get in on the action throughout the year. Oftentimes, anglers will visit Costa Rica specifically for a fishing trip, it’s just that good! Whether you’re looking for an inshore trip for a one-of-a-kind roosterfish or a bucket-list-type deep-sea adventure for billfish, your Jacó fishing adventure will certainly be memorable.

Jacó Inshore Fishing

Jacó’s location between Herradura Bay to the north and Playa Hermosa to the south gives anglers ample opportunity for fishing inshore species. Anglers can find a variety of grouper and snapper, as well as snook, mackerel, amberjack, and, of course, roosterfish. When fishing these inshore waters (typically within 3 miles off the coast), anglers will opt for bottom fishing or drift fishing. Bottom fishing specifically is a great technique for reeling in bottom feeders such as grouper and snapper. There are several types of each species in the area; the grouper family consists of big-eye grouper, yellowfin grouper, and goliath grouper, to name a few. Goliath Grouper can grow to the size of compact cars! Heavy tackle and an experienced captain is required for this fishing adventure. Another local favorite, snook, are consistently found in good numbers in the nearby lagoons. Also called “linesiders,” snooks have a distinct pinched head and a black line running from head to tail. Live bait is the best option to get snook to the line, or try jigs and spoons. Anglers looking for an action-packed day will not be disappointed with targeting snook; a typical day consists of bringing back 20-30 snook in one trip. Keep in mind, the best months to fish for snook are from July to November. If you’re looking for a bucket-list Costa Rica fishing experience, then keep an eye out for those spindly dorsal fins that can only mean one thing: roosterfish. This odd-looking fish is named for their rooster-like dorsal fin known as a “rooster comb.” They can grow as large as 20 pounds and are only found in the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Peru. Families will travel to Costa Rica specifically for a roosterfish excursion, and are not disappointed. While roosterfish are typically found within 3 miles of the coast, they are also discovered near reefs in 150 feet deep waters. Luckily for vacationing anglers, roosterfish are available twelve months of the year.

Jacó Offshore Fishing

For offshore excursions, anglers will find productive trips available throughout the year. Although the rainy season typically starts late April or early May and runs to mid-November, some of the best fishing takes place during that time. Sailfish, in particular, is a favorite species among Jacó sport fishermen and women. Watching these sleek and skillful monsters burst from the water is truly unlike anything else. Other billfish in the area include black marlin, blue marlin, and striped marlin. For a really exciting day of fishing, try your luck with a Grand Slam: catching three different species of the above billfish on the same trip! Other popular offshore species include yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi, also known as dolphin or dorado. Mahi is a year-round species and while they can grow to giant-sized, average catches range from 20 to 40 pounds. Mahi are a topwater species, meaning they stick close to the surface of the water, finding food near grass beds and floating structure. Spending the day trolling for mahi or tuna is always a good choice for a Jacó charter.

Book a Jacó Fishing Trip

Families will visit Jacó for a variety of reasons: vacation, wedding, or bucket-list traveling. Whatever the reason, make sure to add a fishing charter to your itinerary. Oftentimes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you simply can’t pass it up. Find a local charter today about traveling to this beautiful country. Don’t wait… book your Jacó, Costa Rica fishing adventure today!