Costa Rica Fishing Charters & Guides

Costa Rica

Grab your sunglasses and flip flops while you enjoy the beautiful beaches. Or your hiking boots and binoculars as you trek through the rainforest. There’s adventure around every corner when you visit Costa Rica. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with access to both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Outdoor enthusiasts love traveling here for the many excursions found across the country, including fishing, hiking, ziplining, ATV tours, bird-watching, and so much more. Ecotourism is becoming a popular option, and Costa Rica offers a variety of experiences. The good news for U.S. travellers: the dollar is widely accepted throughout the country. Many vacationers from all over the world travel to Costa Rica twelve months of the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April. If fishing is on your mind (and trust us, it should be!) we have some tips for you. Whether it’s a family vacation, wedding party, or just a quick get-away, Costa Rica is a must-add for your bucket list.

Costa Rica Caribbean Fishing

The crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean offer some of the best fishing grounds in the world. Its subtropical waters home a variety of species that anglers love to get on the hook. Most anglers will catch-and-release their trophy, although there are a few you can take home for a delicious meal. Tarpon, aka the silver king, is just one favorite species caught in the Caribbean. Fly fishing and spinning are two techniques used to catch these speedy fish. They are found in shallow waters as well as deeper canals near the mangroves. Near the mangroves you can also catch snook, snappers, and rainbow bass. There are deep sea fishing opportunities in the Caribbean Sea as well. Here you’ll see mahi mahi (also known as dolphin or dorado), wahoo, and mackerel. Trolling is the main technique used for catching these pelagic species. Your Costa Rica fishing charter captain will have the experience and gear required for this offshore option. On the Caribbean Coast, many anglers choose to stay near Tortuguero and fish both the Caribbean Sea and the Laguna Penitencia. This is the place for tarpon fishing; some say best in the world (and we would agree). Tortuguero translates to “region of turtles” in Spanish and visitors may see four different turtle species in the nearby national park, along with a number of other wildlife species.

Costa Rica Pacific Ocean Fishing

While the fishery on the Caribbean side is good, anglers travel to Costa Rica primarily for the Pacific Ocean opportunities. Let’s put it this way: on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s an 11! This is because you have more water on the west side (Costa Rica’s west coast shoreline is twice as long as the east coast Caribbean side), and there is more variety in species with larger numbers. Inshore and nearshore anglers will find cubera snapper, mangrove snapper, snook, and a Costa Rican favorite: roosterfish. This bizarre looking fish is primarily found in Pacific Ocean inlets and bays from California to Peru. The shallow water inlets of Costa Rica provide a perfect habitat. Live bait such as mullet or small bonito are sure to bring a roosterfish to the line. Once landed, most anglers will take a picture of their catch and then safely release it for another day’s battle. For another picture-perfect excursion, head offshore to fish the Pacific Ocean monsters such as marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Marlin, in particular, is on many angler’s Costa Rican fishing bucket-list. They run in good numbers from fall to spring (November to April, generally) with peak season starting around January. Depending on where you’re fishing in Costa Rica (North, Central, or South) determines the exact timing of when these monsters appear. Fishing for sailfish (or “sails”) is another popular excursion. Sailfish are known for their acrobatics in jumping from the water. There’s no other sight in the world as amazing as watching these beasts explode from the water. Again, trolling is the technique needed for landing these monster fish, and your charter captain will have everything you need for a successful outing. If you’re traveling the northern part of Costa Rica, be sure to visit Tamarindo to start your adventure. Central Costa Rican anglers tend to launch from Quepos or Los Suenos. While Southern Costa Rica anglers will visit Golfito and Drake Bay. No matter what city you depart from, you’re in for a great day when you’re offshore fishing in Costa Rica.

Book a Costa Rica Fishing Trip

There’s a little bit of everything waiting for you in Costa Rica. Rest & relaxation, as well as adventure. It’s the perfect vacation destination, whether you’re spending a few days or even a few months. Many ex-patriots (or “expats”) have even relocated here completely, opting for a life in paradise. No matter how long you’re staying, make sure to have a fishing trip in the books. When you hire a local guide you’ll have all the knowledge you need of the area and local fish right there with you. Find your Costa Rica charter today with FishAnywhere.com and start the adventure of a lifetime!