You’re in paradise and want to go fishing. We don’t blame you at all. Costa Rica is one of our favorite fishing destinations.
But where to start? First, we’ll take a look at the many fishing opportunities found in Costa Rica. Then we’ll discuss how to get your group on a professionally guided fishing charter. It’s easier than you can imagine!
Fishing in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful, tropical paradise. It’s no wonder you’ve chosen this location as your vacation destination. And the good news is: there’s fantastic fishing on either coast.
On the East Coast is the Caribbean Sea, featuring crystal clear waters and some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. The habitat created by the mangrove trees and shallow waters is perfect for the thousands of tarpon found in the area. The season begins in late summer and runs until February. Although if the weather is favorable you can fish the spring and early summer months as well. Other species on the Caribbean side include snook, mackerel, amberjack, dorado (also known as Mahi Mahi), snapper, and more.
The west coast is twice as long as the east coast, and provides access to more species in good numbers. If you’re in the middle of Costa Rica trying to decide which coast to travel to for your fishing excursion, the answer would depend on what type of fishing you were looking to do. Our vote is for the west coast every time. Every. Time.
This is because the west coast opportunities are why anglers put Costa Rica on their bucket list. It’s a top sportfishing destination because of the Pacific Ocean, and all the trophy fish waiting for you there. From the coast to the deep sea, anglers are dreaming about reeling in a monster fish.
Inshore trips on the Pacific are filled with roosterfish, snook, cubera snapper, mangrove snapper, and a variety of grouper. These are trips that are typically within 9 miles of the shore. There are several bays and inlets along the west coast that hold large fish in good numbers. It’s just a matter of finding them and pulling them to the boat. Roosterfish are a favorite simply because of how rare they are elsewhere around the world. They are only found in the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to Peru. Your Costa Rican charter captain is very familiar with this species, and can teach you everything you need for landing this coveted fish.
Out in the deep are where the monster-sized fish live. This is where Costa Rica sportfishing gets its world-renowned popularity. Groups can fish six, eight, ten hours or more and target billfish such as marlin or sailfish, tuna, wahoo, mackerel, and dorado. Trolling is the preferred technique for these trips, and anglers with any skill level are invited to experience the thrill of reeling in a trophy. Billfish are mandatory catch-and-release; while other species are available for harvesting. Your Costa Rican charter captain will know these regulations and keep your group compliant.
Reserving a Costa Rica Charter
Now that you know what’s out there, the next step is getting your group on a charter. Hiring a local captain will definitely increase your success rates. And they take care of everything you need for a great day on the water.
FishAnywhere.com is here to help you find the best charter for your group. We’ve carefully vetted and only work with the best captains in the area who are sure to provide a memorable experience. Search for charters near the city you’re staying, or check out these top captains in the area:
If you’re staying in the northern part of Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo is a great place to launch your excursion. For that roosterfish trip, Captain William is a professional captain known for getting his customers on the fish. Or if bull dorado are more your speed, Captain Skeet can get you on the fish.
When it comes to fishing central Costa Rica, there are two main ports that seem to attract the most anglers: Jacó and Quepos. Jacó is situated between Playa Herradura and Playa Hermosa, and between the three of them you should have no trouble reserving a charter. For an excursion you’re sure to always remember, book with Captain Dan Ross and this 43’ Maverick. You’ll spend a full day fishing, targeting a variety of billfish, tuna, dorado, and more. Those closer to Quepos will generally fish the same areas of the Pacific Ocean targeting the same species. A well-rounded fishing charter in the area is Tres Niñas Tours; They have multiple boats and offer a variety of excursions.
The coast of southern Costa Rica is more forest than beaches, but the fishing is still incredible. Reserve this 31’ Bertram in Golfito and get ready for an amazing excursion. You’ll be riding in style to the fishing grounds, and coming back with memories for a lifetime.
Don’t wait a minute longer, start planning your Costa Rica adventure today. You can reserve your charter with a deposit, and start dreaming of bending rods and screaming reels. There’s nothing like a Costa Rica fishing trip – get your charter booked today!
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Your first step to getting closer to a fishing charter is doing a quick search of where your location. FishAnywhere manages the bookings for professional guides all across the country, and even outside the U.S. – simply enter your city and the date you want to fish, and you’ll find a list of all available charter guides in the area.
Freshwater or saltwater fishing? Inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing? How big is the boat and is there a head (toilet) onboard? There are a lot of factors to consider when putting together the perfect charter for your crew.
FishAnywhere.com has made it easier than ever to book your family’s fishing charter. Whether you want to reserve your trip with a 10% deposit, or pay for your trip in full so you don’t have to worry about cash on the dock, it’s entirely up to you. FishAnywhere.com accepts all major credit cards as well as PayPal, so you can reserve your trip and not have to worry about anything except how much room you have in your cooler for the fish you’re going to bring home.