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What makes fishing in Costa Rica so special? How about the fact that no place on earth has produced more “super grand slams” than the Pacific coastal waters of Costa Rica? What is a super grand slam? You can claim this feat by catching a blue, black, and striped marlin. and a sailfish all in the same day. If that sounds unreal, it’s only because you haven’t been fishing in Costa Rica.
With two major coastlines, one in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean, along with a robust network of rivers and lakes, Costa Rica appears to be poised for angling. Ideally located about nine degrees north of the equator, this small country is in the perfect location for the hardy tropical fish that anglers love.
The Pacific coast is a bastion of huge billfish and possibly the best place in the world for sailfish. Not to mention the numerous mahi mahi and tuna fish, or the more elusive but rewarding wahoo and roosterfish. The main fishing centers in the Pacific are Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo in the north, the Los Sueños spa (in Herradura) and Quepos in the central region and Golfito in the south. Chartered fishing boats cost between $ 250-400 for a half day and $ 350-650 for a full day. This is for four people with lunch and drinks included. You can get cheaper prices for inshore vs. Go for the large billfishes, and the dorado, wahoo, horse mackerel, roosterfish and tuna caught on these closer to shore excursions offer plenty of excitement.
June and July are the best months for marlin in the north, with June to October being the best for dorado and tuna. Strong winds from December to March move many fishing excursions from the north to Quepos and Los Sueños on the central coast, where there is great fishing throughout the year. Fishing in Costa Rica during the winter is generally better further south in the waters of the Golfo Dulce.
If you have tarpon fever, you must visit Costa Rica fishing off the Caribbean coast. The rich rivers and lagoons that flow into the Caribbean are a favorite hiding place for monstrous tarpon and will give light tackle enthusiasts a real boost. With some places producing tarpon weighing an average of 80lbs / 35kg, you are sure to go home with some unforgettable moments. You might even get a trophy as some of these tarpon on the northeast coast weigh up to 155lbs / 70kg. Bass fishing is also incredibly popular here if you’re looking for some variety. The season runs from August to January, with fall being the best time for trophy-sized fish. Try to beat 14 kg for an IGFA record. Tarpon, however, can be caught throughout the year.
Something that many people do not know is that fishing in Costa Rica is not limited only to salt water. In fact, freshwater lakes and more than a dozen rivers produce a variety of species that are fun to catch. You can find rainbow trout, drum, machaca (similar to tarpon), guapote (rainbow bass), mojarra (a jagged type of bluegill), and bobo (a moss-eating mullet). Rio Savegre is a favorite place to catch many of these species. The Caño Negro lagoon and the San Juan River along the Nicaraguan border offer excellent fishing for tarpon and snook. For lake anglers, visit Lake Arenal where you can battle the brave guapote or rainbow bass growing up to 8lbs / 3.5kg and more, all while under the imminent cone of the still active Arenal volcano. As a final note, all freshwater fishing is closed from September to December and a license is required, as is saltwater fishing.
While Costa Rica fishing vacations will fulfill any angler’s dreams, it’s also good to know that this is a fantastic destination for families. You can spend the day on a fishing boat knowing that there are many things to keep your family busy. ATV tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, canopy tours, and surf lessons are easily arranged from most cities on the Pacific coast. Tamarindo is a particularly fun place and Quepos is right next to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park.
Costa Rica is a great alternative to Mexico because it is still relatively close and doesn’t have the overdeveloped feel of so many Mexican beach resort areas. It is also more developed than its other neighboring countries and there are a large number of travel companies that will cater to the needs of your family. But in the end, it’s the Costa Rican fishing that will leave you smiling.