There is nowhere better for fishing than the deep seas of Costa Rica: two oceans, beautiful lakes and hundreds of rivers. Aboard comfortable boats, inflatable zodiacs or simple canoes, the possibilities are endless. Sport fishing in Costa Rica is always a success since its idyllic weather allows fishing all year long. Be aware that a “catch and release” policy is applied in Costa Rica!

The Pacific region is dotted with internationally known spots like Playa Flamingo, Golfito and Bahia Drake.

Sounds right for you? You know what to do! It will be our pleasure to help discover those famous fishing spots, whether you’re a rookie seaman or a seasoned captain!

  • From May to November, during the rainy season, you’ll get the best action around the Papagayo Gulf.
  • From December to April, during the dry season, you might want to visit the south of the country: Bahia Drake and Golfito are our favorite places.

FISHING TECHNIQUES

Here are short descriptions of the different fishing techniques that you can practice in Costa Rica. We insist that you respect a “Catch and Release” policy at all times.

SURF CASTING

This fishing technique consists of casting a lure or bait into the surf while standing on the shoreline. This technique works best in turbulent waters, when the sea is rough (at night or at sunrise or sunset) and when you use shellfish from the area as bait.

FLY-FISHING

This technique is also practiced standing on the shore. Fly fishing consists of casting a lure called “fly” that resemble natural invertebrates or insects to provoke the fish to strike. There are to different methods: casting (the weight of the line carries the hook through the air) and mending (bending the rod and releasing it to jerk the fly line forward).

BOAR ANGLING

The fisherman holds the rod in his hand and has to let the line go down to the bottom and wait for a fish to bite the hook. This fishing technique is a great technique to easily catch a large quantity of rock fish or fish moving mainly among seaweed.

LURE FISHING FROM A BOAT

This technique consists in using a lure and giving it life to imitate a real fish. If the lure imitates the behavior of an injured or otherwise vulnerable prey, it will tend to stimulate the appetite of predatory fish and therefore catch them more quickly. Thanks to this technique, it is possible to catch fish like pike, perches, or Bluefin tunas.

POPPER FISHING

Poppers are mainly used for difficult fishing, when the weather conditions are not optimal: windy days, heavy seas, etc. Therefore, the use of a big popper allows you to drive fish more easily and to cast long distances facing the wind.

TROLLING

This method of fishing consists in dragging a lure behind a boat moving at a slow or moderate speed. In tropical waters, trolling lines are used to catch bonitos, giant trevallies, barracudas, and tunas.

THE DIFFERENT REGIONS

THE CARIBBEAN

BARRA DEL COLORADO

Her, you will come across fish and coral reefs completely different from those on the Pacific coast. Located north of Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado lies near the mouth of the Río Colorado. This spot, generally known for sport fishing, but also for harpoon fishing of barracudas and sea pikes, attracts many enthusiasts. Watch out, this fishing spot is only accessible by air!

CENTRAL PACIFIC

QUEPOS

Sport fishing is a sport that has become famous in Quepos! The harbor is now filled with fishing boats. In Quepos harbor, you will mainly find yellow fin tunas, flying fish, giant marlins, bonitos, swordfish, and breams. It is possible to book many outings for a day, half a day, or several days (all included).

NICOYA PENINSULA

PLAYA FLAMINGO

Playa Flamingo is another major sport and seaside fishing spot in Costa Rica. Here, you will mainly find marlins, tunas, dolphins, and rooster fish.

GOLFO DULCE

GOLFITO

The best period to go fishing in Golfito runs from November to June. The concentration of different sizes and colors of fish will amaze you! You may fish a giant snapper, a trevally, or even a grouper, who knows?