Did you know there are an estimated 12,046 marine species in the Caribbean alone? For an angler, that makes the lure of the place impossible to fight. Costa Rica’s location being so close to the equator offers amazing tropical weather year-round and having the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other offers anglers from all around the world a one-stop-shop for an amazing multi-species fishing holiday? In addition, you can stay in a top-class, world-renowned resorts while you do it. Read on as we discuss why you need to consider fishing in Costa Rica.
Why go Fishing in Costa Rica?
With so much choice around Central America and the Caribbean, you may wonder why you should fish Costa Rica. There are in fact several reasons, not least because it is known as one of the best game fishing destinations in the Northern Hemisphere.
Its unique position means it backs onto both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Marlin and Yellow Fin Tuna inhabit the Pacific Coast along with Sailfish, Cubera Snapper, and an abundance of other varieties. Moving to the Caribbean side, you can expect Mahi Mahi and some of the biggest Tarpon you will ever have the chance to put a lure or fly in front of.
If that is not enough, then the freshwater and inland fishing is just as plentiful. The Peacock Bass which is world-renowned for their topwater strikes on lures and flies.
RELATED: Wahoooo!, they’re here… plus more Yellowfin and Blue Marlin!
Types of Fishing in Costa Rica
The offshore fishing scene is a massive draw for most anglers that visit Costa Rica. If you are like me and would travel to Costa Rica to go fishing, I would break the trip up into 3 different styles of fishing.
Offshore
Being that Costa Rica sits so close to the equator you can enjoy year-round calm weather, with the calm weather comes unlimited choices in chasing the many offshore species that are on offer from 3 types of billfish species to big Mahi Mahi and Yellowfin.
Estuary/Freshwater Fishing
Costa Rica really is a one-stop-shop when it comes to crossing exotic fish off of your species bucket list, with amazing freshwater and estuary fishing on hand you will be able to have a shot at the Peacock Bass which is well known for its topwater strikes and aerial acrobatics.
Coastal Fishing
It’s not all about chasing pelagics and billfish on a trip to Costa Rica with lodges set up on the eastern side of the country from 1 star up to 5 stars like the Rio Indio Lodge which offers comfortable dwellings after a day of chasing Tarpon up to 100kg on fly or lures. If giant Tarpon isn’t your cup of tea you can also chase Cubera Snapper and Roosterfish on the southwest coast of the county in the Osa Peninsula.
Best Season to Fish in Costa Rica
Fishing in Costa Rica can be done at any time of year. Its climate is always warm and tropical, meaning the waters are filled with fish in any season you may visit. However, there are times when you may be more likely to catch some fish than others.
Billfish will start to appear in November around the South Pacific coast. This season lasts for around two to three months.
Around the middle of January, fish will start to move north, making the Central Pacific the most abundant place to fish. They will stay here until around May until the end of April. After this time, fishing is best in the north until September and October time.
Of course, this is just a guideline, and you can catch any number of fish at any given time. Below are the guidelines on the time of year you may catch specific fish.
- Rooster Fish – All Year
- Cubera Snapper – All Year
- Broomtail Grouper – All Year
- Sailfish – All Year
- Rainbow Bass – All Year
- Snook – March until April, October until November
- Tarpon – January to May
- Blue Marlin – March until April, November until December
- Black Marlin – July and August
RELATED: Record $9.2M Payout won at this years 48th White Marlin Open
Places to Stay
You will never be short of accommodation choices when fishing in Costa Rica. The country has some of the best hotels and fishing lodges in Central America. My pick of the best is below.
The Los Suenos Hotel
This hotel is owned and ran by the Marriot Hotel Group, and it has all of the services you would come to expect. Its grounds are breathtaking, with small multi-connected pools intermingled by lush flora and fauna. Situated 800 meters from the Herradura Entrance, you are in an ideal location for access to the Pacific.
Staff will be more than happy to arrange charters and trips for you. In the downtime, you can enjoy onsite spa facilities and even a round of golf. You can view the hotel’s current offers here.
Tulemar Resort
The Tulemar Resort has the highest ranking for customer satisfaction and value for money on Tripadvisor. It is located in a 33 acre gated resort that cascades down into a beautiful white sand beach. Accommodation can be in houses, villas, and bungalows.
Situated in Manuel Antonio, it is not as close to the harbour as some fishing resorts. However, everything can be arranged through the hotel who will organise transfers and pickups for your trip.
Laws and Regulations
When you hire a charter for game fishing in Costa Rica, the captain and crew will most likely already have the licenses and regulations already under control. However, it can help to know a few laws to help if you are fishing on your own.
Firstly, it is illegal to take Billfish out of the water. It can net you a fine of over $3000. In addition, any catch of Roosterfish must result in release.
If you decide to go fishing on your own, check with your hotel staff regarding the protocol. You do need a license for many types of fish and fishing, and you don’t want to get caught out.
RELATED: Sailfish: Are These Sought After Billfish the Fastest Fish in the Sea?
Planning Your Trip
Now you know a little about fishing in Costa Rica, it is time to plan the trip. You can source package deals from many travel organisations. Before you know it, you could be on the vacation of a lifetime.
RELATED: Travel again? Why you should start to plan your trips now.
