Costa Rica is world-renowned for having some of the world’s finest sports fishing, and this is a very well deserved reputation! Saltwater fishing off of the coasts of Costa Rica is amazing. Careful stewardship of the country’s waters combined with outstanding guides who have fished in the area for years results in the ideal saltwater fishing heaven. Large numbers of many popular fish are caught off the coast, however, few can rival the incredible taste of the dolphin, aka mahi-mahi, or the dorado.
The Best Dorado Fishing
One of the main things that really stand out about Costa Rica mahi-mahi fishing is that throughout many parts of the country they are active all year long. So you have a great chance of limiting out no matter what time of year you visit the tropical paradise. However, the times when Dorado fishing is particularly incredible are in November, December, and January.
During those months you can easily catch numerous dorado. However, if you want to take your chance at the really trophy-sized fish you will want to travel to Costa Rica in June or July. During these months you will need to work a little harder for bites. However, that is when the trophy-sized fish come out and you have a good shot at catching the really big fish.
Mahi-Mahi: An Incredible Fish
Although it can sometimes be confusing for beginning saltwater anglers due to the fact that this fish has three common names, there are a couple of things that everyone can agree on. They are hard fighting, beautiful fish and absolutely delicious as well. Their distinctive appearance really is what sets them apart from the rest. The bright green, blue, and yellow colors are not only a gorgeous combination but when they are underwater these colors reflect off of the fish to create a “glow” which is a very special look.
Although the world record is just shy of 90 pounds, you are doing fantastic when you hit a number in the range of 40 pounds and 36 inches. Whenever you hit a school of them, you will not be disappointed at not breaking a world record. They are fun, they fight, and you will have enough tasty fried fish to make for an amazing vacation that you will remember for a lifetime.
Dorado Fishing at Its Best!
Between the fun of landing several, the fight, and the taste, numerous Costa Rica fishing guides consider them to be the ideal sportfish. Even when you are looking for sailfish, marlin, and other bigger, more difficult to find species it is great to hit a few schools of dorado in order to keep clients happy and to have lots of delicious fish to enjoy that night and later.
There are numerous ways that you can catch dorado and that is another thing that makes them so popular. Conventional fly, casting, and trolling are ways that are used to attract dorado, and this means there are many different techniques and styles that can be used to locate a fish that is loved for its photogenic and beautiful appearance, its hard fight, and tasty meat.
Best Months – for Large Dorado– June & July; Overall – November, December & January.
Playa Flamingo Fishing
Playa Flamingo is renowned for being one of the most stunning areas in Costa Rica. It is all about beautiful attractions, sandy beaches, and access to some of the most sought-after fish in the world.
This area in the region is the best for planning a first-rate chartered boat fishing adventure. Playa Flamingo offers a little of everything and for those wanting to make the catch of their lives, it is a joyous sight to behold.
For those who are in search of a deep-sea fishing adventure, nothing can beat Playa Flamingo when it comes to providing access to quality fish and amazing beaches.
This fishing destination is very enthralling and charming especially after you discover all that the area has to offer you.
Anglers have several different kinds of fish that they can pursue including Tuna, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Marlin, and the Rooster Fish.
There is an endless number of options and that is what this area’s wildlife is all about. It is a great and truly captivating way to immerse yourself in the waters of Costa Rica while enjoying the experience of a lifetime.
In addition to being able to enjoy some great fishing while in Playa Flamingo, there is also time for you to take in a sailfish tournament that the area hosts in July. That is when fishing enthusiasts and anglers gather and have plenty of fish while pursuing the most challenging fish in the area.
The Mahi-Mahi: A Spectacular Fish
It s never a bad time to travel to Playa Flamingo since it is a tourist-friendly and world-famous fishing destination. You can visit any time of the year to enjoy the beautiful Flamingo coast and all that it has to offer you.
Whether it happens to be July or January, you will discover it is an incredible play to enjoy deep-sea fishing. It is also a paradise for sports fishing and that is what makes the destination so breathtaking and incredible.
With little more than high-quality live bait and a chartered boat, you can get access to renowned species of fish such as dorado, sailfish, and marlin.
This is a thriving ecosystem and one that is full of surprises for anglers who would like to test their skills in the Costa Rican waters.
Also, you can some time at some of the other fishing hotspots nearby like Catalina to discover what else Costa Rica has to offer. By taking a short trip to one of the other areas, you can begin to make the most of some of the species including Mahi Mahi, Crevalle Jack, Spanish Mackerel, and Pacific Cubera.
While the world record might be just short of 90 pounds, you’re doing great when you hit a bunch in the 36 inch long and 40 lb weight range. When you hit a school of these, you won’t be disappointed at not finding a world record. Trust us – the fight, the fun, and the delicious fried fish will be plenty to make for a truly incredible vacation.
What makes the country of Costa Rica so incredibly special is the opportunity to catch all of those types of fish.
In addition to being a very charming fish, it is also among the most common kinds that are available in the waters of Costa Rica. It is not known for being a had catch, however, as an angler, it still is a fish that can make you smile.
Generally speaking, the kind of mackerel present in Costa Rica is the Spanish mackerel. It is a unique fish that goes by the name of Pacific Sierra Mackerel as well.
What makes the Spanish mackerel unique among other kinds of mackerel?
Fishing For Mackeral in Costa Rica
The Spanish mackerel can be found along both the Pacific and Atlantic coast and you can gain access to some of the largest ones in the entire world. They range up to almost 12 pounds and 3.5 feet long at their peak. It is very important to use the right kind of bait while watching out for them. That is how you will hook them whether or not it is peak season.
When it comes to mackerel, it is strongly recommended that as an angler you take your time to reel them and focus on your safety. You want to ensure you do not handle the fish using your bare hands since that can result in bite-related injuries.
The Best Time To Fish For Mackerel In Costa Rica
What is the best time to arrive for a Costa Rica fishing trip?
If your goal is enjoying mackerel fishing, then any time of the year is good. There are always mackerel swimming around the waters of Costa Rica at all times of the year and this is why it is such a common kind of fish in the area.
You will often see them swimming around the rocks and reefs since this is where they have a tendency to hide. They also often swim alone, so you will need to focus on how you are using bait to attract them.
To start planning your Costa Rica fishing trip, book your chartered boat and find out what Costa Rica has to offer you.
Fishing for Marlin in Costa Rica
In terms of big-time fishing, catching marlin is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have.
It is among the most challenging kinds of fish that you can catch out on the open water. Therefore, head to Costa Rica to have the chance to catch the fish and see how you manage to reel the marlin in when the time comes.
The following is what makes fishing for marlin in Costa Rica a very special adventure that is definitely worthwhile.
There are three kinds of marlin that can be found along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica – Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin. Generally speaking, the most common kind of marlin that is present in Costa Rica is the blue marlin. It is spotted in the area quite often. However, there are also a number of sightings of other kinds also, including the striped and black marlin. It is very important to know that they are known for being among the ocean’s biggest game fish, which also makes them one of the most appealing catches.
If you are able to visit Costa Rica during the right time of year, you could end up catching a “grander.” This is a big marline that at its peak can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Otherwise, you will still have the chance to pursue a marlin that can come in at around 400 pounds. In certain situations, you will have the opportunity to pursue the striped marline, which at its peak weighs around 200 pounds and is smaller.
Using dead skipping baits and/or trolling techniques are the best methods to use for catching this fish. They have a tendency to attract marlin that you are hoping to reel in.
The Best Time To Fish For Marlin In Costa Rica
The extended peak seasons in Costa Rica is one of the best things about visiting the country for a fishing adventure.
You will have the chance to catch marlin out on the beautiful waters no matter what time of year it is. However, it is still best to time your visit so you can maximize the entire value of Costa Rica’s fishing season. According to experts, marlins have a tendency to do more biting on live bait from mid-November through March since this is the time when they are the most active in the region. That is when you will numerous black and blue marlin in the waters of Costa Rica.
If you will be spending some time along the coast of the Central Pacific, you can wait a little longer and take your chances in April. Your goal is maximizing your chances. The best way to do that is to find out when it is easiest to spot the marlin. That is why a majority of individuals visit between November and either March or April, depending on where on the coast they are going.
Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica
There are many beautiful parts of Costa Rica where people can fish. However, the roosterfish is a very unique fish and needs to be targeted later in the peak season since that is when it has a tendency to appear in higher numbers. In Costa Rica, roosterfish are available in a number of different sizes, including some that go up to 80 pounds, which makes it an excellent catch to pull off. In rare situations, some have exceeded that number and have become the season’s catch for the world record holders.
One important thing to note is that it isn’t easy to catch roosterfish and they put up a hard fight. That is what makes these fish so interesting to fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
If you are going to visit Costa Rica, then roosterfish should be included on your itinerary. These fish are aggressive, erratic, and will not give into you easily. They put up a good fight so you will need to earn it to land one.
Since it isn’t easy to catch roosterfish in other areas in the world, it makes Costa Rica an even more intriguing destination.
Best Time To Fish
When it comes to fishing for mackerel in Costa Rica, it centers around looking out for its bronze-colored back and distinct silver-blue sides. This is among the fish that are very easy to immediately spot and distinguish due to their beautiful combination of colors and famous blue stripe that starts at the gill and then ends on the tail.
While the world record might be just short of 90 pounds, you’re doing great when you hit a bunch in the 36 inch long and 40 lb weight range. When you hit a school of these, you won’t be disappointed at not finding a world record. Trust us – the fight, the fun, and the delicious fried fish will be plenty to make for a truly incredible vacation.
A Perfect Sports Fish
Between the taste, the fight, and the fun of hooking several, many Costa Rica guides consider them a near perfect sportsfish. Even when searching for marlin, sailfish, and other larger harder to find species they love to hit a school or two of dorado to keep clients happy and have plenty of delicious fish to prepare that night and beyond.
There are many different ways to catch dorado which is another reason why they are so popular. Trolling, casting, and conventional fly use are all ways to get a dorado interested, and that means many different styles and techniques that can be used to find a fish loved for its hard fight, beautiful (and photogenic) appearance, and truly delicious meat!
Best Months – November, December, January and for the Best Months for big dorado – June, July.
Fishing In Playa Flamingo
Noted for being one of the most spectacular parts of Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo is all about sandy beaches, gorgeous attractions, and access to some of the world’s most sought-after fish.
When it comes to planning a top-class fishing adventure with a chartered boat, there’s nothing better than this part of the region. Playa Flamingo has a little bit of everything and is a joy to behold for those who want to make the catch of a lifetime.
Fishing In Playa Flamingo
For those after a deep-sea fishing adventure that’s going to provide access to amazing beaches and quality fish, there’s nothing better than Playa Flamingo.
This is a fishing destination that has a charm of its own and is quite enthralling as soon as you set off to see all that it has to offer.
There are several different types of fish for anglers to go after such as the Rooster Fish, Marlin, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and of course Tuna.
The options are endless and that’s what the wildlife in this area is all about. It is captivating and a great way to immerse yourself in Costa Rican waters while having the time of your life.
Along with being able to enjoy a bit of fishing in Playa Flamingo, you can even take the time to enjoy the sailfish tournament that’s hosted in the area in July. This is when anglers and enthusiasts get together and have fun while going after challenging fish.
Best Time for Fishing in Playa Flamingo
There is never a bad time to visit Playa Flamingo because this is a tourist-friendly fishing destination that is world-famous. You can come at any time of the year and enjoy the gorgeous Flamingo coast for all that it has to offer.
Whether it’s in January or July, you are going to find this to be an amazing way to enjoy deep-sea fishing. When it comes to sports fishing, you are going to be in paradise and that’s what makes this destination breathtaking.
With nothing more than a chartered boat and high-quality live bait, you can start to access revered species such as the marlin, sailfish, and dorado to name a few.
This is an ecosystem that is thriving and one that is a fun-filled surprise for those who want to test their skills out in the water.
Plus, you can also spend time at nearby fishing hotspots such as Catalina to see what else is available in Costa Rica. With a short trip over to one of these regions, you can start to make the most of other species such as the Pacific Cubera, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jack, and Mahi Mahi.
Having the ability to catch all of these fish is what makes Costa Rica special.
For those who want to make the most of their trip to Playa Flamingo, it’s time to appreciate what this beautiful destination in Costa Rica has to offer. It’s jam-packed with fun things to do along with enjoying some of the finest fishing hotspots on the planet all in one place!
Mackerel Fishing in Costa Rica
When it comes to catching the most aesthetically appealing fish in Costa Rican waters, there is nothing more fascinating than the mackerel. This is a type of fish that appeals to almost every angler on the planet because it has a certain charm to it that’s impossible to beat. Whether it’s the gorgeous look or the pink meat, this is among the finest fish on the planet.
Costa Rica is well-appreciated for having access to some of the best mackerel worldwide and is often a hotspot for professional anglers.
For those planning a fishing adventure to this part of the world, it might be time to hop onto a chartered boat and see whether you can catch a mackerel of your own.
Mackerel Fishing in Costa Rica
When it comes to mackerel fishing in Costa Rica, it’s all about spotting that bronze-colored back with its noticeable silver-blue sides. This is one of those fish that are easy to spot and immediately distinguishable because of the beautiful blend of colors and that famed blue stripe that begins at the gill and ends at the tail.
Along with being a charming fish, this is also one of the more common types available in Costa Rican waters. It isn’t known for being a difficult catch but is still one that brings a smile to your face as an angler.
In general, the type of mackerel that’s found in Costa Rica would be the Spanish mackerel and this is a unique one that is also known as the Pacific Sierra Mackerel.
What makes it unique in comparison to other types of mackerel?
With the Spanish mackerel, you see it along both coasts (Atlantic and Pacific) while gaining access to some of the bigger ones in the world. These can range up to 3.5 feet in length while weighing almost 12 lbs at their peak. It’s important to keep an eye out for them in the water using the right type of bait. This is how you are going to hook them in whether you are fishing during peak season or not.
With the mackerel, it’s highly recommended to take your time reeling them in and focusing on your safety as an angler. You want to make sure you are not handling them with your bare hands as that is what leads to bite-related injuries.
Best Time for Mackerel Fishing in Costa Rica
When should you be arriving for a fishing trip in Costa Rica?
If the goal is to enjoy mackerel fishing then you are good to go at all times of the year. There is always a mackerel swimming around in Costa Rican waters throughout the year and that’s what makes it such a common type of fish in the region.
You are often going to spot them swimming around reefs and/or rocks as that is where they hide. They tend to swim alone, which means you will have to focus on how you use bait to bring them in.
To get started with a fishing trip in Costa Rica, it’s time to book a chartered boat and see what the Pacific coast has to offer.
Marlin Fishing in Costa Rica
When it comes to big-time fishing, there’s nothing more exhilarating than catching a marlin.
This is one of the most challenging types of fish to catch in the open water. As a result, it’s time to head over to Costa Rica to try your hand at catching this fish and seeing how you hold up when it’s time to reel them in.
Here’s what makes marlin fishing in Costa Rica such a special adventure and one worthy of your time.
There are three types of marlin found along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast – Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin. In general, the most common type of marlin fish found in Costa Rica would be none other than the blue marlin as it’s commonly spotted around the area. However, there are various sightings of the other types as well such as the black and striped marlin. It’s important to note these are appreciated for being the largest game fish in the ocean, which makes them one of the more appealing catches too.
If you manage to visit Costa Rica at the right time of the year, it’s possible to end up with a “grander,” which is a large-sized marlin that can end up weighing over 1,000 lbs at its peak. Otherwise, you are still going to have the opportunity to go after a marlin that is going to come in at approximately 400 lbs. or so. In some cases, you are going to get the chance to go after the striped marlin, which is smaller in stature and ends up weighing around 200 lbs. at its peak.
The best way to catch this fish is to use slow trolling techniques and/or dead skipping baits. These tend to attract the marlin as you hope to reel them in.
Best Time for Marlin Fishing in Costa Rica
The best part about visiting Costa Rica for a fishing adventure has to do with its extended peak seasons.
You are going to have the opportunity to go out into the water and catch a marlin at any time of the year. However, it’s still better to time your visit to extract the full value of the fishing season in this part of the world. Experts state marlin fish tend to bite more on live bait between mid-November and March as that is when they are most active in the area. This is when you are going to spot a considerable amount of blue and black marlin in Costa Rican waters.
If you are going to spending time along the Central Pacific coast then you can wait around a bit longer and take a shot in April. The goal is to maximize your chances and the best way to do this is to see when the marlin fish are easier to spot. This is why most people visit between November and March/April depending on where they are going along the coast.
Fishing for Roosterfish in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a beautiful collection of areas where a person can enjoy fishing. However, the roosterfish is unique and should be targeted later during the peak season as this is when it tends to appear in greater numbers. Roosterfish come in various sizes in Costa Rica including some going all the way up to 80 lbs. making it quite an outstanding catch. In rare cases, there are some that have even exceeded this number and become the catch of the season for world record holders.
It’s important to note roosterfish aren’t easy to catch and put up quite the fight. This is what makes them such an intriguing option for fishing enthusiasts worldwide.
Coming to Costa Rica means roosterfish have to be on your itinerary. They are erratic, aggressive, and will not give in as easily as you think. They are going to put up a fight and will make you earn it.
Since roosterfish aren’t easy to catch in other parts of the world, this makes Costa Rica doubly intriguing as a destination.
Best Time to Go Fishing
It’s often recommended to visit Costa Rica during October and November when it comes time to catch roosterfish. They will often be seen swimming around along the shores because of the baitfish that’s present in the area (i.e. mullet, sardines, blue runners, bonita, and moonfish). While they can be present throughout the year, it’s always smart to target them during the time they’re present in larger numbers.
You will find them close to ledges and rocky points along the shore, which makes them easy to spot near beaches. If you have the right type of bait, the results can be outstanding.
For those willing to head over to Costa Rica for the trip of a lifetime, there’s nothing better than going after the roosterfish in October and November. This is a prized fish that is going to bring a smile to your face and is going to put up a fight. This is what makes it a charming adventure that’s going to be remembered for years to come.
This is one of those species that is going to bring a smile to your face as soon as the adventure begins in Costa Rica.
Sailfish Fishing In Costa Rica
The sailfish is a captivating sight as it streams around in Costa Rican waters. It has an alluring presence as it whips around and makes its presence felt.
When it comes to enjoying an enthralling fishing adventure along the shores of Costa Rica, there’s nothing better than going after the beautiful sailfish.
The sailfish will vary in size and can have a lifespan between 4-10 years of age.
Best Time to Catch Sailfish Fishing
It’s all about timing for those wanting to catch the elusive sailfish.
It’s often determined by the winds in the region as they start to blow in different directions throughout the year. For example, during January-April, the winds tend to blow across the lowlands making it easier to catch the sailfish. This is when you should be heading over to Costa Rica for a fun-filled adventure in the water.
When the winds start changing direction past these months, it becomes much harder for the sailfish to come closer to the surface. This has to do with the amount of oxygen in the water, which can make it harder for the sailfish to eat. As a result, they follow their major food sources such as sardines and squid.
It’s recommended by local experts to look out for the right time to go fishing in Costa Rica.
If sailfish are on your mind then it’s important to time your trip to perfection. Otherwise, you are going to miss out on the healthy pockets of sailfish that tend to appear throughout the region.
When it comes to enjoying time on a chartered boat, there’s nothing more intriguing than going after the sailfish. This can be a fascinating experience for those who want to go after a fish that’s not as easy to catch in the open water. You will have to make use of different bait options to get out in front of this fish and time the adventure to perfection.
Get started with this enthralling trip and make it one that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons!
Get started by booking a fun adventure to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Phone: 1-866-JACO-FISH