However, the price should include fishing equipment and the fishing license. Sailfish. Usually fishing no more than 30 to 40 minutes out, sportsmen score consistently on dorado, big snapper, tuna, jack crevalle, wahoo, rainbow runner, blue runner, amberjack, grouper, mackerel, trevally, bonito, and skipjack. 1, Ave. 1, San Jose, Costa Rica.Fishing lodges are listed by location. 371 reviews. Snook. The province is less developed than some other coastal regions, which actually makes for better fishing action. Lake Arenal is the biggest lake in the country and boasts arguably the best freshwater fishing in Costa Rica. Hop aboard a Costa Rica fishing charter, and you could explore them all! But we have never seen tourists do it since they do it like an artisanal local fishing way (not sure how to describe it) but basically just using a line and hook, no nets or poles. Costa Rica is known for many water activities and spearfishing is a highlight for fishing lovers. Costa Rica Fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort is world-class with catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean for sailfish, striped, blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. When the run is on, you will hook a fish on nearly every cast. The Gulf of Papagayo is only 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport,, … Hi Sarah, I am not too knowledgeable on the best places to shore fish but we have seen locals shore fishing in Playas del Coco certain times of the year. You will still see locals shore fishing during certain times of the year and places. On Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, the target of most sportsmen is the acrobatic tarpon, possibly the most dramatic and exciting sport fish in the world. The best fishing in Costa Rica is on the Pacific coast for sailfish and Marlin. Lake Arenal, Coto Lake, Cano Negro Lagoon and Savegre River are a few of the best places. Big snook are most often caught by casting jigs and plugs from the beach near river mouths, but are also taken trolling along the shore just inside the rivers. Fishing in Costa Rica is no joke. All year in each designated location. Fishing is hot somewhere in Costa Rica for several species just about any month of the year. The Gulf of Papagayo is only 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport,, making it the most easily accessible fishing spot for visitors. Despite the short distance, the peak months for each species vary between these regions. “Hot” lures vary from year to year, and lodges usually have the latest for sale. Bahia Rica Lodge offers excellent fishing trips in the Paquera Bay and Gulf of Nicoya. This is where you’ll depart from if you’re staying in Jaco. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it is world famous for its fishing … Mackeral. The Pacific Coast is rightly famous for record-breaking off shore Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna. The second time was a bit better and more fun since we had more people and an actual fishing captain (first time was with a friend who had a boat for fun). In this section, we’ll go over the best … My husband would love to catch any kind of sport fish, especially a billfish! The best sport fishing locations in Costa Rica with easy access Marlin. Preview. There has to be a fishing store in Flamingo or Samara where they sell all sorts of fishing supplies and have nets (not really sure about nets for children). You will need to contact the company to see what their policies are as some groups do want private tours, but some companies may offer open tours. What … Many foreigners enjoy the dry season in Coco beach in the months between January and late March, the beach, the sun and for anyone fishing … Zancudo Lodge and Crocodile Bay Resort puts together great in and offshore fishing. Quepos, the main town near Manuel Antonio has a large marina called Marina Pez Vela and is a great place for sailfish. Jackpot Sport Fishing. inshore fishing, surfing and snorkeling trips from Coco. On the Pacific coast, you’ll find Snook, Jacks, and the exotic Roosterfish, … ConchalFun. Costa Rica Fishing Charters & Tours: Check out Viator's reviews and photos of Costa Rica tours Here is our guide on fishing in Costa Rica so you can plan your trip accordingly if you want to take a fishing trip. Some hotels even offer these activities such as the Springs Resort & Spa (they have their own trout lake and river). Tarpon are caught just outside the river mouths, in coastal lagoons and rivers, and more recently in the lower San Juan River, bordering Nicaragua and reached by boats from Barra Colorado and the Sarapiqui River. Chris Atkins. Hottest tarpon action is usually outside the river mouths where leaping schools sometimes spread for acres in every direction. We are Costa Rica Fishing Experts, helping people finding the right fishing adventure is our goal, Whatever the fish you are looking for: you can fish marlin, sailfish, tuna, Wahoo, Snook, roosterfish, snapper, tarpon, and other species. Half day fishing tour. Freshwater fishing is open from November 1 to June 1. Declared the fishing capital of Costa Rica, … For freshwater fishing, the best place to fish in Costa Rica is undoubtedly Lake Arenal in Arenal Volcano National Park. Half and full day trips run around $200-500, much cheaper than other charters since the boats aren’t big and don’t have bathrooms. Costa Rica forums . Lake Arenal is a great place for fishing and boating. The Best Fishing Spots In Costa Rica. ... Water Safety in Costa Rica - Beware of Riptides; What are the Entry requirements for Costa Rica? There are a handful of rivers and a few lakes where freshwater fishing in Costa Rica is very good. Chris grew up in Kohler, Wisconsin, but has been living in Costa Rica since 2005 where he now runs and owns Central America Fishing, a travel agency offering customized fishing vacations to Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Guatemala.Chris has traveled to six continents and 23 countries, fishing … Roosterfish. and turtles bask along the shore. Here, you can fish from shore, with the river mouths being especially productive. Tuna. Calba average around four pounds and are taken on jigs and bass plugs worked along the river banks. Herradura, Bahia Rice lodge in Paquera, Crocodile Bay resort in Puerto Jimenez and Quepos are excellent places for fishing. Do you have any suggestions for places to stay and shore fish? Most inland areas are hard to find on your own and may require a 4-wheel drive. Rio Parismina is one of the best for giant tarpoon and snook, a favorite for fly fishermen. Hi Anne, honestly I am not sure. We’ve caught mahi mahi, tuna and snapper before and took them all home to eat which was awesome! #29 Best Value of 43 Fishing Resorts in Costa Rica “ This hotel was basic, but very comfortable -a nicely situated place to stay a short walk from the beach and in the center of town. This area is perfect for families and fisherman alike looking to enjoy the real Costa Rica. Wahoo. Yeison used to go kayak fishing in Playas del Coco which you can read more in the link. The month of December, and especially our Christmas week, is family time here at Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica and our staff, along with the fishing … It’s pretty much a small boat that locals use for inshore fishing and it’s a very nice way to experience local artisan fishing. youcan rent equipment if you don’t bring your own. Along with the billfish in the bluewater are … you can ask the locals to see if anyone offers fishing trips with their panga. You should bring a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a good sunscreen. For the East Coast, see Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, and Barra Colorado. Mytanfeet LLC Copyright© 2013 - 2021 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog! Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. Gulf of Papagayo. According to University of Costa Rica ichthyologist William Bussing, there are 127 species of freshwater fish in 33 families in Costa Rican waters, and some provide excellent sport and fine eating. Come and get a real taste of Costa Rica and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle with some of the best … The best tarpon fishing is done in … Go Fish Costa Rica. Herrdura is home to the Los Suenos Marina which holds up to 200 boats. Some of the most sought-after inshore creatures live close to land in Costa Rica. When we used to live in Playas del Coco, we saw a lot of locals shore fishing with just a line and hook! Tarpon. Best Spearfishing Spots In Costa Rica. The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is dotted with rivers that produce great action, the best being in the Central Pacific for large snook … … Zancudo is particularly good for marlin and sailfish. Accessing The Best Fishing In Costa Rica While there are a number of options, Liberia Airport – otherwise known as Daniel Oduber Quiros International – is the main gateway for the best deep-sea fish in Costa … For scuba fishermen, equipment and air refills are now available at major resorts on the west coast as well as in San Jose. On the Caribbean coast and southern Pacific coast near Golfito, bring light rain wear all year. … Local tackle stores are helpful. Rainbow trout averaging 11 inches are found in a dozen high altitude rivers, while the warmer lowland waters offer rainbow bass (guapote), mojarra, machaca, bobo, and Vieja. Although we never had any luck, we have seen some local fishermen catch big snappers right from shore! An informal tournament organized by local enthusiasts is held annually in April or May. You’re likely to see monkeys, brilliantly colored parrots, macaws, toucans, herons and egrets, while caimans. It doesn’t end there however as prolific sport fishing can be enjoyed from the northern Pacific region of Guanacaste in places like Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Gulf of Papagayo all the way … Hotel/resort and best town for that time of year? Surprisingly, fly fishing is quite good. Famous for the Manuel Antonio National park and world class fishing. Colored in subtle shades of turquoise, rose and purple with feathered ends to its caudal and dorsal fins and a distinctive hump on the mature male’s head, the rainbow bass, or guapote, frequently run five to eight pounds with a 111/2 pounder holding the world record. February 2020 - Costa Rica Fishing Report Read More January 2020 - Costa Rica Fishing Report. To the north, boats are available at Flamingo Beach, Playa del Coco, Potrero, Playa Hermosa, Tamarindo, Garza, Playa Carrillo, Tambor, and Jaco area. We also have a friend who runs inshore fishing, surfing and snorkeling trips from Coco. Lake Arenal, in the San Carlos Valley about a three-hour drive from San Jose via good highway, is famous for its rainbow bass, a member of the cichlid family, fished as you would for largemouth bass. About 120 charter boats are available along the West Coast, ranging from 23 feet to more than 50 feet, all equipped with tournament quality tackle. Tarpon are caught year round, but during the peak season, February through June, it’s not unusual to raise 20 or more of the Silver Rockets every day, averaging 80 pounds, with plenty hitting the 100 pound mark or better. We will be in Costa Rica July 31-Aug 4 and would like at least one day of fishing. The season is from January through September. Sport … Once you try spearfishing excitement in Costa Rica, you’ll probably never want to use a fishing rod again. We are going from Flamingo to Samara tomorrow and have spend several days trying to find a fishing net for children in this area which by now seems impossible – so if you by any change have an idea where to find one I would be trilled (and so will our youngest kid turning 3 in 2 days) – hope you can help these two desperate parents making his wish come true! These experiences are best for fishing charters & tours in Province of Guanacaste: Private Fishing and Snorkeling Adventure in Costa Rica. Ruhlow likes plastic tailed jigs such as Scampi or Sassy Shad, and Rapallas in colors or natural. In San Jose you can buy tide tables and fishing tackle at La Casa del Pescador, Calle 2, Ave. 18/20. Both places offer good fishing, particularly local fishing since they are small fishing towns. The pool in the courtyard … For the West Coast, see Golfito, Osa Peninsula, Quepos, Puntarenas, Playas Naranjo, and Tambor on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, and Playas Carrillo, Tamarindo, Flamingo, and Hermosa on the Northwest Coast. Bill fish are plentiful in Costa Rica and you can catch marlin, sailfish, roosterfish and more on a deep sea fishing trip. Hotels in Tilaran and canas are nearby, as are the hot springs at Tabacon. Costa Rica’s four-day International Sailfish Tournament is widely recognized as the most productive of any billfish competition in the world. Half day inshore fishing charters start at $400 and full days can go up to $1000. Permits for freshwater fishing, including river mouths and from the beach even in salt water, are available at the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Information Department, Ave. 1, Calle 2/4, behind the main post office, 9-3 p.m. M-F. Several areas offer trout fishing with fish originally planted, including the Chacon farm at San Gerardo de Dota, in the mountains near the Interamerican Highway. Some of the best places to go inshore fishing in Costa Rica are Gulf of Papagayo, Caribbean, Quepos, Samara and Tamarindo. Half day sport fishing charters starts at $800 USD and full day can go over $2600 USD depending on number of people and other factors. While there is great fishing all year around in the Central Pacific in Costa Rica, December through March are the best months for catch and release fishing of blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, … Two IGFA record cubera snappers and a jack crevalle world mark have been caught by tarpon anglers working just outside the mouths of rivers flowing into the Caribbean, an area with many barracuda, kingfish, giant groupers, sharks, tripletail, mackerel, and other species. Costa Rica offers all types: sport fishing, freshwater fishing and inshore fishing. The first time we went fishing on a panga wasn’t very good. I am trying to plan a last minute trip 1/22/2020-1/26/2020 to Costa Rica for my husband and myself. Rivers feeding to the Caribbean also have plenty of guapotes, and visitors to the lodges there often take a day off from tarpon fishing to go after the hard-hitting rainbow bass and other exotics farther up the jungle rivers. November through January there’s a light tackle bonanza as immense schools of a small variety of snook known as calba move into the area. Read our community guidelines. Thank you for any suggestions you can give! Fishermen routinely raise 20 to 30 sailfish a day along with blue, black, and striped marlin on the Pacific Coast, and some have scored all four species of billfish in a single day. Fishing Charters & Tours in Costa Rica. We are so happy to Help, Ask Your Question with no obligation! The Pacific side of Costa Rica boasts two fishing seasons for sailfish and marlin, with the central and southern regions most productive November through April. Sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea … Nature has endowed Costa Rica with vast swathes of rich coastal ecosystems, making it one of the best deep sea fishing destinations of the world. Like any place in the world, fishing varies in each area according to season, wind, weather, water temperature, moon phase, and other variables. So, enjoy surf fishing in Costa Rica, sometimes it is right in front of the house or resort, only a few meters away from you. ATV Beach Tours. You can catch species such as Snook, Tarpon, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, king fish tripletail and mahi-mahi. Here is a map of the best places to fish in Costa Rica. The best locations, strategies and times to catch tarpon in Costa Rica vary but an expert tarpon with over 20 years of experience fishing in Costa Rica will tell you about proven secrets to help shorten your … You can catch rainbow trout, bass, mojarra, bluegill and many other types of freshwater fish. Flamingo has a large marina. Group of 4 guys staying in JACO looking to go TUNA fishing need your recommendation and what marina to go out of January 20-27 ,2020…. Fishing in Costa Rica’s … The World record for dorado is an 87-pounder caught in Costa Rica in 1976, but challengers are caught every year. Pangas are small (15-22) foot outboard hull boats with center consoles. I’ll be traveling solo in a couple weeks , how can I go fishing on a charter with a group (so I can split the cost)? Ideal for those who want to fish in style as it caters the needs of luxury travelers. The marina holds ... Marina Pez … You can take an inshore or deep sea fishing trip to catch mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish and more. Facilities are increasing for fishermen, with new lodges, more charter boats, and a large corps of knowledgeable guides on both coasts. Never been to before! Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica boasts excellent fishing and many locals still make their living off of fishing. Dorado. If you plan to go fishing in Gulf of Papagayo (Ocotal/Coco/Hermosa/Panama) or Tamarindo/Conchal/Flamingo, please feel free to contact us for recommendations! This 53 square … For tarpon, Ruhlow recommends bringing a 6 1/2 foot medium action rod with a conventional or level wind reel that will take 200 yards of 20 lb. How is Snook Fishing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica? But when wind and surf prevent the boats from getting outside, tarpon can usually be found in the rivers and back lagoons as well. It is better to be ready. The Pacific Coast has divided roughly into three fishing areas: the Guanacaste region to the north, the central coastal area around Quepos, and the Drake Bay-Golfito region to the south. Here are the best times of year for certain fish in various parts of the country. It does need to be during the right time of year when the fish are close to shore however. Freshwater fishermen find plenty of sport in Costa Rica. Snapper. But no place on earth offers a better chance of getting on a hot bite than does Costa Rica. Enjoy some freshwater sport on a high mountain trout stream, a magnificent lake abounding in rainbow bass, or hundreds of miles of virgin rivers filled with snook and such exotic species as bobo and machaca, all only a one to three-hour drive from the capital, San Jose? line, such as a Garcia 6500 or 7000. In recent years, charter boats have caught and released an average of 500 marlins during the peak season from January through August and raised an average of 10 sails per boat each fishing day from April through mid-August. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica Calle La Nacion, Jaco 61101 costaricafishingexperts.com [email protected] Call: +506 8310 8393 https://goo.gl/maps/KQtLX9LrBK12. ( see the tour section in each location to read more about the local boat). We both love to fish and would love to try some different places. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. You will need an ocean fishing license that your lodge can get for you (they need your name, marital status, address, and passport number) or which you can get from the Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia, Calle. The most popular places to go deep sea fishing in Costa Rica is Flamingo, Herradura, Quepos, Golfo Dulce/Golfito, Drake Bay and Gulf of Papagayo. For inshore fishing, you can keep the fish you catch for the most part. "Best fishing experience ever, We didn't have in mind to go fishing, but in the end it was the best decision, we decided to take our first trip to Costa Rica and we knew we had to go fishing while in Quepos." Good place for marlin and sailfish. It’s not good all year round and it’s not as plentiful as it used to be. Hi there There you fish amidst incredible tropical jungles, with overhead branches draped in wild orchids. TamaDive. The Caribbean coasts offers different types of fish than the Pacific. If you’d like to try inshore fishing but the local way, you can hire a panga instead of booking through a big company. Usually fishing no more than 30 to 40 minutes out, sportsmen score consistently on dorado, big snapper, tuna, jack crevalle, wahoo, rainbow runner, blue runner, amberjack, grouper, mackerel, trevally, bonito, and skipjack. Los Suenos. The tarpon population in Costa Rica is not migratory and is mainly mature adults, so when tarpon fishing in Costa Rica be prepared to do battle with 80-100 lb fish (or bigger). Your message. We caught one small snapper and that was it! Tamarindo and Flamingo are two excellent places for deep sea fishing. You can also try your hand at freshwater such as lake and river fishing in Costa Rica. The East Coast of Costa Rica has the best fishing for Tarpon and Snook. Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa. Wahoo, snappers, grouper, mahi-mahi and tuna are just a few fish that roam around closer to shore. All three places are great fishing destinations. Fishing companies don’t use these but if you go to any fishing village like Coco, Quepos, Samara, Tamarindo, etc. The charts below will give you a better idea of what to expect when planning your Costa Rica fishing vacation, however anyone who has experience fishing in Costa Rica will tell you any kind of fish can be … Hi! It’s not as popular as ocean fishing but there is a company that specializes in fly fishing trips, Fly Fish in Costa Rica. Like all fishing, action will vary with the seasons. The sport fishing is so good that the country receives more than 5 Grand Slams each year during tournaments! Costa Rica forums . Do you have a recommendation on where to stay? Los Suenos was the first government-sanctioned marina in Costa Rica a is located in Jaco on the central Pacific coast. But billfish aren’t all the Pacific Coast offers. We are trying to do a budget trip and learn the area. Guapote. They put together special itineraries and all inclusive Costa Rica fishing packages! Playa Conchal. You can still catch plenty of fish on an inshore fishing trip. Jaco Sea Kayak, Snorkeling & Fishing Tours, Sportfishing with Captain tony in Jaco Beach. Located at the base of a highly active volcano surrounded by tropical jungle rich in wildlife, the beautiful 15 mile-long lake has two fishing lodges that offer overnight accommodations, guides and boat rentals. These boats are equipped with bathrooms, include all fishing gear and equipment and crew. Other International Game Fish Association records caught in Costa Rica include all-tackle and/or line-test and fly fishing marks for Pacific dog snapper, rainbow runner, Pacific sailfish, roosterfish, big-eye tuna, big-eye trevally, cubera snapper, tarpon and snook. The Papagayo Marina is in Culebra Bay and fits up to 180 boats! Reply to: Best fishing in Jaco area 3 week in Jan. Center consoles hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and lodges usually have the latest for sale as... The west coast as well as in San Jose coast is rightly famous for most! Lodge offers excellent fishing and many other types of freshwater fish want to take a fishing trip kind! 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To Costa Rica fishing packages 2021 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog at least one day of.... Roosterfish and more on a hot bite than does Costa Rica is known for many water activities spearfishing... Minute trip 1/22/2020-1/26/2020 to Costa Rica offers fishing trips in the Paquera Bay and Gulf of Papagayo Ocotal/Coco/Hermosa/Panama! Sport fishing is so good that the country it the most best fishing in costa rica every cast record-breaking off shore,...