Costa Rica Deep Sea Fishing

Ask any experienced sport fisherman where the best deep sea fishing in the world is, and among the answers will be Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known to have some of the most diverse and exciting species of fish, drawing anglers from all over the world. Some go for the challenge of their first-ever sport fishing catch, while others go hoping to be the next world record holder for yet another extraordinary catch.

  1. Costa Rica Has Two Oceans to Fish

    • Costa Rica is nestled between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Flanked by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica is a stunning combination of fertile freshwater rivers and canals, serene beaches and beautiful sapphire waters beckoning the sport fisherman to charter a boat and try their luck at catching some big fish. The variety of fish and the skill of the skippers and their boat crews all lend themselves to an extraordinary experience. Fishing the waters of either ocean with any success varies by season, however, something is always biting every month throughout the year.

    Size Does Matter in Costa Rica Deep Sea Fishing

    • Visit any website or watch any video about sport fishing in Costa Rica and you will find world-record-setting catches of some of the world's fastest, strongest and most challenging fish to land anywhere in the world. With more than 100 world records to its name, Costa Rica deep sea fishing charters consistently land and then release sport fishing's finest species.

    Types of Fish in Costa Rica Deep Sea Fishing

    • Depending on the area and the time of year, Costa Rica sport fishing charters catch black and blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, billfish, tarpon and snook. Tuna is caught consistently throughout the year, with sailfish and both blue and black marlin more prevalent during specific months in specific regions.

    Costa Rica Deep Sea Fishing by Region

    • The Northern Caribbean around Barra del Colorado is known as one of the best places to fish in the world. Freshwater from swollen rivers and canals emptying into the Pacific create a unique habitat where giant tarpon and snook can be found.

      The Southern Caribbean is ideal for the angler seeking a slower paced, traditional style of fishing done from canoes and small dugout boats by hand line and hooks. Finding a charter here is as easy as striking up a conversation with any local fisherman.

      Visit the Northern Pacific towns of Tamarino, Flamingo and Playa del Coco for sport fishing that knows no season with good year-round fishing.

      Fish the Central Pacific and enjoy the warm waters and plentiful species that show up to challenge the most seasoned anglers.

      Drop your line and hang on for a ride in the Southern Pacific, home to many fishing records around Drake Bay, Sierpe and Dominical. Golfito, Puerto Jimenez and Zancudo also offer tremendous varieties of fish sure to satisfy any angler.

    Fish Costa Rica in These Months

    • Deep sea fishing for certain fish is about timing. Arrive too early and you will only hear about the sailfish you could have caught in a few months. Arrive too late, and well, you get the picture.

      The Northern Caribbean is visited by Atlantic sailfish and blue marlins from February through September.

      Sailfish are abundant in the Northern Pacific from May through October, while marlins are caught year-round, with peaks arriving in January and February.

      The Central Pacific is home to Pacific sailfish, marlin, snapper, mahi mahi and tuna, with peak season for billfish from December through April and form marlins from September through November. Tuna is consistently caught throughout the year.

      Fishing the Southern Pacific from mid-December through April could land you wahoo, mahi mahi, marlin and tuna as well as yellowfin and Spanish mackerel.