Fishing in Costa Rica

Fishing in Costa Rica is one of the most popular things to do among visitors to this tropical paradise, who enjoy the thrill of catching a trophy fish while relaxing on a boat tour. When it comes to marine fishing, there is a breathtaking variety of species that can be caught by anglers seeking adventure on Costa Rica’s deep sea and coastline.

Costa Rica boasts excellent fishing, the variety of fish you can find here is astounding. There are hundreds of species to choose from, including snapper, barracuda, and grouper. You can also catch tarpon and permit, two of the most famous gamefish in Costa Rica. 

The best time of year to fish in Costa Rica is during the months of December through April, and the best area to fish is the Pacific Coast, that’s why major Costa Rica billfish tournaments take place between January and April every year.

Costa Rica Fishing tours rates depend on the type of fishing you want to experience, for artisanal fishing prices can start at $60 per hour, and if you’re looking to book a Sportfishing adventure you can find half-day sportfishing tours starting at $550. 

Fishing in Costa Rica

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Fly fishing

The fly fishing in Costa Rica is world-class, and is one of the few places in the world where you can catch trophy-sized specimens on a regular basis. 

The species you can expect to catch during a fly fishing tour in Costa Rica include Tarpon and Jack Crevalle in the Caribbean zone, Rooster fish, Cubera Snapper, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, and Rainbow trout in the Pacific.

The best areas to go fly fishing are Sierpe, Barra del Colorado, and all the area in the South Pacific Coast, with the best fishing tours departing from towns like Golfito, Puerto Jimenez, Jaco and Quepos. 

Best Sport Fishing Destinations in Costa Rica

For years, Costa Rica has been known as one of the world’s premier sport fishing destinations among international anglers.

With a total of 1,290 kilometers of coastline, (212 kilometers on the Atlantic coast and 1,016 kilometers (on the Pacific Coast) there is no shortage of exotic places to fish in. Knowing where to go, when, and who to fish with is of the utmost importance as the fishing tours and destinations are as diverse as the fishery itself.

The following are the best destinations to go Sport Fishing where you can book a Costa Rica fishing trip online.

  1. Golfito
  2. Quepos 
  3. Playa Flamingo
  4. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste.
  5. Santa Teresa
  6. Tamarindo
  7. Jaco
  8. Herradura
  9. Puntarenas

best fishing Tours in costa rica

There are a lot of different factors that go into how successful you are on a fishing expedition. Your level of expertise, the equipment you use, the time of day, the season, and your location all play a role when you are sport fishing. This is why it’s always a smart idea to fish alongside an experienced local expert who knows all the tips and tricks to ensure a good day out on the water.