Fishing in Costa Rica: What to Expect on Your First Trip

Costa Rica is a popular destination for anyone seeking an adventure or couples needing a romantic retreat. But the Central American country’s magnificent jungles and laid-back beaches are not the only alluring features.

People from all over the world come to Costa Rica to reel in the catch of their lives. It’s one of the top destinations for deep-sea fishing, and it has been referred to as the billfish capital of the world. Seasoned anglers book Costa Rica fishing packages to get year-round action on marlin and sailfish.

Here’s an important thing to remember before casting a line: billfish, tarpon, and roosterfish are catch-and-release fish in Costa Rica. So make sure to take a photo and immediately release them back into the water when you catch one.

What Fish Can You Catch in Costa Rica?

You can catch just about any type of fish in Costa Rica. Other than the sought-after marlin and sailfish, yellowfin tuna, rainbow bass, and snook are also found here. You can go fishing in shallow and deep waters. You can also head to the rivers and lakes for some freshwater fish.

Whether you choose to fish inshore or offshore, you’re bound to reel in a good catch.

Different species of fish will be available at different months of the year, but marlin and sailfish will generally be plentiful from January through December. If you’re particularly interested in one type of fish, arrange your trip to Costa Rica to coincide with the seasonality of that fish.

Costa Rica fishing guides will include the best months for fishing certain species of fish.

January

Perfect for all sorts of marlin: blue marlin, black marlin, and striped marlin. The first month of the year is also great for catching roosterfish, wahoo, dorado, rainbow bass, snapper, yellowfin tuna, and sailfish.

February

You’ll be able to catch most species of fish in February, particularly if you stay close to shore. You’ll have plenty of roosterfish and snapper to reel in. Water levels decrease by this time as well, creating less space for fish to hide and making freshwater fishing a good choice. You can catch rainbow bass or machaca (mini tarpon).

March

It’s mid-peak season for billfish, but March is usually hot with little rainfall. This would be a good month to head offshore and catch dorado, wahoo, and tuna. On the Caribbean side, you can get plenty of mahi mahi, jacks, and snapper. If you fish right around the reefs, you might be able to catch snapper species, like mullet and Pacific red.

April

As the tail end of the dry season, April brings a good number of game fish, from black marlin to sailfish. For offshore fishing, you’ll be able to catch mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Incidentally, you can catch one of the most prestigious sport-fishing tournaments right around this time in Quepos, Costa Rica if you’d rather watch pro anglers.

May

Even when the rainy season starts, you’ll still be able to catch plenty of fish in Costa Rica, including wahoo, dorado, and black marlin. For freshwater fishing, you’ll be able to catch snook, rainbow bass, and machaca. For nearshore fishing, expect to reel in yellowfin tuna.

June

The beauty of fishing during the rainy season is that fewer tourists will be around. You can set out on open waters (checking the weather first, of course), and drop a line in peace. The northern part of Costa Rica yields plenty of tuna, wahoo, dorado, sailfish, and marlin right around this month. Although you can still do some freshwater fishing, some lakes may be flooded.

July

There’s still a bit of rainfall during this month, but the sea will be calmer. You can catch some yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi with the occasional mackerel and snapper.

August

Because the rains flush more debris into the ocean, you’ll find plenty of bait fish like mahi mahi. Closer to the coast, you’ll catch some roosterfish. Offshore, expect some tuna, wahoo, and still a bit of sailfish even though they’re not at their peak season.

September

In the northern part, you’ll find plenty of mahi mahi, tuna, and marlin.

October

October brings favorable weather for snook and tarpon. You’ll also find some snapper and, although there are fewer in the water right around this time, some billfish as well.

November

The rainy season ends and freshwater fishing begins with plenty of machaca and rainbow bass, among other species. If you’re looking to bag the biggest dorado, head to Quepos.

December

This month is peak season fishing, so expect plenty of good fishing, from billfish to wahoo.

What to Do Before Your Fishing Trip

You need to acquire a fishing license from the fisheries agency INCOPESCA before your trip. You can check with your fishing charter if they can get it for you. If you’re only surf casting (i.e., fishing from where the wave breaks on a beach or when you’re wading into a surf zone) or freshwater angling, you don’t need a permit.

Costa Rica implements sustainable fishing practices and safeguard marine life. It’s important to follow the country’s restrictions on the number of fish you can catch and keep, and the size.

Booking a fishing charter would be easier if it’s your first time in Costa Rica since the captain will remind you about the restrictions.

Even though it’s your first time to fish, you can reel in something extraordinary with the right timing and guidance. Just remember to fish responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the catch in Costa Rica.