Deep-Sea Fishing in Costa Rica

[Robert Walsh]

Of all the things to do in Costa Rica, deep-sea fishing is definitely at the top of the list. In fact Costa Rica has 95 world records and highly regarded as one of the top sport fishing destinations in the world. The government of Costa Rinca intends on keeping it that way and has implemented policies to preserve it fishing locations.

Marlin is at the top of the sport-fishing list for anglers to target. The blue marlin is one of the larger sport fish in the world and can reach 11 feet in length while weighing in at anywhere from just under 200 pounds to over 400.

Catching a marlin is something you will not soon forget. They are famous for their high leaps out of the water, speed and strength. Marlin is only one of the sport fish found off the Costa Rican coast. It is also rich in wahoo, dorado ad yellowfin tuna.

Here are some of the top fishing locations in Costa Rica:

Central and South Pacific

This region stretches from Jaco to Golfito, which includes the Osa Peninsula, world famous for record-breaking fish catches. The season here is from December to April for sailfish, but there is also some marlin caught here, as well. The ocean is flat and calm this time of year and ideal for fishing. The summer months of June through August it’s a mix of fish that can be caught although tuna is among the most popular target along with dorado.

Once fall comes around, September and October are the slow time of year, when the weather tends to be wet and rough. This time of year fishing pretty much comes to a halt. Once November rolls around, fishing picks up into the December high season.

North Pacific

This region runs from the Nicoya Peninsula to Nicaragua. The fishing season runs from June to October, when the winds are calm and water is relatively flat. This is the season for sailfish but there is are also decent amounts of marlin and tuna as well. If you’re lucky you may catch one of each on a single fishing trip!

The summer season from December to March is the off season. The winds are strong from the east off Lake Nicaragua and makes the water rough; as a result, fishing is better in the southern Pacific region.

Caribbean

The Caribbean coastal area, especially the northern region, has some excellent tarpon fishing. Tarpon don’t tend to range too far, unlike marlin and sailfish, and as a result the fishing is good year-round.

However, the weather has a large impact on conditions and February to May and the months of September and October are much better. During these months, the wind and water are calm and flat, making for the best conditions.

You don’t have to be a professional fisherman to enjoy deep sea fishing in Costa Rica. There are fish that can be caught no matter your skill level and ability. Just be sure to plan your trip accordingly to region and time of year!