Costa Rica has many places for sports fishing. Just choose a coast, river or lake! There is all types of fishing to be done and tons of species to be caught. Year round season is available in a country where fishing is a way of life but there are high seasons which determine higher probabilities of scoring a catch large enough to place a record on the Game Fish Association's World Record list.
On each coast there are professional charters and services just hours away from San Jose, minutes for the adventurers who like to fly. Angler (River) and Fly fishing is just as simple to enjoy and Lake (Angler) Fishing is but a small drive away.
Sportsfishing: The Coast
Practically four (North, Central, South and Caribbean) regions can be fished in Costa Rica right off the coast in most cases, some regions it's better to take a trip further out to sea to catch a variety of fish that can offer all kinds of challenges.
North Pacific
Flamingo, Ocotal, Tamarindo and Samara
Tamarindo's full-service marina is the center for fishing in this region but charter's can be made out of Coco's, Brasilito and Potrero beaches. The run time for deep blue-water fishing is 10 to 30 minutes making it very attractive but a on a short trip south you can charter out of Cabo Blanco, Nosara, Garza and Carillo beaches.
Certain spots elevate the odds in your favor around here, ask your captain about Bat and Catalina Islands. The season runs from late December into March/April for Sail and Marlin, but this region harbors year round action for nearly 30 other species.
Central Pacific
Puntarenas, Punta Leona, Herradura Bay (Los Suenos Marina), Jacó Beach, Damas, Quepos and Dominical Beach
Quepos is known to be the center for sportsfishing in this region but Los Suenos Marina has proven to be a closer maybe more convenient spot to charter from, most likely due to its world class commercial and pleasure boating facilities and services.
The run out to deep blue can take close to an hour but inland fishing can be done chumming up bait that will serve to catch the big boys out in the deep fishing grounds. Out of Quepos you can charter a full service that will take you down towards the next region of this coast and offer exceptional lodging as well.
South Pacific
Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Zancudo, Caño Island, Matapalo and Drake Bay
Golfito is the largest town in the area but charters can be taken from the different towns scattered around the area. Golfito presents the two more popular and modern marinas in the region but a full day's trip can place you at one of many fishing spots to take advantage of.
Marlin and Sail can be chased down around the area of Matapalo on the peninsula just around the corner from Puerto Jimenez, smaller game can be traced down the rocky shoreline into the coves and around the islets that are stocked with small barracuda and snappers. The Zancudo peninsula can also be fished on and actually up close to the Esquinas River snook fishing gets great!
Species:
The following is a list of all the possible catches you can pose to have pictures taken with:
Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna (Black and Yellow), Dorado (a.k.a. Dolphinfish or Mahi-Mahi), Roosterfish, Snappers (Cubera and Dog toothed), Wahoo, Jack Crevale, Runners (Rainbow Runner), Amberjack, Grouper, Small and Large Barracuda, Snook, Tarpon, Guapote, Kingfish, Spanish and Cero Mackarel.
Location: Los Suenos Marina in Heradurra Bay on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast near Jaco Beach. Easily accessible by car, only 1 1/2 hr. scenic drive from Juan Santamaria Airport in the Capital City, San Jose.
The Marina is perfectly situated within the beautiful waters of Herradura Bay and quick access to the well known fishing areas including Quepos and Cabo Blanco.
