Costa Rica

Costa Rican Fishing Charters &  Fishing Vacations

Costa rica fishing scarlet macaw

As an Amazon Associate, Reel Adventure Fishing earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn commissions when you buy through links on this post.

Costa Rica is amongst the hottest vacation spots throughout Central America, and in recent years has increasingly become a popular destination for North American and European retirees and other ex-patriots, or “expats”.

Costa Rica, which in Spanish translates to “Rich Coast” is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama and has a population of roughly 5 million people, with about a quarter of that living in the capital city of San Jose.

Like its neighbors, it also has access to both the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, and that makes it a prime sport fishing vacation spot as well.

Costa Rica is one of the most popular sport fishing locations in the world with many putting it in the top 10 fishing destinations in all of Latin America and the Caribbean.

This tiny Central American country, with an area smaller than West Virginia, has over the years owned hundreds of sport fishing records. One of these includes an International Game Fish Association (IGFA) All-Tackle world record for Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi) set back in 1976 for a catch weighing 87 lbs.

In 2014 a Pacific Black Snook was landed here setting a new world record at 59 lbs 8 oz, breaking the old record of 57 lbs 12 oz set in 1991. As you might have guessed,  the old record also belonged to Costa Rica.

Part of Costa Rica’s attraction for anglers and other visitors has to do with its high standard of living and infrastructure when compared to many other countries in the region.

Costa Rica has also enjoyed the oldest and most stable democracy in Latin America over the last 70 years. But let’s not stray from the fact that Costa Rica is one awesome place to fish.

You’ll find a great many 4 and 5-star resorts, new and modern fishing charters, and ever-growing number of all-inclusive fishing packages available in the most desirable locations on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

Fishing the Caribbean and the Pacific in Costa Rica

The Caribbean coast, in particular, the southern part, is a place that is a little more laid back than the rest of the country. This is a place where there are less architecture and noise and more time to fish peaceful lagoons and rivers, or perhaps just swinging from a hammock on the beach.

But let’s not confuse relaxed with fishing boredom. That is not likely to happen because fishing here, in such hotspots as Tortuguero, Limon, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, you’re bound to tangle with monster Tarpon, Snook, Dorado, Wahoo and Spanish Mackerel with attitudes.

To increase your chances of success, you will find local fishing guides and fishing charters that can take you to where the fish are biting and give you valuable fishing tips.

Costa Rica red snapper fishing charter

Red Snapper Fishing Costa Rica

Head over to the Pacific end and things get really exciting. In fact, over the years more than 40 world fishing records have been set here. On this side, you’ll encounter some of the best fishing Costa Rica has to offer.

Jaco Beach, Quepos and Playa Hermosa are just a few places where can battle world-class Blue and Black Marlin, reel-smoking Sailfish, 7 foot (213 cm) Swordfish and big Yellowfin Tuna.

Los Suenos, just north of Jaco on the Pacific, has perhaps the best fishing in all of Costa Rica with more trophy size fish are caught here than just about anywhere else in the country.

Los Suenos is billed as the “billfish capital of the world” and is the site of the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown billfish tournament. The annual event, which was launched in 2014,  features dozens of boats with anglers from around the world competing for serious cash prizes. Since its inception tens of thousands of billfish have been caught and released.

Here, you will also find some of the best marinas and all-inclusive fishing resorts in Costa Rica. And if you want to unwind and have some fun after a long day if glorious fishing, Jaco Beach has a rich and lively scene with hundreds of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Popular Costa Rica Fish Species:

Mutton Snapper   Sheepshead   Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowtail Snapper   Swordfish   Red Snapper

Black Grouper   Tarpon

Whether you want to stay inshore or go all out and head for the deep waters for bragging rights game fish, an experienced Costa Rican fishing guide or deep-sea charter awaits you. Reel Adventure can help you plan the perfect fishing holiday in Costa Rica – from your charter and guide to a packaged fishing itinerary that will leave little to chance.

In addition to fishing, you’ll find an array of other activities to keep you busy while vacationing in Costa Rica.

You can enjoy world-class surfing in Jaco and Playa Hermosa, take a guided rainforest tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park where you may even spot a squirrel monkey or the famed Scarlet Macaw; or perhaps just stroll the white sand beaches as you contemplate your next day’s fishing adventure in beautiful Costa Rica.