Fishing Calendar

 

Marlin: Both the blue and black species of Marlin often approaches 600 pounds and due to their power, size and persistence these fish are one of the most highly prized by all anglers. Marlin can be found from the southern part of Costa Rica in the Golfito area all the way  to the North Pacific Coast. Top Marlin spots in Costa Rica include Golfito and Drake Bay and Los Suenos in the Central Pacific. Marlin Fishing is the best in the southern and Central areas from December to April. Black marlin migrate to the area from December to April and May. The smaller striped marlin is caught year-round.

 

Sailfish: The sailfish is on every international angler’s wish list. The tournaments are usually during June and July for Sailfishing in Southern Costa Rica but there is not  a particular season regarding sails. The beautiful fish, spending more time in the air than in the water during the fight and is not as powerful as the marlin, but always spectacular. Double and triple hookups are not uncommon. Central and Southern Costa Rica, from December to March, with February being the key month with the highest concentration of sailfish and the possibility of 20 or 30 hookups a day are possible. Year round availability of Sailfish makes it a world leader for anglers.

 

Dorado: Also known as dolphin fish or mahi mahi, the dorado is one of the most exciting fish to catch on light tackle. This extremely colorful fish is a very fast swimmer. It’s been estimated that they can reach speeds of 50 mph in short bursts. Dorado are delicious and are perfect for fresh Ceviche Yellow fin Tuna Yellow fin are usually around the size of a football but can reach up to 300 pounds and be one of an anglers most spectacular fights. A tuna must constantly swim and is one giant muscle. Yellow fin tuna are common from January until June and July but look for the larger fish off of Central Pacific during spring and early summer. 

 

Roosterfish: The dorsal fin with its fanlike array gives the Roosterfish its name. It’s an inshore species, often found in the surf, over sandy bottoms and always found in moderate depths. The all-tackle world record is 114 pounds caught off of Baja, Mexico but many international anglers speculate that the conditions are right for the next record to come from Costa Rica. They are available all year and are found in 50 to 60 feet of water.

 

Snapper: There are many species of snapper. Each is a shallow water fish preferring a rocky bottom structure that provides bait fish and protection. The cubera is the largest of the snappers, often going beyond 100 pounds. The dog snapper is the largest of the Pacific snappers with the world record of 78 pounds held by a resort in Costa Rica. Each species will be a tough fighter, particularly on light tackle.

 

Wahoo: The wahoo is a loner and when traveling with other wahoo it’s usually only a school of five or six. The fish can be found anywhere in the ocean but does seem to concentrate during the summer off of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The first showing begins about the time the rains start in May, peaking in July and August. Most are caught around the rocky points and islands, but you will pick one up occasionally fishing offshore. It is considered one of salt water’s finest delicacies. Experts speculate that the wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean and it’s no wonder that the first scorching run can burn out the drag on some reels.

 

Grouper: Costa Rican waters offer several species of grouper, and most make fine table fare. Black groupers weigh an average of 40 pounds but can reach more than 100 pounds. They have olive- or gray-colored bodies with blotches in black and spots that are brassy. Larger ones are found in deeper water and feed on squid and other fish. The gag grouper is often mistaken for the black grouper; the difference is the gag grouper does not have the brassy spots. Gag groupers average 25 pounds.

 

Cero Mackerel: Generally found inshore or near shore Cero Mackerel are a beautiful black, green and silver combination with golden irregular spots. The Cero's are usually in large schools and make excellent dinnere.