Fishing Costa Rica 

Fishing in Costa Rica

With the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, it should come as no surprise to discover that at one time or another, over 90 records have been broken for the largest species of fish caught in these tropical waters. Think fishing Costa Rica, think marlin and sailfish (two species belonging to the billfish family), dorado yellowfin tuna, tarpon and wahoo.

Sportfishing in Costa Rica

Offshore fishing in Costa Rica is usually referred to as sportfishing, and is aimed at catching any of the six fish previously mentioned, which are in the Pacific Ocean. Whether on the Pacific coast or Caribbean side of Costa Rica, fishing charter boats are available to take you out onto the deep blue sea in search of the catch of a lifetime. On the Caribbean side of the island, fishing off Tortuguero for example, you would expect to catch tuna, wahoo, snapper, dorado and jacks. You should note that where sportfishing is concerned, a ‘catch and return’ policy is the norm. Some of the fish caught off the coast of Costa Rica are endangered species and with a concentration on sustainability where ecotourism is concerned, this extends to the ocean, not just the rainforests.

Location of sportfishing charter boats on the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica

• Parismina
• Barra del Colorado
• Manzanillo
• Cahuita
• Tortuguero

Location of sportfishing charter boats on the Pacific Ocean coastline of Costa Rica

• Quepos
• Tamarindo
• Puerto Jiménez
• Golfito
• Jaco
• Flamingo

It’s not all about sportfishing in Costa Rica

Many times throughout our descriptions of adventure activities in Costa Rica we remind you to look inland, not just out to sea. Nowhere could this be more appropriate than when it comes to fishing. Yes, the prospect of catching a marlin or sailfish is the stuff of dreams, but that’s a different type of fishing to what goes on along the rivers and lake shores in Costa Rica. For those who prefer to combine their fishing with exploring countryside rather than being surrounded by sea, Costa Rica has some exceptionally good river and lake fishing.

Inland fishing in Costa Rica for tilapia, rainbow fish and guapote   

It seems almost as though you could have the adventure vacation of a lifetime, and never have to leave Arenal and Lake Arenal. Practically everything you could want is here, and where the lake is concerned, there is great fishing to be had. Look out for the elusive and powerful machaca, or the fresh water guapote, as well as rainbow bass. Top of the list here is the guapote lagunero, or wolf fish, and as with sportfishing, a catch and return policy is the norm when fishing inland waterways in Costa Rica.

In the rivers, you need to be a little more cautious of your surroundings. The habitat surrounding rivers is home to many wild animals, including the jaguar and puma. For this reason, a qualified guide is almost essential, as well as being a big plus when it comes to pointing out where the biggest fish are to be found.

Here at Costa Rica Rios one of the things we know that you need for a successful day’s fishing on Lake Arenal is a good guide, which we ensure with any adventure vacation booked through us. Whether it is the inclusion of a day’s fishing among six or seven other activities, or a fishing tour vacation, we can arrange everything to meet your particular needs.

Frying tonight! 

For a serous fishing expedition, including a night’s camping is a must. Take a few basic cooking ingredients with you such as garlic, a lime, cilantro and olive oil, not forgetting a frying pan, and you have all you need to cook up some freshly caught talapia. These are an invasive species, so you are encouraged not to return them to the water after they have been caught. This is a big bonus, as they taste great when fried using the above-mentioned ingredients.

Specializing in adventure vacations in Costa Rica, here at Costa Rica Rios, aside from our 8-day Adventure Tour, we can create individual, bespoke adventure packages, including a Honeymoon Adventure Vacation, to concentrate on your favored activities, such as fishing.

It is hard to resist the allure of Costa Rica if you like exploring and are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, so take advantage of our local knowledge and give us a call. We’ll be glad to talk you through all you can expect from an adventure vacation in Costa Rica, and happily answer any questions you may have.