Welcome to the Costa Rica Visitor Center - Sport fishing
Proud home to the best sport-fishing in Central America, Costa Rica brings us phenomenal fishing opportunities inland and in the deeps. Among avid fishermen and experts Costa Rica is a well know hub for great fishing. Through responsible protection and conservation measures, the variety of fish off the coast and inland is unparalleled. Costa Ricans recognize the value of sustainable tourism and strict conservation of key fish species.
Sport fishing
Costa Rica has a many deep and clear inland lakes and miles of river. Costa Rica also has two expansive coastlines that open on to the Pacific and the Carribean. This small country is an angler’s heaven. Costa Rica gives us the most diverse fishing opportunities in the world. Most sport-fishing hot spots are easily accessible and are within close proximity to one another. Costa Rica has many travel and tour groups that pre-arrange sport-fishing excursions. There are also many boat charter services available for more adventurous fishermen. As any experienced fisherman knows, knowledge of maritime predispositions and advance seasonal forecasts are required before you go out fishing in the deeps. The season and the prevailing weather conditions, wind speeds
Where is the best sport fishing in Costa Rica?
and currents all must be accounted for. For our avid angles, please do some in depth research before you make any plans to set sail.
Visitors and natives require fishing licenses to fish inland or in the ocean. Most tours typically arrange for these licenses as part of their package, but if you are traveling on your own, you will have to get one yourself. Fishing season is seasonal! It is important to bear this in mind.
If you plan on sport fishing off the Pacific Coast, know that it varies vastly from fishing in the Caribbean. While the Pacific Coast is famous for Blue and Black Marlins, Sailfish and Dorados, the Caribbean is home to the Tarpon and Snook. The worst season to fish in the Pacific is from September to November, while the on the Caribbean’s side avoid fishing in June and July. Fish move is seasonal patterns on the Pacific Coast. From May to September the best catches will be in the Golfo de Papagayo (Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco, & Playa Carrillo), while November to March are ideal for fishing in Golfo Dulce, Zancudo, Puerto Jimenez and Puerto Quepos. Fishing on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is mostly restricted to Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado, around the rivers, estuaries, and larger lagoons. For great inland sport-fishing, the Laguna de Arenal near Volcan Arenal & La Fortuna is popular for Guapote or Rainbow Bass. Great trout fishing is found at Rio Savegre near San Gerardo de Dota.
