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Discover Costa Rica's Diverse Fish Species
Costa Rica offers an unparalleled fishing experience. From the allure of marlin and sailfish in deep waters to the vibrant yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi, there’s no shortage of marine treasures. Near the Pacific shores, expect encounters with roosterfish, snapper, and more. The Caribbean side boasts the formidable tarpon and snook. With a plethora of options, let our expert guides navigate you to the prime spots for an unforgettable angling adventure.
Sailfish
Distinguished by its sleek form, pronounced “spear” nose, and a dorsal fin resembling a sail, the sailfish is a sight to behold. Often moving in schools, it’s not rare to have multiple strikes when trolling for them. Weighing between 40-75kg locally, their speed and acrobatics promise an exhilarating fight. They grace Costa Rican waters throughout the year.
Can I keep my catch? Strictly catch-and-release.
Fishing Technique: Offshore trolling with multiple baits and teasers. Circle hooks baited with frozen Ballyhoo or large lures are preferred.
Marlin: Blue, Black, Striped
The marlin is the crown jewel for many anglers. Costa Rica boasts three varieties: blue, black, and striped. The black marlin, the largest and fastest, can tip the scales at 450kg and reach speeds of 125km/h. The thrill of seeing its bill pierce the water surface, followed by a fierce tug-of-war, is unmatched.
Can I keep my catch? Strictly catch-and-release.
Fishing Technique: Offshore trolling using multiple baits and teasers, baited with frozen Ballyhoo, Skipjack tuna, or large lures.
Roosterfish
A favorite among inshore anglers, the roosterfish, with its distinctive dorsal fins and vivid colors, is unmistakable. They thrive near islands, rocky terrains, and beaches and can weigh over 50kg. Their fight is legendary, especially on light tackle.
Can I keep my catch? Strictly catch-and-release.
Fishing Technique: Inshore trolling, casting poppers, jigging, or fly fishing.
Tarpon
The tarpon, often dubbed the “silver king,” is a force to be reckoned with. Their aerial acrobatics coupled with their sheer strength make them a prized catch. Costa Rica boasts one of the world’s largest tarpon populations, with catches often ranging between 40-80kg.
Can I keep my catch? Strictly catch-and-release.
Fishing Technique: Fishing in the Caribbean Sea’s rivers and estuaries using live bait, jigs, lures, or fly.
Mahi-Mahi (Dorado/Dolphinfish)
Known by many names, the mahi-mahi is celebrated for its vibrant hues, agility, and strength. Often found in schools, they’re a common catch when trolling offshore.
Can I keep my catch? Absolutely. They’re delicious, and many local restaurants offer to cook your catch for a nominal fee.
Fishing Technique: Offshore trolling, similar to sailfish and marlin, using frozen Ballyhoo or large lures. They can also be caught inshore using topwater or subsurface lures.
Yellowfin Tuna
Available year-round, the yellowfin tuna, with weights up to 150kg, promises a fierce battle. They often hunt in collaboration with spinner dolphins, making for a spectacular sight.
Can I keep my catch? Certainly. Enjoy it as fresh sashimi or as a seared steak.
Fishing Technique: Offshore trolling, using Bonito as live bait or surface baits like stick baits and poppers.
Jack
Costa Rica’s waters are home to several jack species, including Jack Crevalle, Bluefin Trevally, Almaco Jack, and Bigeye Trevally. The Jack Crevalle, though not exceeding 13kg, fights like a fish twice its size.
Can I keep my catch? While edible, it’s best enjoyed as a catch-and-release.
Fishing Technique: Inshore fishing using poppers, jigs, live bait, or other artificial lures.
Snapper
From the hefty Cubera snapper to the vibrant red snapper, Costa Rica’s waters are rich with various snapper species. They’re bottom dwellers but can be lured to the surface with poppers.
Can I keep my catch? They’re a culinary delight, but the larger ones, often females, are released to preserve the species.
Fishing Technique: Inshore fishing using poppers, jigs, or bottom fishing techniques.
Grouper
Several grouper species call Costa Rica home. They prefer the seabed’s rocky terrains and caves. The rare Goliath grouper, a true behemoth, is also found here.
Can I keep my catch? While delicious, we advocate catch and release.
Fishing Technique: Inshore fishing using poppers, jigs, or bottom fishing techniques.
Wahoo
Though not the primary target, wahoo is often caught when trolling offshore. Their rapid acceleration is a telltale sign of their presence. The larger ones can weigh up to 45kg.
Can I keep my catch? Absolutely. They’re perfect for grilling or sashimi.
Fishing Technique: While not targeted specifically, if one bites while trolling inshore or offshore, switch to a steel leader and increase trolling speed. They often move in smaller schools.
What our fishing clients say!
From the dinner recommendations to the activities, we couldn’t have had a better experience for our over 100 attendees during our trip. I can’t speak highly enough of Tulu Travel and can only recommend working with them on your next trip. Pelle and Johan truly do turn dreams into reality.
