Bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is one of the top travel choices made by thousands of individuals. Apart from its alluring tropical beaches boasting crystal clear waters and luscious rainforests housing several exotic animals, this beautiful Central American country is also preferred for its angling scene, and of course, some classic Costa Rica fishing lodges.
So, what exactly is the Costa Rican fishing scene all about? Let’s find out!
Costa Rica is known as a “sport fishing icon” for a reason. Marine fauna here is in so much abundance that the country hosts three Grand Slam fishing events a year, which also includes the National Sailfish Tournament.
If you are an avid angler, here is all the information you need to enjoy fishing here with access to a popular Costa Rica fishing lodge.
Costa Rican Weather and Fishing
Weather and fishing go hand-in-hand in Costa Rica, and the type of fish you get to catch varies depending on the month you visit the country, the region you visit, and the Costa Rica fishing lodge you choose to stay in.
Costa Rica features two different weather seasons – the dry season or summer, and the green season or rainy season.
The dry season here lasts between December and April, and this season is known to be the peak billfish season in Costa Rica. If you are visiting the country in these months, you should head straight to the Pacific Coast to be a part of some amazing inshore and offshore action. Known as the Billfish Capital of the World, Los Sueños – also the most popular fishing hot spot in the region – hosts some of the prominent billfish tournaments during these months.
Then comes the green season, officially inaugurated by the afternoon rains of May. Lasting up to November, this season also offers plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers, from sailfish to marlin to even meatfish like grouper and snapper. This means only one thing – whether you are fishing for sport or hobby, or would prefer to cook your catch, the green season in Costa Rica would be the most productive for you. Home to several reefs and islands, Guanacaste is the place to be during this season.
Types of Fish in Costa Rica
Offshore Fishing
Costa Rica is naturally blessed with one of the most far-reaching deep-sea fishing in the world, which is a solid reason why the place is called the anglers’ paradise. From trophy hunters to fishing enthusiasts to sport fishing participants, offshore fishing in Costa Rica gleams with endless possibilities.
Fish Types – Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado
Inshore Fishing
Also known as shore fishing, inshore fishing is also a type of sport fishing that involves fishing by standing on the shore.
Fish Types – Tarpon, Snook, Grouper, Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish, Mackerel, Barracuda, Amberjack, Jack Crevalle
Freshwater Fishing
Covered by rainforests, it doesn’t come as a surprise to know that Costa Rica offers some excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. In addition to the numerous lakes and rivers available at your disposal, even the coastal lagoons here provide favorable circumstances for fishing.
Fish Types – Tarpon, Snook, Machaca, Rainbow Bass
Best Fishing Lodges in Costa Rica
If you are after a traditional fishing experience in Costa Rica, you got to stay in one of the best Costa Rica fishing lodges. Covering the remote corners, many of the Costa Rican fishing lodges have been around for over three decades, and it doesn’t get more traditional than this.
Crocodile Bay Resort
Located next to the Pacific Ocean, in Puerto Jiménez, Crocodile Bay Resort is a go-to place for tourists, anglers or otherwise. Of course, this Costa Rica fishing lodge resort offers an amazing array of amenities, including air-conditioned accommodations, a spa, and more, the highlight is most certainly the inshore and offshore fishing opportunities they offer.
With the largest professional sport fishing team in Central America, Crocodile Bay has in-house captains and mates available to guide you through your fishing adventure, regardless of your skill level. In addition to the regular offshore and inshore fishing, they also offer exciting kayak and shore fishing excursions.
Types of fish: Sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, snapper, roosterfish
Best time to visit: December to July
Marina Pez Vela Villas
Marina Pez Vela is located in Quepos, a classic fishing town in Costa Rica. This place excels in offering everything luxe without losing local authenticity. With five-star service, the comfort of your home, multiple restaurants, a beauty salon, and a whole lot more, this Costa Rica fishing lodge has everything you will ever need and some more to rest and relax after exploring some of the world’s richest fishing grounds.
Types of fish: Roosterfish, mackerel, black marlin, Pacific blue marlin, dorado, snook, snapper
Best time to visit: November to July
Rio Parismina Lodge
This is an original tarpon fishing lodge in Costa Rica that has been around for 30 years. Apart from offering you access to probably the best snook and tarpon fishing in the entire world, Rio Parismina Lodge also offers comfortable accommodation, excellent food, and memorable experiences.
Types of fish: Tarpon, snook, rainbow bass, kingfish
Best time to visit: January to May, September, October
Costa Rica is a destination where you can enjoy year-round fishing. Now that you know when to visit the country to engage in your favourite type of fishing adventure, you can confidently choose Costa Rica as your next fishing destination. Not to forget, the many beautiful Costa Rica fishing lodges that are here to make your stay a delight.
Interested in more fishing getaways? Read our article on Fly Fishing in Honduras
