3 Steps to Planning a Costa Rica Fishing Trip

Plan Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip in 3 Easy Steps!

Costa Rica is by far THE Top Destination for avid anglers; the fishing in this tropical paradise is off the charts. Talk with any angler and they’ll tell you without a doubt: Costa Rica fishing is a bucket-list item. The weather is great 12 months a year, the culture is laid back and relaxed, and it’s a world away with all the comforts of home. If you haven’t been to Costa Rica, book your travel arrangements and plan your getaway as soon as you can! While you’re in Costa Rica you should definitely go fishing. Whether you’re traveling with buddies, on your honeymoon, or vacationing with the family - there are marinas filled with Professional Fishing Charters who work harder than anyone in the world to give you a great day of fishing! A quick story about the level of service in Costa Rica: A friend of ours was a sweaty mess half way through an hour long fight with a 300 pound Blue Marlin. Unable to take his hands off the rod and reel for a drink, the First Mate stepped in and held a water bottle to his mouth so he could drink his fill mid-fight. If that’s not top quality service, I don’t know what is! Instead of dreaming about a trip to Costa Rica, let us help you plan your trip.

Here are three easy steps that get you from your door to the dock: Step 1 - Pick a Date: When to Visit Costa Rica

The fishing in Costa Rica is determined by the time of year - or more specifically: there are certain fish in town during certain times of the year. When you’re visiting Costa Rica will determine what you’ll be catching, as some fish are only available during certain times of the year. Here’s a quick guide to help determine when to visit Costa Rica to catch your dream species: If you’re in search of a Billfish Grand Slam (catching 3 different species of billfish on the same trip) we recommend visiting in the cooler months (October - December). Getting a Grand Slam is bragging rights for anyone, let alone a Costa Rican Billfish Grand Slam!

Step 2 - Pick a City: Where to Stay in Costa Rica

The beautiful country of Costa Rica is located in Central America. In your travels you’ll find tropical rainforests, diverse cities, and pristine beaches with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking for some great Tarpon fishing, visit the eastern shore and fish the Caribbean sea. Anywhere between Parismina and Isla Machuca (and the Barra del Colorado area) is a great place to fish. Spring (February to May) and Fall (September to October) are great times to book these fishing trips. The western shore is usually separated into two or three sections: North, Central, and South (sometimes the Central and Southern area are grouped as one). The North Pacific area covers the Nicoya Peninsula north to the border. Major cities in this area include Playa Hermosa and Tamarindo. Both have great options to book your fishing charter. Other major cities on the western coast that fish the Central and South Pacific waters include Jaco and Quepos south to Golfito and the Osa Peninsula. You could see a multitude of billfish if you fish from October to March. During the summer many Guides will target Snapper, Grouper, Roosterfish and other inshore/reef species. If you decide to visit the Costa Rica capital city, San Jose, you have about 1-2 hour car ride to the west coast. So the good news is that you’re never too far away from a fishing trip!

Step 3 - Pick a Charter: Book Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip

Now that you know when you’re traveling, and where you’ll be staying in Costa Rica - it’s time to book your fishing trip. offers a variety of Professional Charters throughout the west coast. If you are looking for a concierge level experience, we have an Associate located in Jaco that can help with lodging and transportation along with your fishing needs. Contact our Customer Support Team to learn more. Fishing charters in Costa Rica are typically all-inclusive private charters; although there are a few that will put solo anglers together in a shared-trip experience. Included in your trip price is your fishing license, all rods and reels, bait, lures, and tackle. And Costa Rica takes American currency, so traveling and tipping the crew is very convenient.

Plan Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip

Planning your Costa Rica fishing trip is done in three easy steps: Pick a Date to visit this beautiful country, Pick a Location to Visit (you really can’t go wrong with either coast or any city throughout the country), and then Pick a Charter. Let FishAnywhere help you with that last step: You can start your search today at . No matter what your experience level is, visiting Costa Rica for your next destination fishing trip should be on your bucket list. Take it from us, and our friend that landed the Grand Slam, Costa Rica fishing won’t disappoint!