Yes, the fishing in Costa Rica is considered to be good year round

This and other fishing questions answered by FECOP

Costa Rica fishing for marlin — Captain Oldemar Lopez with a marlin at Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone

Costa Rica fishing is considered excellent and is one of the country’s largest tourism draws with an estimated 300 plus million dollars USD per year contributing to the national and local economies. The majority of Costa Rica’s fishing is on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast which is divided into three major regions (see map) – North, Central and South Pacific.

On the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, tarpon and snook fishing is considered outstanding, mainly in the northern region around the Rio San Juan. There are several lodges on the Costa Rica’s Caribbean side dedicated to tarpon and snook only. Recently Costa Rica has been drawing another segment of angler, those seeking freshwater fishing in Costa Rica’s numerous rivers and lake Arenal (located at the foot of the famous Arenal volcano in Costa Rica). When it comes to Costa Rica fishing species, marlin and sailfish still lead the demand with release of all billfish (marlin and sailfish) now required by law in Costa Rica.

There are also strict fishing regulations outlawing removal of billfish from the water for the now infamous “Hero Shots”, where anglers take photos with sailfish or marlin on their laps with the fin spread wide. This year fish stock numbers have boomed as non-profit groups like FECOP work diligently at pushing illegal, commercial fishing boats further off the coasts of Costa Rica.

A new extension to Costa Rica’s existing “Tuna Decree” (see developments affecting sport fishing in Costa Rica) has set the limit at 60km for foreign commercial fishing fleets which also takes the pressure off serval Costa Rica fishing species making offshore fishing in Costa Rica very good. A new study by FECOP released on June 7, 2019 shows historical data of the increase in tuna and billfish over the years (Read that study at FishCostaRica.org)

Due to Costa Rica’s Tuna Decree, less billfish are being trapped by industrial tuna fleets

There are several world famous Costa Rica fishing lodges and resorts for fishing in Costa Rica that cater to beginners and serious anglers alike with a variety of exciting ecotours like zip-lining, hiking, wildlife photography, and rural tourism (see how local families and farmers in Costa Rica live) to be experienced on non fishing days.

Costa Rica inshore fishing also remains popular year round to do the staggering variety of inshore fish species such as the famous roosterfish, several varieties of snapper, African pompano, Bluefin Trevally and more.

kayak fishing tuna — Lance Clinton the Kayak Fishing King of Costa Rica

Costa Rica fly fishing for sailfish is also a trend with anglers visiting December through April when sailfish numbers are at their highest Pink flies seems to be their favorite according to the locals. This is a lot of fun if you have been thinking about a challenge on the fly and is very doable with minimal fly fishing experience as the fish are ready to bite on anything that comes up in the spread and the pitch is only about 3 feet.

If you’re thinking of taking your kids or younger family members down to share in the fun, Costa Rica is the place. Experts recommend fishing inshore if you’re with kids as offshore fishing tends to be boring for younger anglers because it is more of a hunting game. Todd Staley a longtime Costa Rica fishing lodge director recommends going for the small fish (fyi small Costa Rica fish are still trophies anywhere else 🙂 inshore with the kids, even catching bait which allows them to catch several fish in short amount of time. Getting kids interested in fishing early will make them appreciate the ocean and give them abhobby for life that teaches many worthwhile lessons and gets them away from electronics and in touch with nature.

Costa Rica’s short two-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Miami and reasonably developed tourism infrastructure makes it a world class fishing destination for serious anglers and families alike. You are sure to return with some great (but probably slightly exaggerated) fishing stories when you return home.