Fishing in Paradise – Discovering Costa Rica’s Rich Fishing Culture From Coast to Lake.

Costa Rica is known as being a tropical paradise. Visitors know it as a great beach and surf destination, or a country to go on hikes to see amazing wildlife. But the Locals and natives alike, know that beyond the breathtaking landscapes, unique and beautiful culture, there is also amazing freshwater fishing as well as deep sea ocean fishing. These fishing excursions are a popular activity for visitors to Costa Rica, who are aware of the abundance and know this is a spot to fish. Many things make Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in the world, and we think that fishing should make that list! The Locals have relied on fishing for generations as their main source of food. Fishing is still a main activity and source to the diets of the Locals of Costa Rica, even though Visitors focus more on sport fishing.

Fishing enthusiasts will tell you that Costa Rica is known worldwide for sport fishing. Many world records have been made in Costa Rica. It is said that many world-record catches are recorded here.

However, you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy sport fishing, it is a popular tourist attraction and is fun to get out on these tropical waters with some friends and a nice boat in the sunshine. Whether you have your own boat or you charter one with some friends and family… you are guaranteed to get some good catches, sunshine and maybe a few cocktails. The most epic area for sport fishing is on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. These waters have produced world record catches of all kinds of fish. The port town of Quepos is well-known for some great fishing excursions. This area has coined itself the Sailfish Capital of the World, because the waters of Quepos are teaming with a variety of fish species for your fishing and viewing pleasure. These species include such fish as: roosterfish, snapper and the famous marlin.

We also suggest that you head out to the Pacific coast, towards the Crocodile Bay Sportfishing Resort that is situated on the Osa Peninsula.

This is a luxurious resort that is special, because it caters to those who are here to sportfish and get out on the water. This resort offers an array of interesting activities and watersports to enjoy with the gang. This resort is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, because they have a large fleet of forty plus fishing boats.

After enjoying the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, head to the Caribbean side, where there you will find many boat companies to take a sport fishing tour. Head North, to Rio San Juan and Rio Colorado where you will find a passage way out to sea. This area of wetlands is a great spot for fishermen of all skill levels. In this area of Costa Rica, tarpon to gaspar to tuna and more. Sportfishing isn’t the main focus of fishing enthusiasts and locals alike. Many take to freshwater fishing in the rivers too.

If you head slightly inland, towards Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country… you will find freshwater fishing. Here they offer both half day or full day tours. There are endless freshwater fishing spots to explore here, where you can reel in fish like guapote, rainbow bass or fighting Machaca. There is something special about fishing at the bottom of the great Arenal Volcano… this will be unlike any fishing trip you’ve taken in your life and whether you get the Great Catch or you just sit within this epic landscape — it will be a fishing trip to remember for a lifetime.

Jaco/Los Sueños Marina:

Sport fishing in Costa Rica has historically been associated with Los Sueños Marina in the beach town of Jaco because it had one of the first established marinas. The government sanctioned this marina as one of the first in Costa Rica and was officially given this title. Now it has grown commercially and is a well known spot for luxury fishing boats and luxury yachts. The best time to visit Jaco, for sport fishing, is from December to March. During this time is the best opportunity to catch different types of marlin. You may also get lucky and catch sailfish and rooster fish as well.

The Sailfish Capital of the World, as part of the Osa Peninsula, has some of the richest and most abundant marine life. The ocean is filled with snapper fish, dorado, marlin and rooster fish, which are common species to this area. Quepos is close to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which makes it an easy stop to explore the rainforest after a busy day fishing and being at sea.

If you head to the outskirts of Puerto Jimenez, which is found on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Here you will find many bodies of water, including freshwater rivers that head out to the Gulfo Dulce bay. To fish in this area, you must follow the regulations set out to protect the wildlife and ecosystem. This protection has allowed for strong breeding and now the fish populations are booming. There are many wonderful hotels, Airbnb’s and resorts to stay at, but our suggestion is to check out the Crocodile Bay Sport Fishing Resort.

It is a famous eco-friendly resort for fishing enthusiasts to enjoy some creature comforts while fishing this remote area of Costa Rica. Many of the most popular fish you will be after in the Gulfo Dulce are the Cubera, amberjack, grouper and the African pompano.

Lake Arenal/La Fortuna:

Not everyone is a beach lover… Many visitors come to Costa Rica to enjoy the freshwater lakes and rivers. Lake Arenal is a fantastic place to go fishing and will please any fishing hobbyist. It is a peaceful and serene atmosphere where you will catch freshwater fish such as bass, machaca and mojarra.

Up and down the winding path that takes you around the lake, no matter where you have booked your stay, you will have views of the Arenal Volcano which stands strongly amongst the grand lake. A great place for a family vacation, fishing trip or couples getaway — Lake Arenal has something for everyone. Known to fishing enthusiasts as a prime fishing location, it is also quite close to La Fortuna, which has incredible hot springs, hiking trails to the volcano, waterfalls and zip-lining. February through May and September and October are the best months to fish on the Northern Caribbean Coast. It is a remote area that is only accessible by boat or private plane. This is also a top spot to see one of the largest sea turtle populations in all of Costa Rica. You will witness four species of sea turtles in Costa Rica, nesting on the beaches here. The sea turtle population creates an environment healthy with fish. A fisherman’s dream location.

From December to March, in Papagayo, the winds can be very strong creating poor fishing conditions. We suggest heading to this area June through to October, so that you can see more species of fish such as sailfish, tuna, dorado and more. You will witness some of the largest rooster fish that you have ever seen! Now that we know the first established marina, it is important to know the newest, which is the Marina Papagayo. This marina was built with sustainability and the environment included in the plans.

Fishing is an integral part of Costa Rican history, and is ever present in the daily lives of the Locals here. In quaint fishing villages throughout the country, you will see men coming home from the beach with their rods and catches from the day, bringing the fish to local sodas or home

to cook on an open flame in an outdoor kitchen Costa Rica is a country who loves to share what they love with those who visit.

There is nothing quite like a day on the boat, with your friends and cooking fresh fish on a fire while the sun-sets against the horizon.

Pura Vida,

Casa Rica Realty.