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 Naturalists, biologists, and savvy travelers have been coming to Costa Rica for decades to explore and enjoy the national parks, rain forests, and beautiful beaches. Costa Rica has been known for years to be a country of peace and amazing natural beauty and now this small country is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the best sport fishing destinations in the world.
What sets Costa Rica apart from so many other countries in Latin America is its vision for the future and preservation of natural resources. National parks make up nearly 20% of the country and it is said that 10% of the entire world’s biodiversity is found here. With over 32 national parks and 750 miles of coastline it easy to see why Christopher Columbus appropriately named this land “Rich Coast”. Pristine rivers run down from the mountain rainforests and untouched, green shorelines provide the perfect habitat for both bait fish and game fish. Whether you come for the year round world class fishing or just to escape the cold weather, Costa Rica will offer you some of the most spectacular views and fishing you will ever experience.
  With over 84 International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) world records to its name, Costa Rica is quickly becoming the destination of choice among serious sports fishermen. Mineral rich rivers flowing down from the mountains provide for a constant population of bait fish which attract the bigger game fish, rocky shorelines and islands make the for the perfect hide out of roosterfish and wahoo, and the nearly always calm Pacific Ocean is home to some of the largest numbers of billfish anywhere. The world record tarpon, abundant billfish, and year round excellent inshore fishing have also drawn the attention of countless sport fishing magazines, outdoor shows, and even ESPN. One can’t help but think this country is a fisherman’s paradise when you combine its natural beauty, perfect fishing conditions, and booming tourism industry. On any given day you can catch and eat the bass you catch at Lake Arenal, fight 50+ pound roosterfish, battle a 300 pound tuna, or raise at least 10 sailfish!
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 BLUE MARLIN The largest and most sought after game-fish. Those lucky enough to fight and land one of these monsters will have a fisherman’s tale worth listening too. Famous for its strength and acrobatic jumps, a marlin fight can last for hours. Blue marlin are the most common of all marlin found in Costa Rica’s waters, though black marlin and even the occasional striped marlin are hooked often enough. While normally in the 150-500 lb range, several have been lucky enough to fight marlin over 900 lbs.
 BLACK MARLIN The black marlin is very similar to the blue marlin and can be found in the same 70-85 degree tropical waters. Although they are found in the same areas and feed on the same baitfish, the black marlin typically weighs just a bit more than the blues. Black marlin are very dense, round fish and can reach up to 15 feet in length. Like the blue marlin the females are the largest with males ranging in the 200-500 lb range.
 SAILFISH An extremely acrobatic and fast fish, the sailfish is a staple of sport fishing in Costa Rica. Once hooked, a sailfish will spend half of the fight out of the water twisting and turning as you try to maintain tension on the line. Found in huge numbers all over the country, this trophy fish is on the wish list of almost every angler. Sailfish are so abundant here that it is not uncommon to get two hooked at the same time.
 YELLOWFIN TUNA One of the strongest fish in the sea, once hooked you’ll see why people refer to tuna as a ‘ball of muscle’. Though not known for its jumping ability, the hard and constant runs will test anybody’s strength. The fight may wear you out, but once landed this makes for a great meal when you get back to your hotel. While the most commonly hooked tuna are ‘football’ sized, several yellowfin upwards of 200-300 lbs have been landed here.
 ROOSTERFISH The target of most serious in-shore fisherman, the roosterfish is one of Costa Rica’s best fighters. Once hooked this brazen and macho fish will try to, and actually might be able to, out muscle you. Almost strictly catch and release, the rooster makes for a much better picture than a meal. Commonly found around rocky outcrops and islands, they are also caught hunting right behind the surf. Roosters can be hooked with poppers and spinners, though they go crazy for live bait. While the average is about 30-40 lbs, roosters over 80 lbs are common and 100 lbs are a treat.
 DORADO (MAHI-MAHI) This colorful and acrobatic fish is a favorite game fish all over the Americas. While small dorados can be found in-shore around islands and by river mouths the big, hard-fighting bulls are found off-shore. Once hooked high leaps and lengthy tail walks are a common sight. A colorful and delicious fish, landing a dorado is a bonus because you get a great fight and even better meal out of it. Dorado over 50 lbs are frequently caught here.
 WAHOO Without little discussion, anglers agree the wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean. They are found all over the country, but they usually travel alone so catching one is always a challenge. With fast, scorching runs the only thing that is better than the fight is the fish itself. Because of its elusiveness, the wahoo is a true delicacy among fisherman. Trolling with live bait is your best bet when trying to catch this speedy, intelligent fish.
 BARRACUDA One of the most intelligent fish in the sea, the barracuda is also one of the most aggressive. They can be found both off-shore and in-shore, though most often they are found by river mouths and other areas where smaller fish gather. A scorcher like the wahoo, once a hooked a barracuda will often show its displeasure with huge jumps several feet out of the water.
 SNAPPER Costa Rica is home to several different kinds of snapper. This delicious and popular fish is usually found on the bottom of the sea near rocky structures. The red snapper may be the most common and make the best meal, but the huge cubera snappers are the biggest and best fighters. Most snappers weigh in at about 15-20 lbs, but occasionally can grow upwards to about 100 lbs.
Other Costa Rica species: Grouper, jack, amber jack, tarpon, snook
Every year there are more visitors and more luxury accommodations to choose from which makes planning ahead and talking to someone who really knows the country even more important. With a booming tourism industry there is no shortage of luxury hotels, fully furnished beach houses, and experienced captains to make Costa Rica the place for your annual fishing vacation. Ask our fishing and vacation experts here in Costa Rica about finding the perfect properties for your vacation. Whether it’s an all-inclusive resort, a romantic secluded hotel & spa, a family hotel with activities for everyone, a fishing lodge, or your own private luxury beach house Costa Rica has it all!
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