Costa Rica Fishing Seasons

Marlin October is normally the top month for marlin in this area, but action is also good in September and November and occasional blues and the rare black or striped marlin are likely to be found anytime of year.

Sailfish Mid December to the end of April is considered the best season, but the big schools often move in about October and occasionally stay longer. A few sails are taken June through September mixed in with some tuna and dorado.

Tuna are caught year round in the waters off Quepos and most are what are referred to as "footballs," fish under 25 pounds. A few are taken each year over 200 pounds and a 100 pound is not uncommon.

Wahoo It is fairly rare to catch a wahoo off Quepos; most are taken south, but several surprise captains each year when trolling for billfish.

Roosterfish and Snapper These inshore gamesters are available every month of the year around the rocks and river mouths. Mixed in with them will be Pacific jack crevalle and mackerel.

Dorado (dolphin fish) are taken on a regular basis year round, with the best fishing during the rainy season when the rivers deposit huge logs and other floating debris into the ocean.

Snook The river mouths are the best places for snook in this area, especially those of Dominical, Parrita, and Palo Seco. The current all tackle world record for black snook (57.3 lbs.) was taken at the mouth of the Rio Naranjo near Quepos. July through November are peak times.