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Q.
How much does a fishing trip cost?
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| A.
One trip varies from another, but on average it will run around $275
a person including your lodging and meals. Individual charters start
at around $350 a day for a 22 ft center console and go up according
to the size of the boat. |
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Q.
What can I expect to catch in a day?
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A.
Fishing is fishing all over the world with good days and bad days,
but Costa Rica fishing on average is better than most destinations.
The record for most sailfish released in a day (47) was set in Costa
Rica, and as many as 60 tarpon have been hooked by a boat in one day. |
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Q.
What will the weather be like? |
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A.
Costa Rica has only two seasons. Summer is from January thru May and
Winter is from June thru December. The country is between 9 degrees
and 11 degrees north of the equator so Summer equates to the dry season
and Winter equates to the rainy season. Most rain falls in the late
afternoon or at night so there are plenty of good fishing days year
round. |
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Q.
What should I bring? |
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A.
Most operators in the country supply everything needed for your fishing
trip. If you prefer to fish with your own tackle you will be more
than welcome too. It is recommended that you carry sunscreen, light
rain gear and although not really a problem, in some areas you may
need to use an insect repellent. Don't forget your camera. |
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Q.
What is the best time of the year and best place to fish in Costa
Rica? |
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A.
What is unique about Costa Rica is that billfish and tarpon, for instance,
can be taken year round. Fish around our website to see when the fish
are biting and where. |
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Q.
Can I take my catch home with me? |
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A.
For the most part, catch and release is practiced and billfish caught
by recreational anglers must be released by law. If you want to take
fish home it is legal but best to transport it yourself in a cooler
on your flight home. Many restaurants in the area will prepare your
catch for you after your fishing trip and fresh fish always tastes
better than frozen. |
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Q.
I got a quote from a boat for $800 a day. That seems like a lot of
money. Why so much? |
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A.
A boat at that price will probably be a sport fishing model in the
34 to 40 foot range. Because of the taxes that have to be paid to
bring a boat in the country, the cost of maintaining a boat here and
fuel costs in some areas, the price is not that high for the world
class fishing we have. Captains in this country are not getting rich;
they love the sport. |
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Q.
Are tips included in the price of my trip and if not, how much should
I tip? |
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A.
Tips, or "propinas," as they're known in Spanish, are not
included and it is customary to tip captains, mates, and lodge staff.
Tipping is based on the service provided. If you were well served
the rule of thumb is 10% to 15% for the captain and mate and $5 a
day per person for waitresses, cooks, and maids at a fishing lodge. |
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Q.
My friend told me he caught a "grand slam" while fishing
on the Swordfish out of Playa Coco. What is a grand slam? |
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A.
A grand slam is when a single angler catches three different types
of billfish in one day. In Costa Rica's Pacific waters there are blue
marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish and swordfish. A super
grand slam would be to catch four of these species. |
