Sailfish
Peak: Feb–Mar, Dec
Good: Jan, Apr, Jul–Aug, Nov
Costa Rica Fishing Calendar
Month-by-month guide to what’s biting offshore and nearshore.
Plan My Trip
When Is the Best Time to Fish in Costa Rica?
Fishing is great year-round in Costa Rica, but certain months are famous for peak action. From December through April, offshore anglers out of Los Sueños Marina can expect incredible sailfish numbers, while summer often brings blue marlin and tuna close to Jaco.
Nearshore fishing stays productive in every season, with trophy roosterfish, snapper, and grouper just minutes from shore. Use the calendar below to plan your trip and see what’s biting when you visit.
Costa Rica Fishing Seasons at a Glance
Peak
Good
Fair
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailfish | ||||||||||||
| Blue Marlin | ||||||||||||
| Black Marlin | ||||||||||||
| Dorado (Mahi) | ||||||||||||
| Yellowfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Roosterfish | ||||||||||||
| Snapper | ||||||||||||
| Grouper |
What’s Biting by Species
Striped Marlin
Offshore Prime: Dec–Mar; occasional year‑round.
Slender, fast billfish known for spectacular surface runs; less common than blues/blacks but reliable in the dry season.
Blue Marlin
OffshorePrime: Jun–Aug & Nov–Feb.
Two dependable pushes most years; summer often lights up the Central Pacific.
Black Marlin
OffshorePrime: Aug–Sep; good Sep–Nov.
Less common than blues; shows late summer into fall around structure and bait.
Sailfish
OffshorePrime: Jan–Apr; also good Dec–May.
Classic Los Sueños billfish with big numbers mid-dry season; year-round shots offshore.
Dorado (Mahi)
OffshorePrime: Sep–Dec; strong May–Nov.
Debris lines after rains concentrate mahi; fast action and great table fare.
Yellowfin Tuna
OffshorePrime: May–Oct (often Jun–Sep).
Look for birds and spinner dolphins; schoolie to triple-digit fish possible.
Wahoo
OffshorePrime: May–Sep; secondary Dec–Mar.
Blistering runs on rips and reefs; a fun bonus during green-season variety.
Amberjack
Offshore Prime: Year‑round; best on reefs & deep structure.
Brute‑strength reef/wreck fighter that hits hard and dives deep—a favorite for tug‑of‑war battles.
Cubera Snapper
Nearshore Prime: Year‑round; strongest May–Nov.
Largest snapper with huge canine teeth; explosive strikes and bulldog runs straight back to the reef.
Roosterfish
NearshorePrime: Year-round; best odds Dec–Apr.
Targets rocky points and river mouths; iconic Central Pacific inshore catch.
Red Snapper
NearshorePrime: Year-round; strong May–Nov.
Hard-charging bottom fish around structure; excellent eating.
Grouper
NearshorePrime: Year-round.
Live or cut bait around reefs/ledges; strong, dogged fight and top table fare.
Corvina
NearshorePrime: Year-round; best with cleaner surf.
Surf and inshore seams; delicate fillets and a favorite in local kitchens.
Costa Rica Fishing by Month
Fishing is productive year-round on the Central Pacific, but some months favor certain species. Use this month-by-month guide to plan your trip from Los Sueños Marina and Jaco Beach.
January
Peak sailfish action offshore; striped marlin possible. Calm seas and dry season weather.
February
Sailfish numbers stay high; good shots at tuna offshore and roosterfish nearshore.
March
Billfish still strong (sailfish & striped marlin); mahi tapering; roosterfish reliable inshore.
April
Transition month: sailfish steady, tuna begin showing more; dorado less frequent.
May
Green season starts; yellowfin tuna prime time. Dorado and wahoo add variety offshore.
June
Excellent tuna fishing with spinner dolphins; blue marlin begin to show; dorado increases.
July
Summer marlin bite; blue marlin and tuna strong. Nearshore snapper and roosterfish peak.
August
Black marlin around structure; blues and tuna still active. Nearshore variety excellent.
September
Dorado (mahi) action ramps up; wahoo common. Offshore variety with tuna and marlin possible.
October
Big dorado near river mouths and debris lines; tuna consistent; roosterfish nearshore.
November
Second blue marlin run; dorado still strong; tuna reliable. Transition into dry season begins.
December
Sailfish start to spike again; dorado plentiful; marlin still around. Popular month for charters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to fish in Costa Rica?
Fishing is good year‑round, but January–April is peak sailfish season, June–August is prime for blue marlin and tuna, and September–November brings excellent dorado (mahi). If you’re planning your trip, see our Costa Rica fishing charters to choose the right boat for your dates.
Where is the best place to fish in Costa Rica?
Los Sueños Marina near Jaco Beach is considered the sportfishing capital of Costa Rica. With quick access to deep Pacific waters and nearshore reefs, anglers can target trophy marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, roosterfish, and snapper within a short run from the dock. Many groups pair fishing with our Los Sueños vacation rentals for the ultimate stay.
Can you keep the fish you catch?
Billfish such as marlin and sailfish are strictly catch‑and‑release by law. Edible species like dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, grouper, and snapper may be kept, and many charter crews will fillet your catch so you can enjoy it fresh at a local restaurant or with a private chef.
Do charters include fishing licenses and gear?
Yes. All boats we work with provide high‑quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, and a bilingual crew. Fishing licenses are required in Costa Rica and can be purchased online in advance or at the marina on the day of your trip. We’ll guide you through everything once you book your charter.
What fish are biting near Jaco right now?
Conditions shift with currents and seasons. Sailfish dominate the dry season, tuna and marlin light up the summer, and dorado peak in the fall. Nearshore, roosterfish and snapper are available year‑round. For details, check our updated Costa Rica fishing calendar.
Ready to Book Your Fishing Trip?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we’ll match you with the best boats and crews at Los Sueños Marina. Our team will make sure everything is set for a world-class fishing experience in Costa Rica.
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