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Two oceans, beautiful lakes and hundreds of rivers all add up to some of the best fishing for more species at any time of the year than you are likely to find in such a small and easily accessible area anywhere else in the world.
From the capital city of San José, fishermen are only 30 to 40 minutes flying time from the prime fishing regions on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with two national airlines providing daily service. There is hardly anyplace in the country you can't reach within three to six hours driving time.
Costa Rica's reputation for incredible fishing is well justified, but like anyplace in the world, there are never any guarantees. Action will vary with the seasons and prevailing wind, weather, currents and other natural conditions at any given time, and the following breakdown should be considered only as a general guide.
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CENTRAL PACIFIC REGION ― Jaco to Drake Bay
Jaco, Costa Rica fishing trips on the mid Pacific coast offers the closest offshore fishing boat charters from San Jose, the inland capital of Costa Rica. The beach town of Jaco and Sport fishing trips are just a very scenic, 90-minute drive from San Jose. The ride takes you from the capital to this bustling beach vacation town, which has the most vibrant nightlife from this part of the west coast all the way down to the Panama coast.
 Sailfish. Marlin, Roosterfish, Tuna and Mackerel, Dorado and Wahoo. From the Playa Hermosa marina, you can reach a variety of game fish in a quick boat ride. The best boats and captains are in great demand, particularly during high season, so make your reservations at least a month ahead of time.
After a day on the water, you'll find lots of bars, restaurants, discos and other even the occasional karaoke bar scattered along the beach. Other water sports are available, and there are canopy tours and other outings for the rest of the family and friends who are not anglers.
Jaco and Quepos are the centers of fishing on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, with 50 or more professionally equipped boats in the 27 feet and up range, and smaller boats well suited to the excellent inshore angling in the area. Some Sails are taken throughout the entire year. It's seldom more than a 12 to 20 mile run to the blue water where most action is found. Boats out of Quepos also offer multi day trips to the Drake Bay and Caños Island area, overnighting at one of the several lodges centered around Drake Bay and there are a few boats based at Drake Bay, also a top diving area. This region is best known for its Wahoo, big Cubera and Roosterfish, but there are also Tuna, Dorado, Sails and Marlin.
- Marlin: October is normally the top month for Marlin in this area, but action is also good in September and November. Occasional blues and a rare black are likely to be found anytime of year
 Sailfish: Mid-December to the end of April is rated the best season, but the big schools often move in about October and stay longer. A few Sails always show among the catch from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found inshore during those months- Tuna: Found throughout the year as they are all along the Pacific coast, but most abundant from about June through September. Most are the eight to 12 pounds, but a dozen or more over 200 pounds and maybe another two dozen in the 100 to 200 pound range are taken every year
- Wahoo: Pretty rare in the area around Quepos, but more abundant in the late summer farther south, especially the Drake Bay and Caños Island area from late June to early August
- Dorado: Best action begins with the winter rains that start in late May and wash debris from the river mouths, creating the inshore trash lines that the Dolphin like to lie under
- Roosterfish: Fishing for this hard-hitting inshore species is little short of incredible with the best spots off the river mouths and the rocky drop-offs. Exceptional at the mouth of the Parrita River; Palo Seco between Parrita and Damas; just outside Damas; off the mouth of the Naranjo River; around the points at Dominical Beach and throughout the Drake Bay area. Best fishing is during the summer months, from June through early September
- Snook: Best spots are just off the many river mouths along the coast, up the Sierpe River and in the big lagoon on the Sierpe. The world record Pacific Black Snook was taken a couple years ago in July just off the mouth of the Río Naranjo. The best months seem to be from July through November during the heavy rainy season.
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