Sport fishing, also known as competitive fishing, game fishing, and angling, is catching fish for the fun of the chase and to showcase reeling techniques and skills. It’s competitive, whether it’s
an official tournament or a casual challenge among friends. Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for angling, and sport fishing accounts for 13% of the country’s tourism revenue. If you’re visiting Costa Rica for competitive fishing, you have two options: go on a do-it-yourself fishing trip or get one of the Costa Rica fishing packages.
If you go the DIY route, prepare thoroughly for an enjoyable trip. Remember to take care of the following things:
1. License
Everyone who plans to fish in Costa Rica must have a license. You can purchase a sport fishing card from Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura(INCOPESCA), i.e., the Costa Rican
Institute of Fisheries and Agriculture, and you must obtain the license for every person that will go on board a fishing boat. Even if your spouse or children are only coming for the ride and not fishing themselves, they
must still have a license.
A license costs:
● $15 for up to eight days
● $30 for up to 30 days
● $50 for one year.
2. Accommodation
You need accommodation close to a marina or pier. Since sport fishing is available on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, you will need to decide which part of Costa Rica to visit. Look for a hotel, condominium, or resort on your preferred coastline. Check out the private villa rentals in Costa Rica, particularly those located in thriving seaside resort communities like Los Sueños, which has its own marina for fishing boats and luxury yachts.
3. Airport Transfer
How will you get from the airport to your accommodation and back to the airport when your trip is done? You can rent a car at the airport, ride a taxi or use public transportation.
4. Fishing Boat Charter
Remember to charter a fishing boat for your fishing excursions. Fishing boats are available for half-day and full-day (nine-hour) rentals. A charter typically includes the boat, the captain, and the crew. When you book a boat, remember to get one with the right capacity, so talk to the captain or the boat charter company about how many anglers and guests the boat can take onboard.
5. Gear
Who’s in charge of your hooks, lines, rods, reels, floats, sinkers, baits, nets, traps, wires, and spinners? You can bring your own, but that might complicate your travel plans. You can also just make arrangements for them in Costa Rica. Perhaps your boat charter company can include them with your rental.
6. Itinerary
You will need to decide on your daily activities. What will you do upon arrival at the airport and your accommodation? When will you go out to fish, and for how many hours? Where will you go to fish?
Note that in Costa Rica, you can fish inshore and offshore. Sometimes, the choice will depend on when and where you’re going. Be sure to discuss your options with your fishing boat charter provider.
Sport Fishing Packages
The best way to experience fishing in Costa Rica is through a sport fishing package, especially if it’s your first time traveling to this Central American destination. Luxury sport fishing packages usually have the following inclusions:
Roundtrip Airport Transfers
A luxury private van will wait at the airport and drive you to your accommodation. The same service will be available when it’s time for your trip from your accommodation to the airport.
Accommodation
Sport fishing packages include accommodation for multiple persons (typically four or five) in an upscale condominium unit or a luxury villa for the entirety of your stay.
Use of Amenities
Fishing packages may include access to beach clubs or the use of swimming pools, gyms, and golf carts.
Fishing Boat Charter
Sport fishing packages include the boat, captain and crew for fishing expeditions.
Itinerary
A five-day luxury sport fishing package usually includes at least two full days of offshore fishing and one free day for lounging at the beach, sightseeing, and exploring the attractions on land.
Sport fishing packages may or may not include the following:
Make sure you inquire about the availability of the above before booking a package. If the package does not include licenses, you will need to apply for them on the INCOPESCA website. If the package does not include gear, you’ll need to bring your own tackle and gear. While food during offshore fishing trips is likely included in sport fishing packages, food onshore is probably excluded. Research your destination for dining options. You may need to arrange transportation, too, if you plan to dine in another town or somewhere farther out. Speaking of transportation, arrange for one if you plan to spend your free day exploring nearby attractions.
Fishing Destinations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica fishing destinations can be loosely divided into five areas. They are the following:
How should you choose your fishing destination? It depends on what you want to catch. With the right month and season, you’re likely to catch these fishes in the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica:
There are also places on the Caribbean side where you can find dorado, wahoo, and mackerel. However, you’re more likely to catch the following in the Caribbean Sea:
In the inshore fishing area of Lake Arenal, you can catch the following:
When to Go: Green or High Season?
The high season (dry season) is from December to April. May to November is the green season (wet or rainy season). While any season can offer a good catch, especially if you have an experienced boat charter captain and guide, the high season is the best time to go sport fishing.
For instance, the best months for sport fishing in the Central Pacific Coast are from December to March. During these months (especially January and February), you have an excellent chance of catching all the fish variants that have made their home in the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica, such as blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Go Sport Fishing in Costa Rica
Sport fishing is a thrilling, exhilarating activity. If you’re into it, Costa Rica should be on your bucket list. Just make sure to remember the above information when you’re planning your Costa Rica angling trip to ensure you have a great time.
