Recently, Costa Rica has demonstrated a huge potential for tourism thanks to its golden beaches, luscious rainforests, and exotic animals. Thousands of holidaymakers visit Costa Rica every year to explore the angling scene that’s known for world records of fish caught. If you are planning Costa Rica fishing excursions, here is what it is all about.
Kayak Fishing
Kayaking and fishing usually go hand in hand and it has been around since the Eskimos invented kayaks thousands of years ago. It is still a popular watersport in Costa Rica and a simple concept where you just hop on a small boat to catch some fish. With numerous species in the ocean, a kayak voyage can get you a healthy dinner and some good memories. Look for tarpon, barracuda, jacks, snapper, tuna, snook, sailfish, roosterfish, and mackerel in the Caribbean Sea. You might get lucky to get porpoises as well while kayaking. Sitting a few inches above the water on a boat could also mean a fish popping up in front of you, so have your camera ready to capture a priceless moment.
Shore Fishing
Many Costa Rican residents love shore fishing in areas such as Playas del Coco. Join fishermen with hooks and lines for achance to catch a big snapper from the shore. Certain seasons favor shore fishing because most of the fish will be very close to the beach. The Pacific side of Costa Rica has two fishing seasons- November through April (south), and May through December (north).
Inshore Fishing
Catch grouper, wahoo, snappers, tuna, and mahi-mahi on an inshore fishing excursion in Costa Rica. These species will be roaming around the shoreline in such places as Tamarindo, Quepos, Samara, and the Gulf of Papagayo. You’ll find plenty of fishing charters in the Gulf of Papagayo offering full-day inshore fishing adventures. You may keep the caught fish most of the time. Alternatively, hire an outboard hull boat (locally known as panga) featuring a center console. Locals use these small boats for inshore fishing and are a great way to learn artisan fishing. The fishing charters do not provide hull boats but you’ll find them in villages such as Tamarindo and Coco.
Freshwater Fishing
There are many freshwater rivers and lakes in Costa Rica to try your hand at fishing including Lake Arenal, Savegre River, Cano Negro Lagoon, and Coto Lake. Freshwater fishing gives opportunities to bait bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, and mojarra.
If you want to see the marlin, consider a deep-sea fishing trip in Herradura. The Pacific and Caribbean shores of Costa Rica form the perfect bases for excellent fishing. Even the locals make a living off of the many types of angling. The watersport scene is so robust that this Central American country gets over 5 Grand Slams per annum during tournaments. As you plan your Costa Rica fishing excursions, bear in mind the above techniques.
