Early July Fishing Update – Tuna Madness in Jaco & Los Sueños
The first week of July has delivered some fantastic offshore action for anglers fishing out of Jaco Beach and the world-famous Los Sueños Marina in Playa Herradura. With calm seas, plenty of bait in the water, and strong activity across several key species, it’s shaping up to be one of the most productive starts to July we’ve seen in recent years.
If you’re planning a trip or are already in the area, now is a great time to hit the water, especially if you’re targeting yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, or sailfish. The offshore bite is hot, while the inshore action has been a little more hit-or-miss depending on the day.
Offshore Fishing: Yellowfin Tuna Bonanza
The offshore scene has been the true highlight this week, with most charter boats reporting daily catches of 15 or more yellowfin tuna. These tuna have been schooling aggressively, often chasing pods of spinner dolphins and feeding near floating debris lines about 20 to 30 miles offshore.
The average size of the yellowfin has ranged from 20 to 50 pounds, with the occasional bigger one pushing into the 80-pound class. Anglers are catching them using live bait, poppers, and trolled lures, depending on the setup of the day. When the schools are boiling at the surface, casting poppers into the frenzy can result in explosive topwater strikes—a thrill that never gets old.
For those who love to bring home some fresh filets, yellowfin tuna is an excellent eating fish, and many local private chefs or restaurants will cook your catch for you. It’s a fun way to turn your day on the water into an unforgettable evening meal.
Sailfish Still Going Strong
Although we’re past the peak of sailfish season, these acrobatic billfish are still showing up in decent numbers offshore. Most boats are getting multiple sailfish bites per trip, with some days seeing 5 to 10 hookups depending on location and conditions.
The sailfish are feeding on large schools of sardines and small bonito, and the presence of so much bait is likely what’s keeping them around longer than usual. Trolling rigged ballyhoo or live bait remains the most effective method, and some captains are mixing it up with teasers and dredge setups to entice more bites.
Sailfish are strictly catch-and-release, but the action they provide—fast runs, wild jumps, and thrilling battles—makes them a favorite for anglers of all skill levels.
Mahi-Mahi: Showing in Patches
Dorado (mahi-mahi) have been showing up in small numbers, often near floating logs or weed lines offshore. While they’re not as plentiful as tuna right now, most offshore trips are still getting a shot or two at mahi, especially when trolling or sight-casting near floating debris.
These brilliantly colored fish offer incredible table fare and make for great photos with their vivid greens, blues, and yellows. July isn’t traditionally the peak time for mahi-mahi in Costa Rica, but we’re definitely seeing signs of early-season activity, which bodes well for the coming months.
Marlin: A Few Bites, Mostly Blue and Black
Blue marlin is always the wildcard of offshore fishing, and this week has brought a few surprises. Several boats have reported marlin strikes, with a few successful releases. Most of the marlin action has come from deeper offshore waters, often found while targeting tuna or sailfish.
While not a consistent bite, the marlin is here, and experienced crews are putting in the extra effort to raise them. July marks the beginning of a slow but steady rise in blue marlin activity in Costa Rica, peaking later in the year around October and November.
If a trophy marlin is on your bucket list, now is a good time to start planning for a full-day offshore charter with a seasoned captain and well-equipped boat.
Inshore Fishing: Roosterfish Hit or Miss
Closer to shore, the inshore fishing around Jaco and Herradura has been more of a mixed bag. Roosterfish are definitely around; some days, boats are hooking into several nice-sized roosters, especially near rocky points, reefs, and river mouths. On other days, the bite slows down, with only one or two roosters caught after hours of searching.
This kind of inconsistency is typical of the rainy season when the weather changes quickly and can affect water clarity and bait movement. Live bait like sardines, blue runners, and lookdowns are the most effective, especially when fished around structure.
Despite the unpredictability, the size of the roosterfish being caught has been impressive—many fish in the 25 to 40-pound range, with the occasional monster pushing past 50 pounds. These hard-fighting, photogenic fish are a must-catch for anglers fishing in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific.
Other Inshore Species
In addition to roosterfish, inshore anglers have also seen a few snapper, jacks, and mackerel mixed into the catch, particularly when fishing near rocky outcrops or trolling along the coast. Some big cubera snapper is being taken on deep live bait rigs, and there have been decent numbers of jack crevalle when the bait is abundant.
However, like with the roosterfish, the overall inshore bite has been streaky. Some boats are reporting banner mornings, while others come back with just a couple of fish. If you’re flexible and enjoy the hunt, inshore fishing still offers great opportunities, just come with realistic expectations and a good captain who knows the local reefs.
Sea Conditions & Weather
Weather conditions have been fairly typical for early July: sunny mornings with afternoon showers rolling in around 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Seas offshore have been mostly calm, especially in the mornings, making for smooth runs to the fishing grounds. Water temps remain steady, and there’s plenty of life in the water—signs that the current bite may hold strong for another few weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Jaco or Los Sueños right now—or planning a trip this month—you’re in luck. Offshore fishing is firing, with non-stop tuna action, consistent sailfish bites, and a chance at marlin or mahi-mahi. Inshore is more of a coin toss, but the potential for a trophy roosterfish keeps it exciting.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking to enjoy a half-day on the water with friends or family, there’s no shortage of options this week. Be sure to book with a reputable charter that provides experienced local crews, top-tier tackle, and a strong track record for putting clients on fish.
Book Your Trip with the Experts
At Costa Rica Fishing Experts, we work with the most trusted captains and boats in Jaco and Los Sueños to ensure you get the best fishing experience possible. From offshore adventures chasing marlin and tuna to inshore hunts for roosterfish and snapper, we’ll help you find the perfect charter.
Call Toll-Free: 1-800-507-9476
Local WhatsApp: +506 8310 8393
Visit us online: www.CostaRicaFishingExperts.com
Let’s get you on the water!
