December – April
Sailfish Season
The Central Pacific around Los Sueños, Jaco and Quepos is especially popular during the dry season when sailfish numbers typically increase.
Explore Sailfish Fishing → Fishing is productive throughout the year, but the best month depends on what you want to catch and where you plan to fish. Compare Costa Rica fishing seasons for sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, snook and more.
Start with the species you most want to catch, then choose the region and charter that gives your group the best opportunity.
The Central Pacific around Los Sueños, Jaco and Quepos is especially popular during the dry season when sailfish numbers typically increase.
Explore Sailfish Fishing →
Blue, black and striped marlin can appear during different periods of the year. Opportunities vary with location, season and how far offshore you fish.
Explore Marlin Fishing →
Roosterfish can be targeted throughout the year along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast around rocky points, islands, beaches and coastal structure.
Explore Roosterfish Fishing →This chart gives you a general idea of when several of Costa Rica’s most popular sportfish are commonly targeted. Fishing is never guaranteed, and conditions can vary by region and from year to year.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailfish | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak |
| Marlin | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Mahi-Mahi | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Roosterfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good |
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
Peak: Best seasonal opportunities • Good: Commonly targeted • Fair: Possible, but less consistent.
Tell us when you’ll be in Costa Rica and what you want to catch. We’ll recommend the right fishing area and private charter.
Every month offers a different combination of offshore and inshore opportunities. Use this guide to match your travel dates with likely target species.
The best season can vary by coast and destination. Where you stay is just as important as the month you choose.
Famous for sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi offshore, plus roosterfish and snapper inshore.
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Offshore billfish and pelagic fishing combined with strong coastal opportunities for roosterfish and snapper.
Explore Tamarindo Fishing →
Productive waters for marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, snapper and serious offshore adventures.
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A different Costa Rica fishing experience best known for tarpon, snook and river-to-ocean adventures.
Explore Fishing in Costa Rica →Once you know the season and species, the next decision is how you want to fish.
Half-day and full-day trips for roosterfish, snapper, snook, jacks and other coastal species around beaches, rocky points and reefs.
Explore Inshore Fishing → Full-day trips are recommended when sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are your priority.
Explore Offshore Fishing → Combine multiple fishing days, destinations, accommodations and transportation into a customized Costa Rica fishing vacation.
Explore Fishing Packages →There is no single best month for every species. December through April is especially popular for Pacific sailfish, while the green season can provide excellent opportunities for yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin and inshore species.
Yes. The green season can provide excellent fishing and fewer boats on the water. Morning departures are often preferred because tropical showers are more common later in the day.
On the Central Pacific, December through April is generally considered the primary sailfish period, especially around Los Sueños, Jaco and Quepos.
Yes. Roosterfish are a year-round Pacific inshore target, although conditions and concentrations vary throughout the year.
Choose inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, snook and coastal species. Choose offshore fishing when your priority is sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna or mahi-mahi.
December through April is one of Costa Rica’s busiest travel periods, so reserving early generally gives you a better selection of boats and crews. Green-season availability is often more flexible.
Tell us your travel dates, where you’re staying, your group size and the species you would most like to catch. We’ll help you choose the right area, boat and trip.