Costa Rica Fishing Tournaments – 2026 Sportfishing Events Guide
Costa Rica has become one of the premier sportfishing destinations in the world, and each year the country hosts some of the most exciting fishing tournaments in the Pacific. With incredible billfish populations, professional charter fleets, and world-class marinas, Costa Rica offers anglers the chance to compete in prestigious tournaments while fishing some of the most productive waters on the planet.
Most major tournaments take place along the Central Pacific coast, particularly around the waters near Los Sueños Resort and Marina and Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. These locations provide quick access to deep offshore waters where sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi thrive year round.
Below is an overview of the most important fishing tournaments scheduled in Costa Rica for 2026.
Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown
The Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown is considered the most prestigious sportfishing tournament series in Costa Rica and one of the top billfish tournaments in the world.
Held annually at Los Sueños Resort and Marina, the Triple Crown consists of three separate tournaments, each lasting three fishing days. Teams compete to release sailfish and marlin using a catch-and-release format that promotes conservation of billfish populations.
2026 Tournament Schedule
Leg 1 – January 21 to January 24
Leg 2 – February 25 to February 28
Leg 3 – March 18 to March 21
Each leg typically attracts 40 to 50 professional sportfishing teams, many traveling from the United States, Central America, and Europe.
During peak fishing conditions, it is common for the fleet to release hundreds of billfish over the course of the tournament, highlighting the incredible productivity of Costa Rica’s offshore waters.
Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament
One of the most exciting offshore tournaments in Costa Rica takes place each year at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos.
2026 Dates
January 15 to January 18
This tournament brings together anglers from around the world to compete for large prize pools and bragging rights. The event focuses primarily on offshore species, including sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Because of its early January timing, the Pelagic Rockstar Tournament often marks the beginning of the Costa Rica billfish tournament season.
International Masters Angling Tournament
The International Masters Angling Tournament is one of the oldest fishing competitions in Costa Rica.
2026 Dates
February 3 to February 6
Hosted out of Los Sueños Resort and Marina, this historic tournament has attracted competitive anglers for more than six decades.
Participants compete for sailfish and marlin releases while enjoying one of the most scenic fishing locations in Central America.
Pescadora Billfish Championship
The Pescadora Billfish Championship has become one of the most celebrated fishing events in Costa Rica.
2026 Dates
February 19 to February 21
Held at Marina Pez Vela, this tournament features all-women teams competing in a catch-and-release billfish competition.
The event draws professional anglers and passionate sportfishing enthusiasts from across the globe while raising funds for marine conservation and women’s sportfishing initiatives.
Sailfish Slam
The Sailfish Slam is a fast-paced one-day fishing competition designed to highlight the incredible sailfish fishery found along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast.
2026 Date
March 7
Teams compete to release the highest number of sailfish during a single day of fishing, often resulting in exciting high numbers due to the strong sailfish bite during this time of year.
IGFA Open Costa Rica
The IGFA Open is an important international tournament connected to the International Game Fish Association.
2026 Dates
March 12 to March 14
Hosted at Marina Pez Vela, this tournament allows teams to qualify for the prestigious IGFA Offshore World Championship.
Bisbee’s Costa Rica Offshore Tournament
One of the most well-known names in competitive sportfishing, the Bisbee’s tournament series also hosts an annual event in Costa Rica.
2026 Dates
April 14 to April 18
Held in Quepos, this tournament focuses primarily on marlin and other offshore species. It attracts serious anglers looking to compete for large prize purses and international recognition.
Why Costa Rica Is One of the Best Tournament Fisheries in the World
The reason Costa Rica hosts so many prestigious tournaments is simple: the fishing here is incredible.
The Central Pacific waters off Costa Rica are known for extremely high concentrations of billfish. Sailfish are especially abundant, and during peak months, anglers may encounter multiple fish in a single day.
Common tournament species include:
Sailfish
Blue Marlin
Black Marlin
Striped Marlin
Yellowfin Tuna
Mahi-Mahi
Wahoo
Another advantage is the short travel distance to productive offshore waters. In many cases, boats reach the fishing grounds within 20 to 30 miles of the coast.
Fishing Charters During Tournament Season
Even if you are not participating in a tournament, visiting Costa Rica during tournament season can be an incredible experience.
Many of the same boats and captains competing in tournaments also run charter trips for visitors who want to experience the world-class fishing that Costa Rica is known for.
Charters depart daily from Herradura Bay and from Los Sueños Resort and Marina, providing access to some of the best billfish fishing grounds in the Pacific.
Visitors can target species such as sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and roosterfish depending on the time of year.
When Is the Costa Rica Tournament Season?
Most major fishing tournaments in Costa Rica take place between January and April, which coincides with one of the best sailfish seasons on the Pacific coast.
This time of year offers calm seas, strong billfish activity, and excellent conditions for offshore fishing.
Plan Your Costa Rica Fishing Adventure
Costa Rica has built a global reputation as one of the best places in the world to experience sportfishing. Whether you are competing in one of the country’s prestigious tournaments or simply enjoying a day on the water with friends and family, the fishing opportunities here are truly world-class.
From the exciting tournaments hosted at Los Sueños Resort and Marina to the vibrant fishing scene at Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica continues to attract anglers who want to test their skills against some of the ocean’s most powerful game fish.
If you are planning a fishing trip to Costa Rica, tournament season is one of the most exciting times to visit.