Jaco and Los Sueños Fishing Report
November has been one of the most exciting months of the year for sportfishing in the Central Pacific. The Jaco and Los Sueños areas are delivering incredible action offshore and inshore, giving our customers some of the best variety and consistency we have seen all season. This time of year bridges the end of the green season and the start of the dry season. That mix of calm mornings, nutrient-rich currents, and abundant bait is perfect for producing nonstop bites.
Our team has been on the water every day, and the stories coming back to the dock say it all. Sailfish are showing in good numbers. Mahi mahi are stacked around drifting debris. Tuna are feeding under spinner dolphins. Marlin is becoming more active as we move toward December. And inshore fishing has been excellent for roosterfish, snapper, and grouper. Whether you want blue water offshore or tight structure inshore, November has been a rewarding month for all types of anglers.
Below is a full breakdown of what we are seeing each day and what you can expect if you are planning a trip in the next few weeks.
Offshore Fishing
Sailfish
Sailfish activity has picked up noticeably this week, with daily shots for most boats fishing 18 to 30 miles offshore. Water clarity has improved as currents shift toward the early dry season pattern, and the bait is starting to gather in all the right places.
Multiple anglers have been releasing their first sailfish of the year. Double hook ups have been common, and on a few days, there have been periods of nonstop action where the teasers barely make it back into the water. November often gives us a preview of the peak sailfish season that runs from December through April, and everything we are seeing right now tells us we are headed toward an excellent season.
If you want high-volume billfish action, this is a great window to book your charter.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado)
The mahi mahi bite has been one of the major highlights of November. This is traditionally prime season for dorado because storms create debris lines offshore and rivers carry natural structure into the ocean. All that floating material turns into a perfect habitat for baitfish, and mahi mahi take full advantage.
The average fish this week has been between 15 and 30 pounds, but we have seen some bigger bulls over 40 pounds hit the deck. Dorado are fast, colorful, aggressive, and delicious, which makes them a favorite for families, new anglers, and anyone who wants to take fresh fish back to the villa or a local restaurant.
There have been several days this week when boats found debris holding dozens of mahi mahi. When this happens, the action is fast-paced and exciting. Cast a jig or bait behind the boat, and it gets crushed almost immediately. The green season is known for dorado numbers, and November has lived up to that reputation.
Yellowfin Tuna
Tuna fishing continues to be outstanding. Most of the schools have been found south of Jaco, following spinner dolphins and feeding under birds. This classic Central Pacific pattern never gets old. Once the captain spots the dolphins, you can expect tuna nearby. These fish range from football size up to heavy 80-pound class tuna that will test your arms and stamina.
We have landed several big tuna this week. A few customers have battled 60 to 90-pound fish on stand-up gear, which always brings a mix of adrenaline, exhaustion, and huge smiles when the fish hits the deck. Smaller school-sized fish have been perfect for making fresh sashimi on the boat.
Popper fishing has also been excellent. When the tuna push baitfish to the surface, they explode in all directions, giving anglers a chance to cast into the chaos. Seeing a tuna blow up on a surface lure is one of the most thrilling moments in sportfishing, and November has provided plenty of those opportunities.
Blue and Black Marlin
As we get closer to the December through April billfish peak, marlin activity naturally increases. This past week, we have seen consistent blue marlin bites 25 to 35 miles offshore. Several charters have released blues in the 200 to 350-pound range. One of the highlights of the week came when a customer hooked into a big fish that stayed down and slugged it out for nearly an hour. It turned out to be a solid black marlin near the reef line south of Los Sueños.
November is not the highest volume month for Marlin, but it is one of the best months for surprise encounters. You can be trolling for mahi or tuna, and suddenly a marlin appears behind the teaser. This is also when the bigger blacks show up around structure, giving experienced anglers the chance to target a bucket list fish.
If your dream is to fight a marlin in Costa Rica, the coming weeks are a great time to get booked.
Inshore Fishing
Roosterfish
The roosterfish bite has been extremely consistent throughout the entire month. These fish are one of the most iconic species in Costa Rica and are always a highlight for guests who want an unforgettable inshore experience.
This week, the best roosterfish action has come from rocky points, river mouths, and sandy drop-offs between Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Clean water moving tight to the beach has helped concentrate bait, and roosterfish have been hitting both live bait and artificial lures.
Most fish have been in the 20 to 40 pound range, but we have seen a few larger models hooked near the rocks. Roosterfish fight hard, make powerful runs, and take great photos before release. Inshore fishing is perfect for families, light tackle anglers, and anyone who prefers staying closer to land.
Snapper and Grouper
Bottom fishing has been another strong option this week. Red snapper, rock snapper, and amberjack have been biting along reef edges, ledges, and deep rock piles. Grouper have been showing in deeper areas with good structure. For customers who want to catch something tasty for dinner, bottom fishing provides a steady and enjoyable option.
Inshore and nearshore waters are also full of jacks, mackerel, and bonito right now, which give plenty of action and keep rods bent for younger anglers.
Weather and Sea Conditions
November conditions have been excellent overall. Most mornings have calm seas and light winds, giving us smooth runs offshore. Afternoon rains still appear on certain days, but they are short and predictable. These seasonal rains also help push nutrients into the water, which attracts bait and big game fish. Surface temperatures are holding around 80 degrees, which is perfect for sailfish, tuna, and marlin.
As we near December, the dry season weather pattern will stabilize, bringing even calmer seas and bright blue skies. This transition from green season to dry season is one of the best fishing windows of the year, and we are right in the heart of it.
What to Expect for the Rest of November and Early December
The upcoming weeks look excellent. Here is what we anticipate:
Sailfish
Numbers will continue to rise as the water clears and bait stacks offshore.
Mahi Mahi
The dorado bite should stay strong through December, especially with floating debris still abundant.
Yellowfin Tuna
Expect steady action around spinner dolphins, with some trophy fish still in the mix.
Marlin
Blue and black marlin activity will increase as we move into the dry season. December is always a strong month for billfish.
Roosterfish
Inshore fishing should remain reliable, with great opportunities for photos and steady action.
This combination of offshore and inshore variety makes late November one of the most complete fishing windows of the year.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Jaco and Los Sueños area has delivered exceptional fishing throughout November. Our customers have been catching sailfish, mahi mahi, tuna, marlin, and roosterfish with consistency. Whether you prefer offshore big game or inshore variety, this is a fantastic time to fish the Central Pacific.
If you are planning a trip soon, we recommend booking early. December and January become very busy, and the fishing is shaping up to be outstanding.
