Jaco Fishing Report – October 2025
October 1st has arrived, and it’s time for our monthly Jacó fishing report. The Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is buzzing with fishing action as we move deeper into the green season. September was nothing short of spectacular, and October promises a blend of steady action, a few surprises, and even some fun tournaments happening around the country for those who want to dive into the local fishing culture.
September Recap: Tuna, Sailfish & Inshore Thrills
September gave us a strong mix of offshore and inshore opportunities:
- Yellowfin Tuna: Tuna dominated the offshore bite. Fish in the 20–50 lb range were caught daily, with larger specimens topping 80 lbs hitting the deck for lucky crews. Spinner dolphins led the way, creating classic Costa Rica tuna action.
- Sailfish: The sailfish bite stayed strong through mid-September, with many boats reporting several releases a day. These acrobatic fish put on a show every time.
- Inshore Adventures: Roosterfish, snapper, and jacks kept anglers busy close to shore. River mouths and rocky points near Jacó and Playa Herradura were particularly productive.
October Outlook for Jacó & Los Sueños
Offshore Action
- Marlin: October is a sleeper month for marlin. Blue marlin are present, and striped marlin begin to appear offshore. This is a great time for anglers looking for quality catches.
- Sailfish: Expect continued consistency, with chances for multiple releases per day.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Rainy-season debris lines and floating logs bring mahi closer to shore, often producing some of the year’s largest dorado.
- Tuna: Tuna remain reliable, especially when pods of dolphins are spotted offshore.
Inshore Fishing
- Roosterfish: Always a highlight, roosterfish are biting well along the rocky structures and river mouths. Average size ranges from 20–40 lbs, with larger fish possible.
- Snapper: Cubera snapper action is strong, making for great battles and tasty table fare.
- Other Species: Expect jacks, mackerel, and snook to show up, especially in areas influenced by river outflow.
Conditions in October
- Weather: October is still part of the green season. Expect morning calm seas with afternoon rains—perfect timing for charters that depart early and return mid-afternoon.
- Water: Offshore waters remain clear and blue, loaded with bait. Nearshore, slightly stained water from rivers is actually helpful, particularly for snook and roosterfish.
What’s Happening in Costa Rica This Month?
Fishing in Jacó and Los Sueños is excellent right now, but across Costa Rica, anglers are also coming together for local tournaments and community events.
- On Saturday, October 4th, the Torneo Parismina–Jalova takes place on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica (Parismina Fishing Team). This is a local tournament, but visitors are always welcome to roll in if they’d like to experience the culture and camaraderie of Costa Rican sportfishing. Parismina is famous for its tarpon fishing, so this event is a special chance to see the action up close.
- Later in the month, on Sunday, October 26th, there’s another fun event—Torneo de Pesca “El Rey del Cochito” (El Fisher Store). This is more of a grassroots-style tournament, but again, it highlights how fishing is deeply woven into Costa Rican life.
While these aren’t major international tournaments like the Los Sueños Triple Crown, they add excitement and community flavor for anyone fishing in Costa Rica this time of year.
Final Word
October is shaping up to be another excellent month for fishing in Jacó and Los Sueños. Offshore waters are alive with marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna, while inshore anglers can count on roosterfish and snapper action. Add in the cultural touch of local tournaments happening across the country, and October offers the best of both worlds—world-class fishing and a glimpse into Costa Rica’s vibrant angling community.
If you’re planning a trip, this is a fantastic time to book your charter, join in on the fun, and experience why Costa Rica remains one of the best sportfishing destinations in the world.
