Jaco & Los Sueños Fishing Report – April 22, 2025
Hot Bites, Clear Skies, and World-Class Action on the Water
April has been nothing short of electric here in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica. The fishing grounds off Jaco, Playa Herradura, and Los Sueños Marina are teeming with life, delivering unforgettable action both inshore and offshore. Whether you’re chasing that bucket-list sailfish or looking for non-stop action with roosterfish and snapper, this is the kind of month anglers dream about.
Inshore Fishing – Roosterfish, Snappers & Mackerel Galore!
The inshore bite has been red hot, especially around the rocky points, islands, and reef structures just off the coast. Roosterfish have been the undisputed stars of the show, with multiple charters reporting 2–5 roosterfish hookups per trip, especially around Playa Escondida, Punta Mala, and the mouth of the Rio Tárcoles.
These hard-fighting fish are giving our guests a workout and a show. Most fish are in the 20 to 40 lb range, with a few bruisers pushing past 50 lbs caught and released over the past week. Live bait, particularly blue runners and sardines, is doing the trick, but we’ve also seen success on poppers and slow-trolled jigs for those who like to mix it up.
Snappers — especially cubera snapper and Pacific red snapper — have been consistent, hanging tight to reef edges and drop-offs. We’re seeing plenty of quality fish coming in for dinner, and the occasional monster pushing 30–40 pounds. Jigging and bottom fishing with live bait are the name of the game here.
Mackerel, both Spanish and Sierra varieties, are still thick in the area. These toothy speedsters are always fun on light tackle and are perfect if you’re looking to load up the cooler with some delicious white meat. A few boats even reported 15+ hookups in a single morning.
Offshore Fishing – Sailfish & Mahi-Mahi Keeping Rods Bent
Offshore action has been equally impressive. We’re right in the middle of peak sailfish season, and it’s showing. Boats heading 20–30 miles offshore are consistently raising 5 to 10 sailfish per day, with double-digit days still happening when the conditions line up. Flat seas, blue water, and consistent bait schools have created perfect conditions.
Sailfish in the 70–100 lb range are the norm, and they’ve been incredibly aggressive on teasers and pitch baits. We’ve had some exciting bites lately, with multiple double and even triple hook-ups, making for some serious adrenaline and action-packed chaos on deck.
Mahi-mahi (dorado) has also been showing a strong presence, especially near floating debris and current lines. Most fish are in the 15 to 25 lb range, but we’ve seen a few bulls pushing over 40 lbs this week. Trolling ballyhoo or pulling skirted lures in brighter colors like green and pink has been the ticket. These fish are not only a blast to catch but also some of the best eating out there — our clients have been heading back to the dock with dinner and a story to tell.
Fishing Conditions
- Water Temp: 83–85°F
- Clarity: Excellent offshore, slightly greener inshore due to river runoff but still productive
- Weather: Mostly sunny, light winds in the morning, with typical afternoon showers cooling things off
- Bait Availability: Very good — sardines, ballyhoo, and blue runners are plentiful
Final Word from the Crew
April fishing in the Jaco and Los Sueños area continues to exceed expectations. We’re seeing incredible variety, quality fish, and beautiful conditions. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, now is a fantastic time to get on the water.
The roosterfish bite should continue strong into May, and with water temps stable, we’re expecting the offshore billfish action to keep firing as well. It’s also a great time to start prepping for the marlin run, which tends to heat up in the coming months.
Got a trip coming up? Book early, bring the sunscreen, and get ready for one of the best fisheries in the world.
