January is one of the most exciting months to fish out of Los Sueños and Jaco. Dry season weather, stable currents, and warm sea temperatures set the stage for consistent offshore billfish action, reliable yellowfin tuna, and energetic inshore fishing that keeps rods bent throughout the day. The first half of January 2026 has delivered exactly that blend, offering offshore sailfish opportunities, scattered but impressive bull mahi mahi, selective marlin shots for the lucky crews, and strong inshore fishing with roosterfish, jacks, barracuda, and sierra mackerel.
If you are traveling to Jaco or fishing out of Los Sueños during the second half of January or into February, here’s a detailed look at what’s been happening on the water so far.
Offshore Overview – Sailfish Take Center Stage
The headline offshore species for mid-January has been sailfish, which have finally shown consistent numbers after a slower December. Boats working between 20 and 32 miles offshore have had good action on singles and doubles, with occasional windows of three-fish flurries when boats found the right current or temperature band.
Water temperatures offshore have ranged from 82 to 85 degrees, which is ideal for sails. Crews reported better results when they found cleaner blue water with good color and bait. Bullet tuna and flying fish schools have been reliable indicators of billfish presence, especially during late mornings when the sun pushes bait toward the surface.
A unique twist this month has been that some half-day offshore trips have successfully raised and released sailfish. This is not standard for most months, but during the first two weeks of January, currents pushed productive water closer to Herradura Bay, allowing shorter trips to deliver real offshore action. While anglers should not expect guaranteed sails on a half-day, the fact that it has been happening makes January especially flexible for visiting families and groups with limited time.
Spreads this month have included:
- Small to medium teasers
- Blue, pink, and purple skirted ballyhoo
- Dredges with mullet imitation
- Pitch baits for sighted sails
When sails have been around, the bite has been consistent from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, though crews who stayed disciplined into the afternoon were rewarded with late-day strikes more than once.
Mahi Mahi – Fewer Numbers, Exceptional Quality
While dorado (mahi mahi) are usually plentiful in January, the first half of this year has delivered low numbers but big fish. Crews have reported dorado in the 30 to 50-pound range, and a handful of larger bulls made it to the docks after crushing trolled lures or live baits intended for marlin.
Most mahi encounters have come around:
- Floating logs
- Current rips
- Debris patches
- High tide lines
These large bulls have been extremely photogenic and produced memorable fillets, but most boats have only seen one or two shots per day, if any. As a result, dorado have not been the high-volume fish they are in some years, but they have provided trophy-quality catch potential for anglers who enjoy stand-up battles.
Marlin – Selective but Present
January marlin fishing in the Central Pacific is always a puzzle. Some years see strong striped marlin bites, while others deliver scattered blue or black marlin, depending on sea temperatures and bait. This year, marlin have been present but selective, requiring patience and more than a little luck.
The majority of encounters from January 1–15 have involved:
- Striped marlin in the 120–220 pound class
- Occasional blue marlin pushing 250+ pounds
- A very small number of black marlin near deeper reef areas
Marlin shots have come as single surprise encounters in sail spreads, although crews fishing live bait (bonito) along structure and edges have had a slightly better success rate. Captains who prioritized dredges and teaser chains increased their visibility and raised more billfish overall.
While marlin fishing has not been wide open, February and March are historically stronger months as bait consolidates offshore. If patterns remain stable, marlin encounters should increase over the next 30–60 days.
Yellowfin Tuna – Reliable and Fun for All Skill Levels
Yellowfin tuna have been consistent players this month. While not the primary target for most offshore charters, they have been an excellent bonus fish for crews scanning for spinner dolphins, bird piles, and current edges.
Most tuna this month have been:
- School-size yellowfin between 15 and 35 pounds
- Intermixed with occasional larger fish up to 60+ pounds
The smaller fish are excellent for light tackle and great fun for visiting anglers, especially those looking to stock the cooler with fillets for the condo or hotel kitchen. The larger models have shown themselves more toward the offshore edges and have taken:
- Live sardines (when available)
- Poppers and stickbaits
- Cedar plugs
- Small feathers
- Vertical jigs
The fact that tuna are accessible to anglers with varying levels of experience makes them one of the most popular offshore targets in January.
Inshore Report – Roosterfish, Jacks, Barracuda & Sierra Mackerel
For many travelers, inshore fishing has been the highlight of the trip. January inshore conditions are excellent for shorter trips, calmer water, and light tackle action, especially in the mornings before the wind picks up.
Roosterfish – The Inshore Star
Roosterfish have put on a show this month, providing visual strikes, long runs, and incredible photo moments. Fish have been holding near:
- Rock piles
- River mouths
- Shallow reef edges
- Points and beach breaks
The average rooster has been 15–30 pounds, with a few larger models landed when bait was available.
Jack Crevalle – Hard-Pulling and Reliable
Jack crevalle have been widespread along the coast, smashing poppers and stickbaits with reckless abandon. While not prized for the table, they provide heavy fights and are great for anglers who enjoy topwater action.
Barracuda – Fast, Aggressive, and Overlooked
Barracuda have also made appearances around rocky structures and reef edges. These toothy predators offer explosive strikes and fast runs and are a fun surprise for first-time saltwater anglers. They often hit:
- Metal spoons
- Stickbaits
- Trolled small lures
Their aggressive nature makes them a memorable encounter, especially for families and kids fishing close to the beach.
Sierra Mackerel – The Inshore Speedster
Sierra mackerel are a winter staple along the Central Pacific coastline and have been active in January. Known for sharp teeth, fast strikes, and blistering runs, they attack:
- Small spoons
- Live sardines
- Fast-retrieved plugs
They are also some of the best-eating fish inshore and a great addition to a ceviche or sashimi plate at local restaurants.
Snapper & Other Species
In addition to the above, inshore boats have encountered:
- Cubera snapper
- Needlefish
- African pompano (occasional)
- Bonito
This mix has kept rods bent and made inshore fishing a popular choice for half-day or three-quarter-day trips.
Weather & Sea Conditions – Classic Dry Season Patterns
The weather has played an important role in fish behavior. During the first half of January:
- Mornings have been clear and calm
- Midday has been sunny and warm
- Afternoon winds have picked up offshore, but have remained manageable
Sea conditions have been generally comfortable, with most days in the 1 to 3 foot range, especially before noon. Clean blue water pushed closer to land during days with stronger tides, helping bring pelagic fish within range for shorter trips.
This stability has made January very friendly for:
- First-time anglers
- Families with kids
- Travelers with limited schedule flexibility
Techniques That Have Been Working
Offshore:
- Teasers and dredges for sailfish and marlin
- Naked ballyhoo with skirts for billfish
- Cedar plugs and small feathers for tuna
- Live bonito for marlin and big dorado
Inshore:
- Live sardines for roosterfish and snapper
- Metal spoons for sierra mackerel and barracuda
- Topwater poppers for jacks and roosterfish
- Shallow diving plugs along reefs
Live bait availability has been a major factor in inshore productivity. When bait has been plentiful, strike rates have increased significantly.
Looking Ahead – Late January & Early February Outlook
Based on historical patterns and current conditions, we expect:
- Sailfish numbers to continue improving
- Marlin shots to increase as bait consolidates
- Big mahi opportunities to linger through February
- Yellowfin tuna to remain steady around spinner dolphins
- Inshore roosterfish and mackerel to stay strong into March
The dry season fishing window is just getting warmed up, and many captains predict that late January through mid-March could produce some of the best billfish action of the year.
Final Thoughts – January 2026 Has Delivered Variety
The first half of January 2026 has offered a versatile and exciting mix of fishing opportunities. Offshore boats have raised sails, hooked tuna, and encountered big mahi, while inshore charters have kept rods bent with roosterfish, jacks, barracuda, mackerel, and snapper. With calm seas, warm water, and reliable action, it has been a rewarding month for first-time anglers and seasoned offshore veterans alike.
