Costa Rica Fishing Calendar
See when to target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, snapper and other popular species from Los Sueños Marina. Use this calendar as a planning guide, then contact us with your exact dates.
- Offshore Species
- Inshore Species
- Month-by-Month Planning
- Los Sueños Marina
What Is the Best Time to Fish in Costa Rica?
There is no single best month for every species. Los Sueños offers fishing throughout the year, but seasonal conditions change the mix of offshore and inshore opportunities. Use the calendar below as a general planning guide for the Central Pacific.
Species by Time of Year
Excellent, Good and Fair describe general seasonal opportunity. Actual fishing depends on water, bait, currents and recent conditions.
| Species | Jan–Apr | May–Jun | Jul–Aug | Sep–Oct | Nov–Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin Tuna | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Wahoo | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
| Red Snapper | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Amberjack | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Grouper | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Sailfish | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Blue Marlin | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Fair | Excellent |
| Black Marlin | Excellent | Good | Fair | Fair | Good |
| Jack Crevalle | Good | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Striped Marlin | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good |
| Mahi-Mahi | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Cubera Snapper | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Roosterfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Sailfish
Blue Marlin
Yellowfin Tuna
Mahi-Mahi
Roosterfish
Snapper
What Each Part of the Year Is Best For
One of the strongest periods for sailfish and marlin, with yellowfin tuna and mahi also offering excellent opportunities.
Tuna and mahi remain strong while snapper fishing can improve along the coast and rocky structure.
Snapper, grouper, roosterfish and other inshore targets can provide excellent alternatives to offshore fishing.
Billfish numbers may be less consistent, while tuna, mahi and inshore fishing can still produce productive days.
Sailfish and marlin opportunities improve again as the Central Pacific approaches peak season.
Seasonal calendars are useful guides, but recent bait, currents and water conditions matter just as much.
Offshore or Inshore Fishing?
Your travel month and target species should help determine which fishing style makes the most sense.
Offshore Fishing
Best for anglers targeting billfish and pelagic species in Costa Rica’s Pacific blue water.
Offshore FishingInshore Fishing
Work rocky points, reefs and coastal structure for hard-fighting Pacific inshore species.
Plan Inshore FishingExplore Costa Rica Fish Species
If one species is the main reason for your trip, read the individual fishing guide before choosing your dates.
Marlin
Big-game fishing for blue, black and striped marlin in Costa Rica’s Pacific.
Marlin GuideSailfish
Learn about the Central Pacific sailfish season and how these billfish are targeted.
Sailfish GuideYellowfin Tuna
Powerful tuna offer exciting offshore fishing and excellent table fare.
Tuna GuideMahi-Mahi
Colorful, acrobatic dorado are a favorite offshore species for families and anglers.
Mahi GuideRoosterfish
One of Costa Rica’s signature inshore gamefish and a popular bucket-list species.
Roosterfish GuideSnapper
Target several snapper species around reefs, rocks and coastal structure.
Snapper GuideAlready Know Your Travel Dates?
Tell us when you’re coming, how many anglers are fishing and what you’d most like to catch. We’ll help you choose the best available fishing option for that part of the year.
Costa Rica Fishing Season FAQ
What is the best month for fishing in Costa Rica?
It depends on the species. January through April is especially popular for Central Pacific sailfish and billfish, while tuna, mahi and inshore species create opportunities during other parts of the year.
When is the best sailfish season in Los Sueños?
The strongest sailfish period is generally associated with December through April, although sailfish can also be encountered outside those months.
Can I catch marlin year-round?
Marlin opportunities exist during different periods of the year, but the strength of the fishing varies with species, bait, currents and ocean conditions.
Is yellowfin tuna fishing year-round?
Yellowfin tuna can be encountered through much of the year on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, although some periods produce stronger concentrations than others.
What is the best season for roosterfish?
Roosterfish can be targeted throughout the year. Local bait concentrations and conditions often matter more than one specific month.
Is fishing still good during Costa Rica’s rainy season?
Yes. The rainy season does not mean fishing stops. Tuna, mahi, roosterfish, snapper and other species can provide excellent opportunities depending on conditions.
How accurate is a fishing calendar?
A fishing calendar shows typical seasonal patterns, not a guarantee. Fish move with bait, currents, water temperature and other ocean conditions, so recent fishing activity should also be considered.
Should I book offshore or inshore for my dates?
Send us your travel dates and target species. We can help you decide whether offshore, inshore or a combination of both makes the most sense.
What Should You Fish for During Your Vacation?
Send us your travel dates, group size and target species. We’ll help you choose the best available Los Sueños charter based on the season and your fishing goals.
Check Fishing Availability
Tell us when you’re visiting and what you’d most like to catch.
Contact US Now
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Know Your Dates? Let’s Choose the Fish.
Send us your travel dates and we’ll help plan the right fishing trip.