Costa Rica is an angler’s paradise offering tourists and serious fishermen some of the best sportfishing opportunities in Central America. With easy and convenient access to waters of both the Pacific and the Caribbean, the sportfishing conditions in Costa Rica are ideal for the avid fisherman. Another bonus of sportfishing here is both the availability of inland as well as deep sea fishing. Costa Rica’s ‘catch and release’ fishing policy also plays a big part in making sportfishing here so awesome, as it means a wide variety of fish is there for the taking.
If you are interested in sportfishing when you arrive in Costa Rica, you will find plenty of angling hotspots along the Pacific Coast. The Nicoya Peninsula offers ample excellent fishing opportunities at Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Playa Carrillo and Tamarindo. In Puntarenas province, some superb fishing can be done in Quepos, which is a short drive away from San Jose City. For some quiet fishing destinations head south to the Golfo Dulce and the former banana port of Golfito, Puerto Jimenez and Zancudo.
If you are interested in sportfishing along Costa Rica’s Pacific shores, the best time to do so would be in between May and September in the north. In the south, sportfishing is ideal between November and March.
Along Coats Rica’s Caribbean Coast most of the fishing is restricted to the Parque Nacional Tortuguero and the Refugio Nacional Barra del Colorado. You can also fish inland here along the many rivers and estuaries in the area as well as out at sea. Tarpon and snook are popular deep sea catches, which inland, rainbow bass or guapote is easily available.
If you plan on fishing off the Pacific Coast, keep in mind that the fish as well as the fishing conditions vary from those in the Caribbean. Along the Pacific Coast, Blue and Black Marlins, Sailfish and Dorado are common catches.
If you plan on coming to Costa Rica to fish, you will need a fishing license. Most tour operators usually arrange licenses for you if you use their services, however, if you plan on going it alone, then you will need to arrange a license by yourself. Costa Rica also follows a strict catch and release policy, which you will need to adhere to if you wish to go fishing. Novice anglers or those coming fishing to Costa Rica for the first time can visit the Club Amateur de Pesca and the Club Nacional de Pesca fishing clubs in San Jose, which not only arrange sportfishing trips, but also organize tournaments and other angling related activities.
Source: www.govisitcostarica.com