With over 750 miles of coastline, anglers fishing in Costa Rica have a multitude of options. It’s a big ocean out there much of it void of fishing action. The key to successful offshore fishing is knowing where to find the fish.

There is no replacement for local expertise when it comes to finding fish. Every good captain knows where to find the fish, but you may find the following information helpful when exploring new fishing grounds.

The most important tip for finding fish is Watch for Variation. Variation can come in several forms, some obvious and some more subtle.

Los Corrientes

The tried and true method to finding billfish in Costa Rica is fishing in “los corrientes”. These currents can be spotted by a subtle change in color and in temperature. Baitfish and predators are plentiful in these currents. An experienced captain will work the edges of “los corrientes”. When fishing from Quepos, Jaco, or Herradura, captains will find “los corrientes” about twenty-five to thirty miles from shore during peak billfish season.

Oceanfloor Geography

Underwater geopgraphic structures such as canyons can increase the flow of ocean currents. The rapidly moving currents can trap bait fish and large game fish move in after the trapped bait. As with the seasonal currents, these currents may be spotted by looking for subtle changes in water color or surface temperature. Of course an experienced Costa Rican offshore fishing guide will have one eye on the bottom (GPS) and one eye on the surface looking for the subtle changes.

Floating Debris

The rainy season in Costa Rica is the hottest time of year for dorado, oftentimes bull dorado weighing over fifty pounds. The experienced fisherman knows that fish love structure, even temporary structure resulting from debris washing out to sea from rain swollen rivers. Fishing deep around weed lines, floating pallets, or logs can yield a great dorado run. Other game fish can be found beneath the debris as well.

Underwater Structure

Wrecks and reefs provide structure for large bottom fish including Cubera snapper and grouper. The structure is also home to plankton and other small organisms that attract baitfish which in turn attract big game fish looking for a meal. Remember that the main structure may be overfished while potential satellite sites around the structure are teaming with life. Larger gamefish often hang out at these quieter satellite sites.

Slicks

Keep you eye out for oily slicks on the waters surface. As big game fish such as dorado, tuna, marlin and sailfish are feeding they chase bait to the surface. Fish oils are released and the slick results. If you have found a bait slick you have found sometime of fish feeding. If you are lucky it will the trophy catch you are looking for.

Birds

Offshore birds are always fishing in Costa Rica. They are searching for bait pods, tuna feeding, or trolling billfish. Pay particular attention to the frigate birds especially those that are circling in one location. The experienced fishing guide knows that a lone frigate bird can lead you to a trophy Tuna, Marlin, or Sailfish.

When fishing offshore in Costa Rica, the importance of local expertise can not be overstated. Natural underwater geographic structures are consistent and local Costa Rica Fishing Guides have committed these to GPS and memory giving them the edge when fishing for big game fish in these waters. In addition, an experienced captain and mate will have developed keen eyes. I have seen Captains spot schooling Tuna 3 miles away, just by looking for disturbed water.

If you are interested in fishing in Costa Rica, find out more about Pacific fish species, fishing seasons, fishing reports, and the local weather at Quepos Adventures



By: Marshall Booth

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