Seasons

costa rica
fishing seasons

legend:

central pacific coast

(Los Suenos / Quepos / Carillo / Nosara / Garza)

Catch The Top Targeted
fish species

Guanacaste offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from battling strong and elusive species to enjoying the thrill of reeling in some of the most beautiful and delicious fish found in the Pacific Ocean.

YELLOWFIN TUNA

Yellowfin Tuna, a sought-after species, is regularly caught in Guanacaste. With its muscular build and fast swimming, it provides an exhilarating challenge for anglers using various fishing techniques.

WAHOO

Wahoo, known for incredible speed and razor-sharp teeth, offers an adrenaline-pumping challenge. High-speed trolling is the preferred method to entice and catch these fast and powerful fish.

SNOOK

Snook, a coastal predator, is prized for its aggressive nature and powerful runs. Often targeted near the shore, it provides an exciting challenge for anglers.

SAILFISH

Sailfish, with its striking sail-like dorsal fin, is a prime target for sportfishing enthusiasts. Known for acrobatic displays and high-speed pursuits, it offers an adrenaline-packed fishing experience.

MACKEREL

Mackerel, a fast and spirited swimmer, is a common catch in Guanacaste waters. Often caught while trolling, it offers an energetic fight and is valued for its culinary appeal.

GROUPER

Grouper, strong and bottom-dwelling, presents a satisfying challenge for anglers. Mastering the art of deep-sea jigging is essential to entice and reel in these prized catches.

CUBERA SNAPPER

Cubera Snapper, characterized by its size and strength, offers a rewarding challenge for anglers. Often found in rocky structures, they require skillful techniques and patience to land successfully.

BLUE MARLIN

The Blue Marlin, a majestic deep-sea giant, is famous for its vibrant blue and silver hues. When hooked, it showcases remarkable aerial acrobatics, making it a prized catch for sportfishing enthusiasts.

BLACK MARLIN

A powerful and elusive deep-sea predator, the Black Marlin is known for its impressive size and acrobatic displays when hooked, providing anglers with an exhilarating challenge.

STRIPED MARLIN

Experience the excitement of deep-sea sportfishing with striped marlin. These majestic predators, famous for their vibrant stripes and powerful fights, promise an unforgettable adventure on the open waters.

ROOSTERFISH

Roosterfish, a signature species in Guanacaste, is recognized for its distinctive dorsal fin resembling a rooster’s comb. Fishing for Roosterfish is not just about the catch; it’s about the technique. Often found near the shore and targeted using live bait, Roosterfish provide a thrilling experience with their aggressive nature and powerful runs.

MAHI MAHI

Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, offers excellent opportunities for anglers in Guanacaste. These vibrant, acrobatic fish are prized for their striking colors and delicious taste. Known for their acrobatics when hooked, Mahi Mahi provides an exciting and visually stunning fishing experience.

AMBERJACK

Amberjack is a powerful and tenacious fish known for its fierce battles when hooked. Anglers can expect an exhilarating fight as these robust fish dive deep and make sharp, sudden runs. The thrill of landing an Amberjack is a memorable highlight in Guanacaste’s sportfishing scene.

Fishing techniques to try

Muñequita offers a wide array of techniques and baits for anglers in Guanacaste, catering to different fishing conditions, species preferences, and the thrill-seeking nature of deep-sea fishing in this region. Whether you prefer the visual excitement of poppers or the strategic finesse of live bait, there’s a method to match your angling style and the target species.

Live Bait

Using live bait is a highly effective method in Guanacaste. It involves deploying live fish, such as small tuna or mackerel, as bait to attract predatory fish. Live bait offers a natural and enticing presentation that can trigger aggressive strikes from a wide range of species.

Jigs

Jigging is a versatile and dynamic fishing technique in Guanacaste. It involves using weighted lures (jigs) that mimic prey fish or squid. Anglers jerk, or “jig,” the lures vertically in the water column to attract and entice fish. This method is especially effective for species that feed closer to the seabed.

Poppers

Poppers are topwater lures that create surface commotion and noise when retrieved. In Guanacaste, popping is a thrilling technique that excels when targeting aggressive predators near the surface, like mahi-mahi and roosterfish. The explosive surface strikes make it a visually spectacular method. They are a versatile and exciting method in Guanacaste. Not only are they effective for surface-feeding species, but they can also attract pelagic fish like tuna and wahoo. The action of “popping” creates a visual and auditory spectacle that anglers love.

Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo are small baitfish used extensively as bait in Guanacaste. They are rigged with hooks and trolled behind boats to attract larger game fish like marlin and sailfish. Ballyhoo’s natural appearance and swimming action make them a favored choice for offshore trolling.

Chunk Baits

Chunk baits involve using sections of larger fish as bait. These chunks are typically cut from less valuable fish and can be used for chumming or as bait for species like grouper and snapper. Chunk baits release scent into the water to attract predators.