what you can catch
the best fishing charters in costa rica
Welcome to an angler’s paradise in Playa Potrero, Costa Rica. Located in the North Pacific region in the province of Guanacaste, Potrero Beach holds access to some of the world’s best inshore and offshore fishing. The volcanic Islands, underwater structures, and warm Pacific waters are prime breeding habitats for schooling bait and trophy game fish. The most popular species fishermen travel worldwide to catch Snapper, Marlin, Sailfish, Roosterfish are in Costa Rica.
Inshore
Roosterfish
110 lbs / 50 kilos max
Roosterfish in Costa Rica thrive abundantly in the warm Pacific waters along the coast from December - June, attracting avid anglers with their desire for aggressive strikes and formidable runs. The exhilarating experience of battling these powerful fish entices fishermen worldwide to return for more. A tall rooster-like crest on their back and a stunning striped pattern down their side make for a great battle and photo opportunity. Slow trolling live bait, top water poppers, jigging, and casting Rapalas are the best ways to catch your trophy roosterfish in Playa Potrero.
Cubera Snapper
100 lbs / 45 kilos max
The Cubera Snapper is Costa Rica's largest species of Snapper. These slow-growing giants can live up to 60 years and grow over 100 lbs. Cuberas are typically caught using live bait and slow trolling around underwater structures; bottom fishing with jigs is another way to fish for them. Playa Potrero Snapper fishing is superb all year round, with various volcanic rock structures that harbor these beautiful red giants.
Snook (Robalo)
55 lbs / 25 kilos max
Surfcasting for Snook in Playa Potrero is a popular way these fish are caught. Usually found hanging around the river mouths and whitewash just behind the breaking waves, these aggressive hunters will hit soft plastics, metal spoons, poppers, rapalas, and live bait. With their strong yellow broom-like tails and big head shakes, battling these aggressive fish up and down the beach makes for an unforgettable experience. They are most commonly caught November - March in Potrero Beach but have been caught throughout the year.
Sea Bass (Corvina)
15 lbs / 7 kilos max
Corvina, a prized catch, is a delicate white meat fish abundant from December to April in Playa Potrero. Sporting a silver body and a vibrant yellow tail, these fish often gather in schools in the bay during the early morning, feeding on baitfish. The thrill of aggressive surface headshakes and the sound of peeling lines are characteristic experiences when angling for Corvina. White jigs, feathers, rapalas, and live sardines are the best ways to catch sea bass in Potrero Beach.
and that's not all
Some other inshore species frequently caught surf fishing or kayak fishing in Playa Potrero are Jack Crevalle, Bone fish, Spanish Mackerel, Pacific Barracuda, Mangrove Snapper, and ladyfish. So why wait? Book your Playa Potrero Fishing Charter today and experience some of the best fishing Guanacaste has to offer.
Offshore
Marlin
Blue: 1300 lbs / 625 kilos
Black: 1500 lbs / 705 kilos
Striped: 400 lbs / 220 kilos
The king of all billfish, hitting speeds over 50 mph, these beasts make for a thrill for any fisherman to catch and a memory that will last a lifetime. Blue, Striped, and Black Marlin are targets for anglers to catch in Costa Rica. Trolling with ballyhoo and squid baits is a common technique to catch these trophy fish. December through April are the best months to catch Marlin out of Playa Potrero. Check Marlin fishing in Costa Rica off your bucket list today!
Wahoo
Up to 175lbs or 83 kilos
Wahoo is a fast, predatory oceanic fish, prized for its speed and agility in the water and known for its long blue-striped body and sharp teeth. Its delicious white meat makes it a sought-after game fish among anglers in Costa Rica. Wahoos are most frequently caught trolling offshore at speeds between 10-13 knots and are most commonly caught between August and January.
Yellowfin Tuna
350 lbs / 175 kilos
Yellowfin tuna have a distinctive yellow dorsal fin and a sleek, streamlined body. This migratory fish is found most commonly in Guanacaste from June through October. Known for its culinary value, the yellowfin tuna is arguably the best-tasting of the Tuna species. Ranging from football-sized to 300-plus pounds, these hard-fighting fish will surely put a smile on any angler's face.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado)
85 lbs - 40 kilos
Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado, are a beautiful gold and green color and are known for putting on an aerobatic show when hooked. These pelagic fish have a 5 year lifespan, which allows them to maintain abundance in Costa Rica. They can be caught all year long on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Most Restaurants in Playa Potrero serve Mahi Mahi, which is well known for its excellent firm meat.
Sailfish
220 lbs / 100 kilos
Sailfish are pelagic billfish known for their long bill and huge sail-like dorsal fins that run the length of their slender body. These Pacific sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of 68mph. Dancing across the surface and peeling line, sailfish in Costa Rica make the wish list for all fishermen, amateur and professional. Costa Rica law requires all billfish to be released, ensuring future generations can enjoy an epic battle with one of these trophy fish.
