The Seasons of Costa Rica
The fishing season out of Los Suenos marina in Jaco is truly outstanding year-round. There are few, if any, fishing destinations that can rival the opportunities along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast to catch trophy fish every month of the year.
Sportfishing opportunities in our tropical waters cycle with the weather and climate. Our temperate tropical climate is marked by two distinct seasons: the Dry (high) Season (November-April) and the Green (wet) Season (May-October). Despite our proximity to the equator, our daily temperatures are quite mild.
Dry Season
Fishing Costa Rica during the dry season is mainly about perusing sailfish and Marlin – although many other pelagics are readily available. It’s common to get 20-30 bites per day from billfish during dry (high) season – with several of these bites coming from marlin.
The most sought-after species in Costa Rica is the Pacific sailfish. Sailfish can be found along our central coast year-round, but the migratory push of fish occurs December thru April, with February being the absolute peak of sailfish concentrations. During this time of year, the sailfish travel together is large schools. This makes chasing sailfish the top piscatorial pursuit during the Dry (high) season.
Marlin are also a top target during the dry season. This time of year, windless days and flat calm seas are the norm – making offshore fishing excursions a pleasure for even the not so nautically inclined. Blue marlin fishing is best from December thru April, with black marlin showing later, usually April and May. The smaller but more acrobatic striped marlin can be caught year-round.
When billfishing, we often employ a bait and switch technique where we troll an assortment of artificial and natural baits to attract billfish.
The dry season also offers good numbers of dorado (mahi-mahi), but these tend to be by-catch of the anglers seeking billfish. While offshore, you often see schools of spinner dolphins, this is a good sign there are yellowfin tuna in the area.
There are also plenty of inshore species to bend your rod with a little variety. Trophy sized roosterfish are hanging over rocky outcroppings and ledges – along with snappers, groupers, and wahoo. More specifically, February and March are great months to target trophy sized cubera snappers.
Green Season
During the green (wet) season, expect rain showers mainly in the afternoons and evenings, but not everyday and rarely all day long. The rain showers can be a welcome cool-off and help keep temperatures mild. Is called the green season for a reason – the area flora and fauna goes full-on lush mode with everything in full bloom. If you’re a nature lover, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful times to visit Costa Rica.
Although it’s considered the “off” season, May thru October offers up all offshore species. On any given fishing trip you can catch sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado (mahi mahi).
If you’re a tuna fan, this is a great time of year to fish our waters. During the green season, yellowfin tuna are available nearshore and offshore; small, large and ginormous. Offshore, you’ll find vast schools of spinner dolphins that often travel with yellowfins. Diving sea birds are a good sign the tunas are underneath.
Marlin are also a top target during the dry season. This time of year, windless days and flat calm seas are the norm – making offshore fishing excursions a pleasure for even the not so nautically inclined. Blue marlin fishing is best from December thru April, with black marlin showing later, usually April and May. The smaller but more acrobatic striped marlin can be caught year-round.
When billfishing, we often employ a bait and switch technique where we troll an assortment of artificial and natural baits to attract billfish.
The dry season also offers good numbers of dorado (mahi-mahi), but these tend to be by-catch of the anglers seeking billfish. While offshore, you often see schools of spinner dolphins, this is a good sign there are yellowfin tuna in the area.
This is also the peak season for some inshore bottom fishing. Roosterfish, snappers and grouper are found holding bottom around the rocky islands of the coast. We target these bottom dwellers with vertical jigs, baits or deep drop outfits.
Wahoo also appear this time of year and take seasonal residence over the rocky structure and reefs during these months.