Costa Rica Inshore Fishing

Costa Rica offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. The southern pacific coast (Golfo Dulce: Osa Peninsula, Golfito, Puerto Jimenez, Zancudo) of the country is home to over 40 world records, and a calm, diverse, three dimensional fishery.

The Gulfo Dulce ("Sweet Gulf") is the 10th deepest gulf in the world. It is lined with mangrove estuary, river mouths and reef, offering diverse inshore fishing grounds.

The endless volcanic coastline that runs along this 'tropical fjord' makes it prime area for a number of prized inshore species. The area is famous for 'giant' (50+ lbs) Roosterfish as they prefer volcanic rock outcrops. On the western end of the Gulfo Dulce, large cubera snapper, groupers, and amberjacks call 'Matapalo Rock' their home. Occasionally a mako shark will surprise an angler when it skyrockets 10 feet in the air after taking a bait.

Inshore Fishing Techniques: Inshore fishing tactics are varied. We troll live baits (blue runners, mullets) for all species, bottom fish for all species and cast at Snappers. Fly fishing for Roosterfish is a must for avid fly fishermen. It takes some patience the first few attempts, but it is well worth the effort!

Month Sailfish Marlin Dorado Roosterfish Yellowfin Tuna Wahoo Snook Snapper Jan E G G E G F F G Feb E E G E G F F G Mar E E G E G F F G Apr E E G E G F F G May F E F E G F F G Jun F F F E G F G G Jul F F F E G F G G Aug F F F E G F G G Sep G F E E G F E G Oct G F E E G F E G Nov G G E E G F E G Dec E G E E G F E G E = Excelent G = Good F = Fair This chart is just a guide. Water temps in our area result in consistently good fishing all year long.

2007 Phases of the Moon New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter Date Date Date Date  Oct 11 Oct 19 Oct 26 Nov 1 Nov 9 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 9 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 31 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 30 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 29 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 29 Apr 6 Apr 12 Apr 20 Apr 28 May 5 May 12 May 20 May 28 June 3 June 10 June 18 June 26 July 3 July 10 July 18 July 25 Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 20 Sept 7 Sept 15 Sept 22