The Ultimate Fishing Guide to the Gulf of Papagayo
With warm Pacific waters, year-round action, and a variety of fishing styles (from beach casting
to deep sea big game), the Gulf is a haven for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re casting a line
from shore or chasing marlin offshore, this is where fishing memories are made.
🎣 The Most Common Fish in the Gulf of Papagayo (in Order of Abundance)
Here’s a rundown of the top fish species caught in these waters, ranked by how commonly they’re hooked throughout the year:
- Roosterfish (Pez Gallo) – The inshore king. Aggressive, beautiful, and a bucket-list catch.
- Jack Crevalle – Hard-fighting and almost always willing to bite. Great for beginners.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) – Found more offshore, especially in rainy season (May–October). Colorful and delicious.
- Tuna (Yellowfin) – Powerful and fast. Often travel in large schools, sometimes with dolphins.
- Snapper (Cubera, Mullet, Red) – Found near rocky outcroppings and reefs. Excellent eating.
- Sierra Mackerel – Smaller but tasty and fast-moving, common closer to shore.
- Wahoo – Fast and elusive. Caught offshore, especially during dry season (Dec–Apr).
- Sailfish – The most acrobatic billfish. Found farther out in deeper water.
- Marlin (Blue and Black) – The crown jewel of Costa Rican fishing. Rare, but unforgettable.
🌊 Shore Fishing: What You Can Catch from Land
If you don’t feel like getting on a boat, no problem—shore fishing around Playas del Coco and the Gulf of Papagayo can be surprisingly productive.
Best spots: Rocky points, jetties, and river mouths (like the estuary at Playa Hermosa).
Target Species from Shore:
- Roosterfish – Early morning and late afternoon are best. Use live bait or poppers.
- Jack Crevalle – One of the most aggressive fish from land, especially on a surface lure.
- Needlefish (Houndfish) – Not great eating, but fun to catch. They strike flashy lures.
- Snook (Robalo) – Especially near river mouths after rain. Best in the wet season.
- Snapper (Mango or Rock Snapper) – Cast near rocky shoreline or cliffs using live bait.
Pro Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses so you can spot bait schools and fish activity from shore. A medium to heavy spinning rod with a good casting distance is ideal.
🛥 Small Boat Fishing: Nearshore Action
For guests at Villa Buena Onda, small boat trips (called panga fishing) are an easy way to get on the water without going too far offshore. These 22–28 foot boats are budget-friendly, perfect for half-day trips, and great for catching a mix of inshore and mid-range species.
Fishing depth: 20 to 150 feet
Target Species from a Small Boat:
- Roosterfish – Still the prime target, especially near rocky islands like Monkey Head.
- Cubera Snapper – Troll slow over rocky bottoms or use jigs near reefs.
- Mahi-Mahi – Sometimes caught just a few miles out, especially under floating debris.
- Amberjack – Found near reefs and ledges, usually by jigging.
- Tuna – If birds and dolphins are working a bait ball within 10–15 miles of shore, you’re in luck.
Best Techniques: Live bait slow-trolled behind the boat, vertical jigging near reefs, and popping near surface-feeding fish.
🌊 Offshore Fishing: Deep Sea Big Game
If you’re looking to hook into something worthy of a world record—or just want that epic photo of a leaping sailfish—then offshore fishing is the move. Departing from Playas del Coco, most offshore boats head 15–40 miles out into blue water.
Target Species Offshore:
- Sailfish – Peak season is January through April. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo works best.
- Marlin (Blue, Black) – Found year-round but more common in summer (June–Sept).
- Yellowfin Tuna – Big schools appear from May to November, often with spinner dolphins.
- Wahoo – Found near drop-offs and seamounts, especially in dry season.
- Mahi-Mahi – Look for floating logs or debris—these are Dorado magnets.
Gear & Technique: Offshore trips require serious tackle, outriggers, and GPS sonar. Most boats troll with multiple lines, using teasers and artificial lures or rigged bait.
Bonus: Many offshore charters in Coco offer full-day trips with lunch, beer, and crew included. Let them know if you want to release or keep your catch—some restaurants will even cook it for you.
🐟 Seasonal Patterns: When to Go
- Dry Season (Dec–April): Great for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and roosterfish.
- Green Season (May–October): Best time for tuna, mahi-mahi, and inshore variety.
- Transitional Months (Nov and May): Excellent variety; calm seas and fewer crowds.
🛥 Top 5 Fishing Charters in Playas del Coco
- Dream On Sport Fishing
- Fleet includes 30+ foot boats with bilingual crews.
- Known for: Sailfish and marlin trips, family-friendly charters.
- Website: dreamonsportfishing.com
- Fish Tale II
- A well-known operation run by Captain Rick.
- Known for: Customizable experiences and excellent offshore gear.
- Website: fishtale2.com
- Sea Star CR
- Offers half- and full-day trips for all budgets.
- Known for: Great value, friendly guides, and productive inshore trips.
- Facebook: @seastarcr
- Papagayo Fishing Charters
- Experienced crew, large boats, top-quality tackle.
- Known for: Big game offshore fishing and group packages.
- Website: papagayofishing.com
- Witch’s Rock Fishing
- Based out of Coco Marina, with seasoned local captains.
- Known for: Targeting roosterfish and giant snapper nearshore.
- Instagram: @witchsrockfishing
🏡 Make Villa Buena Onda Your Fishing Basecamp
After a day battling the Pacific’s best, there’s nothing better than returning to your private villa, poolside drink in hand, and fresh-caught fish on the grill. At Villa Buena Onda, we work with the best local captains and can help you book the perfect fishing trip—whether it’s your first cast or your hundredth.
From the beach to the big blue, fishing in the Gulf of Papagayo isn’t just a sport—it’s an adventure. And it’s all waiting just minutes from your room.
Ready to go fishing? Contact our concierge team today to schedule your trip, set up a private chef dinner with your catch, or pair your fishing experience with a sunset cruise or massage at the villa.
Pura Vida and tight lines!
