Costa Rica is a great place to go if you love to fish. However, there are certain fish available in certain areas, during certain times of the year. So when should you plan your next big fishing trip so that you can catch the fish you want? It depends on several factors, but it is not hard to figure out when the ideal fishing season in Costa Rica could be for you.

Seasons Rule

The seasons control when you are more likely to catch certain fish over others, regardless of where you are going to fish, with few exceptions. Rainbow bass can be caught in all lakes and rivers pretty much year round, but the Wahoo can only be caught in certain areas, during certain months of the year. It is important that you keep this in mind and check the fishing charts to see when the type of fish that you want is available. There are also times when it is best to catch them up north or down south. Here is a breakdown of when you can catch what type of fish.

Marlin

If are you going to be in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, during January, February, May, June, or July, you should be able to catch Marlins. In other areas, you will find about 4-5 months that marlin are abundant, which covers the rest of the year except for September, October, and November. During these months it is very hard to find Marlin. However, to find them, you do kind of need to stick to the shore of the Pacific side.

Snook

These fish can be found in the Northern Lowlands year round, regardless of what body of water you are fishing in. In the Caribbean and the South Pacific you will need to stick to the months between March and May or September through November.

Tuna

You will have to go a little offshore on the pacific side of Costa Rica if you want to find the Tuna. However, there are not many months during the year that they will be around. If you are in Guanacaste, your best time for Tuna will be August through October. They will call the South Pacific home from August through December and Jaco between June and September.

Year Long Fish

If you want to know ahead of time what you will catch during other times of the year, there are some fish that are available year round in the waters surrounding Costa Rica. Snapper, Mackerel, Rainbow Bass, and Roosterfish are prime examples. The only variation is that Roosterfish are only yearlong residents of the South Pacific. At Guanacaste you should be able to find them from November through March. In Jaco, you stand your best chances between June and October.

All year long there are ideal fishing seasons in Costa Rica. The key is to decide what type of fish you want to catch and which part of Costa Rica you plan to visit. Either way, you will have a lot of fun sport fishing for all types of fish. Who knows? You may find that big one that will make all your fishing tales come true.