Releases of up to 20 fish a day common during peak season

Sport Fishing always good off Quepos, with top billfishing traditionally well underway by early December, when the mayor concentration of sailfish moves into this central coastal region to join the earlier-arriving marlin. When it peaks, releases of 12 to 20 fish a day are common, with a few unbelievable days every year with 30 and more releases.

Action continues steady on sails, as well as blue, black and striped marlin well into April, and very often throughout the summer, depending on conditions.
Inshore Sportfishing includes tuna, roosterfish, wahoo, dorado, jacks, mackerel, cubera, a variety of small snapper species and even snook can be taken trolling just outside the breaker line off the river mouths in the area, but are more often fished from shore.

The Manuel Antonio/Quepos area is easily reached from San José via the two in-country airlines, regular bus service or scenic three-hour drive, making for an ideal family vacation. World-class fishing is supplemented by a multitude of activities and attractions ranging from the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park to river rafting, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking, horseback riding, casinos and an active nightlife.

Fishing Seasons

Like any place in the world, fishing will vary year depending on the weather and water conditions, bait concentrations and other unpredictable factors, but in general here's how the seasons shape up:

Marlin - Octover is normally when marlin make a strong showing in this area, but action is also good in September and November. Occasional blues and rare black or striped marlin are likely to be found anytime of year, although they are usually out further than boats hunting for sailfish are likely to be fishing.

Sailfish - December through the end of April - when they are usually moving further north - is rated the best season, but the big schools often move in as early as Octover and occasionally stay longer. A few sails always show among the catch from June through September, mixed with the other species that are found inshore during those months.

Tuna - Found throughout the year as they are along the entire Pacific coast, but most abundant from about June through September. Most are eight to 12 pounders, but a dozen or more over 200 punds and maybe another two dozen in the 100 to 200 pound range are taken every year.

Dorado - Best action begins with the winter rains that start in late May and wash debris from the river mouths, creating the inshore trash lines that the dolphin like to lie under.

Roosterfish - Fishing for this hard-hitting inshore species is little short of incredible with the best spots off the river mouths and the rocky drop offs. Best Fishing is during the summer months, from June through early September. Can depend on how heavy they are being hit by the longliners.

Snook - Best spots are just off the many river mouths all along the coast, up the Sierpe river and in the big lagoon on the Sierpe. More are caught by locals from shore around the river mouths just . Best months appear to be from July through November during the heavy rainy season.