Osa Peninsula Fishing Trips
Planning Your Osa Peninsula Fishing Trip – Start Here
Experiencing an Osa peninsula fishing trip will rank among the most exciting things you’ve ever done. Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula goes a step beyond “off the beaten path” – it is rugged, and teeming with wildlife both on shore and below the offshore waters of Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast. With sleepy fishing villages like Puerto Jimenez, Goflito, and Zancudo we can help you pinpoint the best local captains and guides to put you on the inshore (Golfo Dulce) or offshore fishing species of your dreams.
We have lived in this Garden of Eden for 17 years and can offer you a wealth of first hand knowledge when it comes to targeting, catching, and releasing an amazing variety of the worlds most incredible fish species.
We don’t just hook you up with the best captains and crews of the Osa, we know them and their families personally. Based on your criteria in terms of boat, gear, fishing style (conventional, fly, kayak) we can create a perfect match.
Things to Consider
- Are you a small group or a family?
- Are there children accompanying you?
- What kind of hotels do you like – do you prefer quiet and low key – or a more social setting and a chance to meet other like-minded anglers?
Based on a few simple questions like these we can help create or suggest the perfect itinerary. We have watched fishing vacations on the Osa Peninsula go right and wrong for over 15 years. So, let us steer you in the right direction and make sure your expectations don’t come up short.
Osa Peninsula Offshore Fishing Trips
Of course Sailfish and Marlin are what most people are looking for, and yes, the sailfish get very big down here at the edge of civilization. Marlin fishing heats up in November and December and again in July and August while the Humboldt and other oxygen rich currents converge to create a mega sailfish season January through April. Roving bands of yellowfin tuna (sashimi) coming and going with the porpoises that feed in and around Costa Rica’s Golfo Ducle provide anglers with a dream scenario for popping for tuna.
Other offshore species to target include dorado (Mahi Mahi) yellowfin, wahoo, bonito and bigeye tuna – and of course blue, black and striped marlin. All of the species we mention can be found any day of the year during your Osa Peninsula fishing trip, but pelagic species peak at different times during the calendar year. Contact us for indepth information on targeting the right time of year for your bucket list pelagic species. Read more about Osa Peninsula Offshore Fishing Trips Here
Osa Peninsula Inshore Fishing Trips
Most anglers come to this hidden paradise in search of the 7 spine dorsal of the Roosterfish – Not found in the United States, there is a reason this silvery striped stylish heavyweight is so sought after – The fight! Not being a palatable fish, the roosterfish uses his flat body to apply pressure before breaking through the waters surface and getting airborne, putting on a show for those on the boat, and preparing the angler for a serious workout – so be ready for those forearms, shoulders and lower back to be “Beat up” the next day.
A close second in terms of popularity is the burly Cubera snapper – this rhino of a fish lives in the multitude of volcanic cracks and crvices that comprise The Osa Peninsula’s volcanic inshore structure and are ambush predators. In Florida and other temperate fishing destinations in the USA snapper is considered a bottom fish…not here – it is not uncommon to see one of these powerful predators explode on the surface in pursuit of a popper or other top-water artificials.
The inshore variety, is really what separates the Osa from other Costa Rica fishing destinations like Guanacaste, Quepos and the Caribbean. African pompano, bluefin trevally, back bending Jacks, and 10 or so different varieties of snapper make the Osa’s inshore fishing a literal five star buffet for avid anglers. Read more about Inshore Osa Peninsula Fishing
Where to Stay
When we give advice we don’t do it for the best commissions, we send you where we would send our friends or family! In other words the best place for you based on your requirements. And you’re in luck, because the Osa Peninsula has some of the coolest boutique hotels and eco lodges not only in Costa Rica, but in the world! We usually have about two or three lodges in each region of the Osa to choose from so we are better able to match the perfect accommodations to your fishing expectations. Bad, unpleasant accommodations and service can spoil a fishing trip just like poorly organized fishing trips can ruin your entire trip no matter how nice or “cool” the accommodations. Check out our Osa Peninsula Fishing Trips Guide for a list of hotel and lodges we recommend.
Who Should I Fish With
Again our recommendations are based on first hand local knowledge of Osa Peninsula fishing trips. We know the best captains and places and will route you to the appropriate captain or lodge based on your price range, target species, and expectations. Send us an email or give us a call. We’re here to help!
When Are the Best Times to Fish
Any of Costa Rica’s inshore or offshore species can be caught any time of the year. Inshore is pretty consistent but due to several currents and weather patters throughout the year, pelagics like sailfish and marlin peak at different times of the year. It’s good to understand their migratory patterns to understand the expectation for the time of year you’re visiting.
Can I take Kids Fishing on the Osa?
Yes, and like any other vacation destination, some places and times of the year are better than others. Depending on the age of the kids you are traveling with, target fish species and miles offshore/trip duration can be adjusted so younger kids don’t get bored on long offshore excursions.
Ok, You’ve Made Me a Believer – How Do I Start Planning My trip?
Contact Us and let us know what species you’re looking for and the dates you are targeting, we’ll put you in touch with the right people so you can get to know the “actual” captain and owner operator you’ll be fishing with. Having an experienced, safe, English speaking crew with a good boat and the proper equipment is critical to the success of your trip.
Book Direct with Individual Osa Peninsula Fishing Guides and Operators
Disclaimer – We are not a travel agency, we simply provide tips and recommendations online to help you select the very best, experience fishing guides and accommodations on the Osa Peninsula. Our advice comes from years of experience living and fishing on the Osa. We can provide you all the contact information necessary to pick fishing operations, large and small that have solid reputations and can provide the best experience. It is always best to speak to the original owner operators and captains before your trip. Communication before and during your trip are the keys to a successful trip. Booking with “catch all” Costa Rica tour agencies or huge online travel companies leave to much up to guess for a trip as important as this. Please contact us if we can help you or answer any questions you may have.
Support Sustainable Osa Peninsula Fishing Outfitters
We support sustainable fishing practices and accommodations. We support catch and release fishing of all billfish (it’s the law)and resident reef fish whenever possible. Of course catching and eating is allowed but we adhere to the legal regulations of four fish per boat per day. Circle hooks on all like bait and no billfish on the boat for hero shots is also the law in Costa Rica. Please help support the Osa Peninsula’s delicate marine and terrestrial ecosystems – as well as local economies by choosing an operation that supports best, sustainable fishing practices. For more information about sustainable fishing practices and their importance visit FishCostaRica.org
Join Our Mailing List for Osa Peninsula Fishing Reports and Trip Suggestions
We send out a monthly update to our subscribers with featured fishing destinations and captains as well as updated travel information and restrictions for those traveling to Costa Rica from abroad.