Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Playas del Coco
Once a small fishing village, Playas del Coco has grown to provide many modern amenities that cater to expats and tourists, but it has not gotten too far from its roots. Coco is still one of the best spots for both inshore and offshore Costa Rica fishing. It is located off the Gulf of Papagayo, which is considered to be among the best fishing in Costa Rica. Due to its popularity, you will find many charter boats and plenty of fish in the sea to keep even the most discerning angler happy.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Inshore vs Offshore Fishing
Inshore fishing, or bay fishing, is the fastest and easiest type of fishing trip, making it the most popular kind of fishing in Playas del Coco. You don’t need to boat out too far, meaning the trip will be shorter and more affordable. Twenty minutes in a boat from the shores of Coco beach and you’re in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Offshore fishing is more for the hardcore angler, willing to get up and out the door at the crack of dawn to make the two-hour boat ride to find deep sea fishing. Offshore fishing usually takes place about 20 to 30 miles out, in waters that are hundreds or even thousands of feet deep, making it ideal for sport fishing large, fighting fish.
What will you catch?
If you’re sticking to the bay area, or inshore fishing, you will likely catch good-eating fish like snapper, jack, tuna, and mackerel.
For those heading out to sea for offshore fishing, you can catch bigger fish such as grouper, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi (known as Dorado locally), and marlin. The largest game fish in the ocean, you can find blue, black and striped marlin off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, with blue marlin being the most prevalent.
An offshore fishing trip will increase your chances of seeing dolphins and sea turtles during your day at sea, as well.
Pangas and Fishing from Shore
You will see lots of local fisherman fishing from shore around sunset in Coco with nothing but a hook and a line. While this type of fishing may require more experience and a lot more patience, you may just get lucky and pull in a snapper! You can find fishing supplies locally from a store called El Jobo, which can be found on the way to Ocotal from Coco.
If you still want to try fishing like a Tico but don’t feel like fighting the waves along the shore, you can head out to the beach and ask around to rent a panga. These are small (15-28 foot) outboard hull boats with center consoles and very few amenities such as bathrooms. If you’ve recently arrived or are sensitive to the sun, be sure to find one with shade overhead! These boat trips will cost less than a regular charter boat, roughly $200 to $500 for a half or full day.
When is the best time of year to go fishing in Coco?
The best time of year for fishing in Coco, or Costa Rica in general, all depends on what type of fish you’re hoping to catch.
Inshore fishing is a little better in the rainy season, which is May through November in Costa Rica. Typically offshore fish such as wahoo and mahi-mahi also tend to favor the rainy season, hiding under debris brought in by rushing rivers flowing into the ocean.
If you’re on the prowl for big fish like marlin, their peak season is November through March in the north Pacific, but are still caught all year long. Sailfish in general can be found most abundantly on the cusp of rainy and dry season, from March to August. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of whales, August is also the best time for that.
How to choose a reputable company
If you stand on Coco beach and look out into the bay, you will see a lot of boats. How will you know which one to choose for your fishing trip?
Start off by checking to make sure the captain and crew seem knowledgeable about local fishing and that their boat looks to be in good repair and well taken care of.
If they’re open and willing to answer your questions, that’s a good start.
Ask if you need to get your own fishing license or if they will provide you with one. You only need a fishing license for offshore fishing in Costa Rica and the license can be purchased online. While it depends largely on what type of boat you want, you can charter boats for half days or full days from anywhere to $500 to $1,400, typically.
If you want to charter a boat for inshore or offshore fishing, we recommend Playas del Coco fishing charter companies like Dream On Sport Fishing and Gonzalez Sport Fishing. They will have the experience, equipment, and local crew to make sure you have a successful and enjoyable day of fishing.
Going fishing? We recommend local companies Gonzalez Sport Fishing and Dream On Sport Fishing. Both companies have years of experience, a local, knowledgeable crew, and everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Be sure to mention Let’s Travel Costa Rica when booking!
Choose Playas del Coco as the base for your next Costa Rica fishing trip. You will not be disappointed!
