Costa Rica Fish Species
For anglers in Costa Rica, whether inshore or offshore, freshwater or salt water, here's a quick guide to what to catch:
Machaca
Machaca are one of the most aggressive and hardest fighting fresh water fish in Costa Rica, so much so they have earned the nickname “mini tarpon”.
Rainbow Bass
Better known as ‘guapote’ here in Costa Rica, Rainbow Bass are the main target of freshwater anglers.
Cubera Snapper
In Costa Rica, snapper are caught on both Pacific and Caribbean side of the country. Varied in their habitats, you can catch them in estuaries as well as several hundred feet of water.
Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
Mahi-mahi are found all over Costa Rica – up and down the coast and in both oceans.
Marlin
Blue marlin are the most common marlin in Costa Rica and they can be found all along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Roosterfish
You can catch roosterfish all the way from Costa Rica's southern to northern Pacific coast throughout the entire year. They are considered a hard fighting prized trophy fish.
Sailfish
Sailfish are some of the fastest marine creatures. Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is by far the best destination to find them.
Yellowfin Tuna
One of the most sought-after species in the world, Yellowfin tuna are found all over Costa Rica – up and down the coast, and in both oceans.
