The diverse coastal and tropical climate of Costa Rica create some of the best sports fishing in the world. With the cool water that she waves into her hug, the sun brightly on her back and the wind that cools down your cheeks, you can experience the adventure of your life while fishing in Costa Rica. However, plan your journey to the sports fishing of Costa Rica without knowing the effects of the weather and the tides to dampen your fun. While Costa Rica offers fishing opportunities all year round, it can be helpful to know the right fishing time in Costa Rica, what species can be expected and the influence of tides.
If you have booked your tickets, look forward to your stay in an all-inclusive villa in Costa Rica and are willing to meet your sports fishing dreams, read this article first!
How the weather affects sports fishing in Costa Rica
Rainy vs. dry annual fish
The fishing season in Costa Rica can be divided into two main categories. These seasons not only influence fishing conditions, but also shake the species that they can find.
Dry season (December – April)
- This season is ideal for offshore fishing in the Pacific.
- The quieter water facilitates Marlin, sailing fish and Dorado.
- The visibility is better and attracts more billfish on surface bait.
- Transparent water means that fish are more careful and require a natural bait presentation.
Rainy season (May – November)
- The heavy rains increase the nutrient flow from rivers and attract bait fish and predators.
- Coastal fishing improves this season, with Roosterfish, Snook and Snapper becoming more active.
- More Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) offshore due to increased rubble and floating tree trunks in which bait fish gather.
- Rauere seas can make offshore trips more challenging, but fishing is still productive.
Wind and sea currents
Pacific coast: Between December and March, more robust winds, especially in the north (Guanacaste region), make themselves chopped off. When the water is quieter, Billfish swim closer to the coast and make it easier to catch it.
Caribbean coast: September and October have the quietest lakes and make the best months for Tarpon and Snook fishing. Other months are rougher and stronger winds push fish into protected areas.
Excavation event: Cooler waters cause the upswing of nutrients that attract bait fish and larger predators. These events often take place in February and April and improve the offshore fishing.
Storms and low -pressure systems
- Fish tend to eat aggressively in front of a storm because the printing systems change. This is an excellent time to catch larger species.
- During a storm, the fish become less active when they move deeper to avoid turbulent conditions.
- After a storm, dark water can make fish challenging, but predator fish often hunt near river covers, where the drain attracts bait fish.
The influence of tides on fish behavior
Did you know that the tides in coastal fish and feeding patterns from seams are decisive on land? Understanding the flood time plan can help you aim for fish if you are most active.
Incoming (flood) tide
- The incoming flood brings fresh, oxygen -containing water and stimulating fish activity.
- Bait fish tend to get closer to the bank.
- This is the best time to fishing near river muzzles, river miners and flat reefs.
flood
- Many species, including Snook and Roosterfish, move into flatter waters to hunt.
- Fishing on beaches, sandbars and mangroves is the most productive.
Output (ebb) flood
- In the outgoing flood, bait fish and crustaceans are swept into the sea, which produces deeper channels for them.
- Bottom-living fish such as snapper and jagged are more active near acceptance and reefs.
ebb
- At low tide, the water is often more transparent and fish withdraw in deeper areas.
- Fishing at low tide can become more difficult, but the targeting of deeper structures can lead to better results.
Best times for fishing weather and tides
Early morning (before sunrise – 9 a.m.)
- Cooler water temperatures make fish more active.
- Quiet winds improve the upper water fish.
- The tides usually change what triggers feeding behavior.
Late afternoon (3 p.m. – sunset)
- During this time, fish become more aggressive due to cooling temperatures.
- The changing tides help to bring in or push bait fish.
Full and new moon phases
- The different phases of the moon can see greater tides, creating more water movement and fish become more active.
- The offshore fishing improves because bait fish hike in large numbers.
Days before a storm
