Species · Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio fish species, and the charter for each
Six fish worth planning around, when each one is at its best and which of the four charters goes after it.
Quick answers
What bites off Manuel Antonio
- What fish can you catch on an inshore charter?
- Roosterfish, snapper and jack crevalle along the coast near Manuel Antonio, on the Half-Day Inshore and the 3/4-Day Inshore.
- What fish can you catch offshore?
- Sailfish, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo, on the 3/4-Day Offshore and the Full-Day Offshore.
- When is sailfish season?
- Sailfish peak from December to April, with good fishing the rest of the year.
- Can you keep the fish?
- Billfish such as sailfish and marlin are always released. Tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper can be kept when regulations allow.
Six to plan around
Each fish, its season and its charter
The month strip on each card shows the season at a glance; the current month is outlined.
Sailfish
Istiophorus platypterus
The signature billfish of the Central Pacific: fast, acrobatic and known for tail-walking jumps.
- Best months
- Peak December to April, good the rest of the year
- Charters
- 3/4-Day Offshore, Full-Day Offshore
- On the boat
- Always released
Blue marlin
Makaira nigricans
The biggest prize offshore, a powerful blue-water fish that tests both tackle and patience.
- Best months
- Peak December to April
- Charters
- 3/4-Day Offshore, Full-Day Offshore
- On the boat
- Always released
Yellowfin tuna
Thunnus albacares
Hard-pulling and deep-running; offshore it often travels with dolphins and seabirds.
- Best months
- Peak May to November
- Charters
- 3/4-Day Offshore, Full-Day Offshore
- On the boat
- Can be kept when regulations allow
Mahi-mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
Bright green and gold, fast and great to eat, often found near floating debris offshore.
- Best months
- Peak May to October
- Charters
- 3/4-Day Offshore, Full-Day Offshore
- On the boat
- Can be kept when regulations allow
Roosterfish
Nematistius pectoralis
The inshore trophy, with a tall comb-like dorsal fin, hunted along beaches and rocky points.
- Best months
- Peak December to April, good the rest of the year
- Charters
- Half-Day Inshore, 3/4-Day Inshore
- On the boat
- Released by default
Snapper
Lutjanus spp.
Strong fish that hold close to rocks and reefs; cubera snapper can reach serious sizes.
- Best months
- Good all year
- Charters
- Half-Day Inshore, 3/4-Day Inshore
- On the boat
- Can be kept when regulations allow
Also hooked on these charters: wahoo offshore and jack crevalle inshore.
- Sailfish and marlin: always released
- Roosterfish: released by default
- Tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper: can be kept when regulations allow
Species questions
Seasons, charters and keeping your catch
Marina Pez Vela · Quepos
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