Can you catch marlin on a half-day charter?

Marlin live in blue water, so they are targeted on the offshore charters: the 3/4-Day Offshore (7 hours) or the Full-Day Offshore (9 hours). The Half-Day Inshore stays along the coast.

What is the best month for sailfish?

December to April is peak season for sailfish off Manuel Antonio and Quepos, and they are caught through the rest of the year too.

When is the best time for tuna and mahi-mahi?

Yellowfin tuna peak from May to November and mahi-mahi from May to October, during the green season.

Is roosterfish catch and release?

Roosterfish are released by default. They are the prized inshore sport fish here, best from December to April along the coast.

Can we take our fish home?

Table fish such as tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper can be kept when regulations allow. Sailfish and marlin are always released.

Manuel AntonioFishing Charter

Billfish jumping out of the ocean off Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

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.

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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.

Offshore

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

Offshore

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

Offshore

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

Offshore

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

Inshore

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

Inshore

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

Peak season Good Variable

Also hooked on these charters: wahoo offshore and jack crevalle inshore.

Catch and release

What goes back, and what can go home

Full details for each charter

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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