Sportfishing in Two Costa Rican Coastlines
Costa Rica is a country with two coastlines, one on the Pacific side and the other on the Atlantic side. This makes the country one of the best sportfishing destination in Central America. The area is an angler’s delight with the most diverse and finest fishing grounds the world has to offer. Sportfishing in Costa Rica is firmly established with the tour groups and sportfishing companies following the state’s “catch and release” policy. This make the variety of fishes in the inland waters and off the coast thrive and multiply amazingly. Costa Rica recognizes the importance of sustainability and promotes the conservation of its key fish species in its sustainable tourism program.
Because Costa Rica is a small country, both coasts are easily reached from The Costa Rican Condo in the heart of San Jose. Husbands can spend their day sportfishing while their wives and family can spend their Costa Rica vacation in the city, enjoying the sights and exploring the magnificent flora and fauna in the national parks nearby.
From the capital, it will only take from three to four hours to find the best inland fishing sites. Areas for sportfishing and inland fishing are within short driving distances and there are many tour and travel companies in Costa Rica that can arrange sportfishing trips while you are on your Costa Rica vacation. Boat charter services are also available for impromptu plans but the weather conditions in the area should always be considered. Anglers are advised to ask the locals for weather conditions, currents, wind speeds and natural phenomena in the locality.
The government also requires visitors and even local Ticos to obtain fishing licenses before they are allowed to fish in the ocean or inland. Tour and travel agencies can arrange to secure the fishing permit as part of their services, but those who are entering the country on their one will have to get one. Visitors should also be aware of the Costa Rica fishing seasons.
If you are staying in Hotel Costa Rica in San Jose, there are two clubs nearby that can arrange fishing outings with regular tournaments and group activities. Fishermen hang around the Club Nacional de Pesca and the Club Amateur de Pesa where they can give visitors tips and tricks about local fishing. Locals and members of the club generally speak both Spanish and English.
Sportfishing in the Pacific Coast varies from fishing in the Caribbean Coast. The Pacific Coast is abundant in Sailfish, Dorados and the Blue and Black Marlins while the Caribbean boasts of the Snook and Tarpon. On the Caribbean side, visitors should avoid fishing in the months of June and July while sportfishing is worst in the Pacific side from September to November.
Inland sportfishing around Laguna de Arenal near La Fortuna is known for its catch of Rainbow Bass and Guapote. For trout, the good fishing grounds are the Rio Savegre near San Gerardo de Dota. There are also estuaries, rivers, and larger lagoons that are good fishing grounds near the Caribbean Coast.
