It doesn’t get much better than Quepos, Costa Rica. Located on a tropical inlet, separating the luscious rainforest from the crystal clear waters of the Pacific, this is the perfect vacation setting. The town has grown along with Costa Rica’s tourism industry, and really makes the most of what it has. No matter what you’re looking for, this town delivers. Take a Quepos fishing adventure, for example…
Fishing was always a way of life on these shores, and now it’s a part of the package for visiting tourists too. Cast from shore, hop aboard a local panga, or splash out on a luxury sportfishing vessel. Whatever you decide, you’ll have some of the world’s most sought-after creatures biting on the end of your line. It is one of the world’s best big game fishing destinations, after all!
Don’t believe us? Well, by the end of this article, we’re sure we’ll have convinced you that Quepos is a place well worth casting a line in.
Best Fish to Catch in Quepos
We’ll start at the beginning by taking a look at the prized specimens on offer in this angler’s paradise. We already mentioned big game fishing, and we’ll get to that in a second. However, the shallow inlets, bays, and reefs lend themselves to a whole world of other creatures before you even think of going offshore. In short, there’s a bit of everything on offer on a Quepos fishing trip!
Roosterfish and Snook
You can barely mention inshore fishing on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast without bringing up the exotic Roosterfish. This dazzling creature is a popular target for anglers anywhere inside the country’s borders. In Quepos, they’ll be your target when casting from shore, on a panga, or even on a larger vessel out in the bays.
Alongside this exotic species, a worldwide inshore favorite also pops up. Snook is a popular game fish wherever it is found, but the sheer number of these creatures in Costa Rica means that you can even take a few back to shore for a delicious dinner – unlike in most of the US (and unlike Roosterfish)! These tough-fighting beasts love brackish waters, so you’ll find them hiding around the inlets. Bring some medium-strength tackle and plenty of live bait and get your fill!
Snappers and Groupers
If inshore fishing means targeting Roosterfish, then reef fishing in Costa Rica means going after Snappers and Groupers. These exciting and delicious creatures are as much a staple of the nearshore fishing scene in Quepos as they are across the Americas. And it’s no surprise, really. How many other species can provide the all-around fun these guys do?
Cubera Snapper and Broomtail Grouper are two of the more common species you’ll find in Quepos, but there are plenty more that may be biting. Rock, Yellow, Mullet, or Dogtooth Snapper, along with Bigeye or Yellowfin Grouper are all available pretty much year-round, with Goliath Grouper also making an appearance. Just head out to the edge of the bay, and a world of dazzling fish await!
Tuna and Mahi Mahi
If you hadn’t guessed that our question about “all-around fun” was rhetorical, then you’ll find the answer in the next two prized fish on offer in Quepos. Tuna and Mahi Mahi may even be considered a step up from Snappers and Groupers, and you’ll have to go the extra mile – literally – to find them.
Pelagic by nature, these fish usually migrate in and out of certain habitats. However, the conditions along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast are so welcoming that they can be found here almost throughout the year – especially Mahi Mahi. Both creatures promise to put up an immense fight to get off the end of your line with Mahi running away and Tuna running deep with your bait. However, the rewards will be all worth it as you cook up some of the most delicious seafood around at the end of the day!
Marlin and Sailfish
Now we’re getting into the serious business of big game fishing. Every angler worth their salt would love a Billfish to their name. And there are very few better places in the world to land one than Quepos. We’re serious! Three kinds of Marlin and the stunning Sailfish all call Quepos’s waters home at different times of the year, meaning that you’re always in with a shot at a trophy.
These species are not for the faint of heart, mind you. There’s a reason they’ve earned such a reputation among anglers, and that’s their fight. Sailfish will thrash their way to try and get off your line, while Marlin will even leap out of the water. You’re sure to be wowed by the stunning display they put on, but you’ll want some experience with a rod and reel to make sure you don’t end up overboard!
What anglers said about fishing in Quepos
How to Go Fishing in Quepos
Now you know what to catch and when to go, but the next step is finding out what the ideal Quepos fishing trip is for you. As we said, this town has developed hand-in-hand with Costa Rica’s tourism industry, so there are plenty of ways for you to get your fish on. Here’s how we suggest you go about wetting your line in Quepos.
Surf Fishing
While not as popular as hopping aboard a vessel of some kind here, sometimes nothing quite beats a day of surf fishing. Set up camp for the day on the beach and wait for the bite, or head to a spot where you’ll cast time and time again. Everything is possible along this diverse coastline.
The river mouths tend to be the most productive spots for surf fishing. Here’s where you’ll find that legendary Snook bite. However, there are plenty of secluded beaches in and around the town, too. It’s said the rockier the better when it comes to beaches for surf fishing. Just make sure you get a long, strong line and some live bait if you’re going after Roosterfish!
Kayak Fishing
Any fishing town that’s kept up with the latest trend has, in recent years, started offering kayak fishing adventures. Quepos is no different. The shallow inshore waters are ripe for exploring on a kayak, and the mangroves in the north or Manuel Antonio National Park in the south almost require a vessel so light!
Get ready for a serious workout whether on the bay or in the shallows, as you’ll need to work hard to get yourself out on the water before you’ve even cast a line. But then the fun really begins! Spot your target, set your line, and get ready to do battle. Go after all the inshore favorites – or the more experienced among you could even hit the reefs!
Panga Fishing
All across Central America’s coastal waters, traditional panga fishing boats are a common sight. Local anglers and tourists alike make use of these light, wooden vessels to get out on the water. If you fancy doing it as the locals do, then a trip aboard a panga in Quepos is a good way of going about it.
These boats won’t get you much further than the reefs, as they can’t handle the choppy waters. But they do just the job inshore and nearshore. They’re also much cheaper than the larger sportfishing vessels, which will suit any solo angler or anyone on a budget. Just keep an eye out in case you need to pay for any extras like gear or bait!
Charter Fishing
There’s a reason that charter fishing is more expensive than panga fishing. It takes you to places you otherwise simply wouldn’t get to! If you want to get to the deep waters and target the creatures that make Quepos one of the best sportfishing destinations in the world, a charter is your best bet. Marina Pez Vela is full of luxurious, purpose-built fishing vessels just waiting to take you out.
These boats come fully-equipped with everything you need for a productive day’s fishing. Take advantage of top-of-the-range gear, bait, and even trolling equipment to help you attract the bite. Your professional captain will know exactly where to go to find the fish, and will give you a hand to land that trophy catch. Kick back and enjoy the high life throughout your trip!
Quepos Fishing Spots
No matter how you plan on tackling these waters, you deserve to know where some of the true honey holes lie. Fortunately, wherever you are in Quepos, you’re not far from some productive fishing grounds. Here’s our pick of where to go when fishing in Quepos:
- Rio Naranjo: South of Manuel Antonio National Park, this river is shrouded in stunning surroundings, and the mouths are full of Snook, Jacks, and more!
- Biesanz Beach: This hidden beach lies south of Quepos and is a popular launching point for kayaks. It’s also a great place to start a surf fishing adventure.
- Estero Dames: North of town, the Rio Cotos flows to the sea and brings with it plenty of productive mangroves here. Cast from shore or on a kayak and get your fill!
- Canyon Reef: One of the more popular reefs just a stone’s throw from shore, this is a prime bottom fishing location. Target Snappers, Groupers, and more here.
- Punta Quepos Ledge: The big game action starts as the water begins to get deep. Mahi Mahi and Tuna are in abundance here, but also Billfish when the season hits.
- And beyond: The deep waters are endless and they’re always full of some of the ocean’s most sought-after fish. Head offshore whenever you come and you won’t go wrong.
When to Go Fishing in Quepos
| Species | Peak Season |
|---|---|
| Roosterfish | Year Round |
| Cubera Snapper | Year Round |
| Broomtail Grouper | Nov-Aug |
| Mahi Mahi | Nov-May |
| Yellowfin Tuna | May-Nov |
| Sailfish | Nov-May |
| Blue Marlin | Mar-Apr; Nov-Dec |
| Black Marlin | Jul-Aug |
So we’ve spoken about the species, but you surely want to know when to come to get the biggest bang for your buck. Well, Quepos is a 365-day-a-year fishery, especially inshore or on the reefs! Roosterfish and Snappers are always biting, with Groupers and Snook, along with an abundance of Jacks and Mackerel not far behind.
If you fancy a big game adventure, then you’re also in luck. Mahi Mahi are available almost throughout the year, with Tuna coming in late spring and staying through early winter. There’s always a Billfish somewhere offshore, but you may have to head a little further in the “off” season.
Winter could see you land double-digit Sailfish, with Black and Striped Marlin available in summer. Don’t worry, though, as spring and fall are full of Blue Marlin, so there’s never a bad time to come!
Quepos Fishing Tournaments
As a leading sportfishing destination, you’ll also find plenty of world-renowned fishing tournaments to whet your appetite in Quepos. Some standout events may help you make your mind up about when to come – whether you want to participate or simply spot some of the biggest catches in the world.
- Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament: Pelagic’s flagship competition – this is a tournament with serious backing. That means plenty of fun all around town every January!
- Pescadora Billfish Championship: This female-only competition is one of the world’s best big game tournaments for women and takes place every February.
- Offshore World Championship and Marina Pez Vela Open: These two events see Quepos come alive in April, as the world’s best deep sea anglers compete in back-to-back tournaments.
- Dorado Derby: When November hits, Billfish take the back seat and Mahi Mahi is the prize you want. Come and enjoy the last high-profile tournament of the year!
Quepos Fishing Regulations
If you know anything about fishing, you already know that there are usually some rules and regulations you need to abide by. Whenever you go, you should get acquainted with this, but it can be difficult in a foreign country. Fortunately, it’s pretty straightforward in Quepos and Costa Rica.
If you’re fishing from shore, you won’t need any permit or license to cast your line and land some fish. However, if you’re fishing aboard any kind of boat, you’ll need one. You can get yours quite easily from the INCOPESCA website, so there’s no stress. However, some charter operators and captains may offer to get them for you. Check the price with them and decide whether you think it’s fair.
Other than that, there’s only one rule of thumb when it comes to fishing in saltwater in Quepos. All Billfish and Roosterfish must be released. Bag and size limits on everything else are pretty liberal. As we mentioned, you can even take some Snook back to shore for dinner!
After Quepos, Fishing Will Never Be the Same Again
Hopefully, we’ve now convinced you that fishing in Quepos is up there with the best in the world. Once you cast a line here, you’ll want that adrenaline rush again and again. That’s why so many people keep coming back to this beautiful town! Visit Quepos for the first time, and we’re sure it won’t be your last.
If you crave more information on how to fish in Costa Rica, visit our Costa Rica Fishing: The Complete Guide and enjoy reading about fish species, hotspots, angling techniques, and regulations.
Have you ever been fishing in Quepos? How was it? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!
