The popular resort town of Jacó makes it onto our list of top places to fish for one main reason: the Los Suenos Resort and Marina. The only full service marina in Costa Rica with five stars, this is home to the biggest fleet of sport fishing and charter boats in the country. Located in Playa Herradura (Herradura Beach) and just two and a half miles north of the center of Jacó, many a sportfishing saga has been told from this port. Now, you can have a taste of the action: most Jacó fishing tours leave from this very port.

The high season for fishing in these parts coincides with peak tourist season. Expect the best Los Suenos fishing charters to be booked well in advance for any trips running from December through April. This is when dry season and Billfish season coincide, and multiple hookups of Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Marlin are common. You can expect these trips to take you around 20 miles offshore, with some of the best fishing grounds being accessible within an hour from the port.

That’s not to say it isn’t worth fishing in Jacó in the rainy season. Sailfish fishing remains a possibility all year round, with Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado also proving worthy offshore fishing targets out of season. But once the rains start to fall, you’ll notice that it’s inshore that the magic happens. As the waters closer to the beaches cool down, Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, and Snook start to get really exciting.

It’s not unusual to find yourself hooked up to a 50 lb plus Roosterfish in these shallow waters. Look for them around nearshore drop offs and around rocks - Herradura Island, Guapinol Reef, and Isla Tortuga are some of the highlights. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one chasing baitfish right off the local beaches!

Deep sea fishing addicts who want to get a little something extra out of their vacation in Jaco have ample opportunities to go the extra mile here. Because while the offshore fishing is something special anywhere from 12 - 25 miles out, the deep sea FADs that lie 120 miles offshore take big game fishing to the next level. Anyone who is serious about hooking a Billfish Grand Slam should consider making the trip. With Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin calling in at these offshore attractions on a regular basis, it will be well worth your while.

Fishing licenses are an essential purchase for any Jaco fishing trip. You can usually purchase them at the dock, from your charter captain, or online from INCOPESCA.

It is essential to use circle hooks on any bait being used to target Billfish in Costa Rica.

Most people fishing in Los Suenos and Jacó will be in it for the big game action. This means trolling, with a selection of teasers and Ballyhoo hooked on circle hooks making up the typical spread. Outriggers give you that extra edge for trolling in the local waters. This is a must for Sailfish fishing, and Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, and Wahoo will also find it hard to resist.

Bottom fishing and jigging over the local reef systems can also be an enjoyable pastime for those who aren’t so turned on by trolling. You can find Jacks, Rainbow Runners, big Cubera Snapper, and much more. Anyone looking for a real workout should give this a go.

If your sights are set on a stunning photo-op, seek out Roosterfish inshore. Some of the best Roosterfish fishing experiences are from small boats or pangas, which have the dexterity to take you to the shallow waters where these comb-topped speedsters hunt their prey. Target them with jigs or poppers for the most exciting and hands-on experience. Otherwise, troll for them with their favorite snack as bait - Blue Runners will do the job nicely.