Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Charters
Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Charters
Top Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Destinations
Top Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Destinations
Top Costa Rica Regions
Top Costa Rica Regions
Best Roosterfish Fishing Charters in Costa Rica
Best Roosterfish Fishing Charters in Costa Rica
Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica
Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica
- Size 20 to 40lbs
- Food Value Low
- Game Qualities Excellent
- Habitats Inshore, Nearshore, Flats
(Nematistius pectoralis)
The Rooster Fishing Costa Rica enjoys along the Pacific Coast is simply outstanding. Roosterfish fight so hard, they even give the offshore scene a run for its money. Roosters average around 20-30 pounds, which may not sound much compared to Costa Rica’s fabled big game fisheries. Just the look of this mohawked monster is enough to get many anglers excited, though, and they act every bit as outrageous as they look.
Rooster Fishing Spots
You can find Roosterfish hunting in sandy bottom along the length of Costa Rica’s western coast. A great place to start your search is the legendary sportfishing town of Herradura. The endless streams feeding into the Gulf of Nicoya make for dream hunting grounds, and not just for Roosterfish. Jack Crevalle grow to record size here (IGFA all-tackle record, to be precise) and monster Snook lurk in the briny river mouths.
If you want to escape the crowds and costs of Los Sueños Marina, head north to the Nicoya Peninsula and launch from literally any town with a beach. Rooster fishing is a local specialty, and you can get hookups in double digits when the action’s hot. Again, you’ll have monster Snook and Jacks to contend with, too.
Rooster Fishing Seasons
Roosterfish hit their peak December through April but they can be found all year round. The north of Costa Rica is battered by storms throughout Rooster high season. This may sound like a bad thing, but it can actually be great. All the seasoned captains switch to inshore fishing, so you can get the best charters around at off-season rates. If you don’t fancy fishing in the rain, the weather is much calmer in the South this time of year. Honestly, though. You can find monster Roosterfish 365 days of the year in Costa Rica.
Rooster Fishing Techniques
Throwing poppers on light spinning tackle is a classic way to target Roosterfish, but use a range of techniques to target them. Live Lookdowns are hands down the most effective way of tempting them onto your hooks. No-one knows quite what Lookdowns did to make Roosterfish hate them so much, but they seem determined to catch and eat every last one of these funny-looking fish. Slow-troll bridled baits across a mix of sand and rocks, and you can count the seconds before your first hit.
Fly fishing is another great way to target Roosterfish. Black-and-white or gray-and-white clouser minnow patterns work best, with a 12-wt rod and a good 400 yard of 50-pound braided line. Bringing in Roosters on the fly is no mean feat. They’re erratic at best and are prone to veering wildly from one direction to another. Just getting a fly in front of them takes a fair few tries.
However you fish for these wacky warriors, you’ll be in for a tough fight. Even a 20-pound Roosterfish punches well above its weight, and they're known to reach five times that size. Your arms won’t be much use by the end of the day. That raw aggression is exactly why so many anglers fall in love with them, though. If they sound like your kind of fish, head on down to Costa Rica and find out what all the fuss is about – you won’t regret it!
Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Seasons
Costa Rica Roosterfish Fishing Seasons
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Seasonality
Roosterfish fishing in Costa Rica varies moderately throughout the year. High season is January to June and December. Low season is October. There is no closed season.
Costa Rica
4.4
/
5
Based on 26,557 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica
What anglers said about Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica
Try shoreline first because it is more accessible and there are plenty of fish.
DEEP SEA: At least 2 persons, spend the dollars for a larger boat, try to avoid turist season.
4.7
/
5
Try shoreline first because it is more accessible and there are plenty of fish.
DEEP SEA: At least 2 persons, spend the dollars for a larger boat, try to avoid turist season.
Mark L.
HILLTOP MALL, CA
I'd definitely recommend fishing out of Sierpe - it's totally different that fishing out of a large marina... Super cool experience. You get to see the Sierpe River and experience great fishing conditions in a very nice area of Costa Rica.
5.0
/
5
I'd definitely recommend fishing out of Sierpe - it's totally different that fishing out of a large marina... Super cool experience. You get to see the Sierpe River and experience great fishing conditions in a very nice area of Costa Rica.
Chad M.
Jupiter, FL
Una opciรณn es seguir las indicaciones del capitรกn sobre cuรกl es el plan de pesca mรกs adecuado.
En mayo puede ser mรกs recomendable un Roosterfish.
4.7
/
5
Una opciรณn es seguir las indicaciones del capitรกn sobre cuรกl es el plan de pesca mรกs adecuado.
En mayo puede ser mรกs recomendable un Roosterfish.
Pablo A.
Madrid, Madrid
Go for a full day if you want to catch multiple fish. Don't get too worked up over the little things, they work hard for you. Enjoy the experience come what may
Pura Vida.
4.3
/
5
Go for a full day if you want to catch multiple fish. Don't get too worked up over the little things, they work hard for you. Enjoy the experience come what may
Pura Vida.
Brent C.
Rexburg, ID
Be sure to ask your captain what is biting before booking. Donโt try to go after a full day fish with only a half day trip. I think if you fish the reef on a half day trip you will be extremely satisfied.
5.0
/
5
Be sure to ask your captain what is biting before booking. Donโt try to go after a full day fish with only a half day trip. I think if you fish the reef on a half day trip you will be extremely satisfied.
Jefferson P.
Nevisdale, KY
Expect the unexpected. We had high winds but the morning was fine, I expected rain, but had none.
5.0
/
5
Expect the unexpected. We had high winds but the morning was fine, I expected rain, but had none.
George D.
Heredia, Heredia Province
The weather tends to be nice in early May. Low chances of rain, especially during the mornings. It's not usually too windy, so not very choppy. There's mahi to be had at this time of the year, though they tend to be on the smaller size. You can go chase yellow-tail, but it might be too far offshore for a half-day trip, so if yellow-tail is your target I'd go for a full-day trip. Bring lots of sunscreen and sun protection (long sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses)
5.0
/
5
The weather tends to be nice in early May. Low chances of rain, especially during the mornings. It's not usually too windy, so not very choppy. There's mahi to be had at this time of the year, though they tend to be on the smaller size. You can go chase yellow-tail, but it might be too far offshore for a half-day trip, so if yellow-tail is your target I'd go for a full-day trip. Bring lots of sunscreen and sun protection (long sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses)
Gerardo S.
San Josรฉ, Provincia De San Jose
Just get out there and give it a shot. Itโs a great spot to fish if not the best and this crew will put you on fish!
5.0
/
5
Just get out there and give it a shot. Itโs a great spot to fish if not the best and this crew will put you on fish!
John L.
Saginaw, TX
Wonderful experience, probably the best charter fishing experience I have had.
5.0
/
5
Wonderful experience, probably the best charter fishing experience I have had.
Christopher F.
Pensacola, FL
De voyage au Costa Rica avec ma femme pour 15 jours, j'ai rรฉservรฉ une journรฉe de pรชche au Tarpon avec le capitaine star de Tortuguero: Primo. Une journรฉe de rรชve entourรฉ de gros tarpons, j'en ai fait sauter 8 et en ai pris deux, un de 50kg et un de 80kg. Le bateau et le matรฉriel sont au top et le capitaine est extraordinaire.
Je reviendrai de faรงon certaine pour pรชcher au moins une semaine en sa compagnie.
5.0
/
5
De voyage au Costa Rica avec ma femme pour 15 jours, j'ai rรฉservรฉ une journรฉe de pรชche au Tarpon avec le capitaine star de Tortuguero: Primo. Une journรฉe de rรชve entourรฉ de gros tarpons, j'en ai fait sauter 8 et en ai pris deux, un de 50kg et un de 80kg. Le bateau et le matรฉriel sont au top et le capitaine est extraordinaire.
Je reviendrai de faรงon certaine pour pรชcher au moins une semaine en sa compagnie.
ERIC R.
Be prepared for the heat, and follow the captains advise. You canโt change what is biting and what is not.
5.0
/
5
Be prepared for the heat, and follow the captains advise. You canโt change what is biting and what is not.
Michael P.
Thorndale, TX
May want to go when the water is not so warm. We did end up catching several skip jack.
4.7
/
5
May want to go when the water is not so warm. We did end up catching several skip jack.
Keith H.
Canyon Lake, TX
Fishing in deep sea is always subject to the weather! Despite high winds & seas, still caught a good size Mahi!!!
4.0
/
5
Fishing in deep sea is always subject to the weather! Despite high winds & seas, still caught a good size Mahi!!!
Scott W.
Fish with Captain Randy and Dave! Kid friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
5.0
/
5
Fish with Captain Randy and Dave! Kid friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
Anthony S.
Long Beach, CA
Bring good protection from the sun if you aren't used to it. If you haven't fished in trophy ocean waters, be prepared to fight bigger (and stronger) fish than you. You never really know when you'll hook into the big one!
5.0
/
5
Bring good protection from the sun if you aren't used to it. If you haven't fished in trophy ocean waters, be prepared to fight bigger (and stronger) fish than you. You never really know when you'll hook into the big one!
Jacob O.
Rockford, WA
Go game fishing. Full day out wide and if you have time, a half day closer to shore:
4.7
/
5
Go game fishing. Full day out wide and if you have time, a half day closer to shore:
Andrew B.
Montgomery, MA
Make sure your captain has bait lined up before you arrive. It's gonna take time to fish for the big stuff and there is Nooo reason to pay to bait fish.
4.0
/
5
Make sure your captain has bait lined up before you arrive. It's gonna take time to fish for the big stuff and there is Nooo reason to pay to bait fish.
Ryan S.
Seattle, Washington
If you are looking for flyfishing for freshwater fish, floating the Rio Corobici is a great experience!
5.0
/
5
If you are looking for flyfishing for freshwater fish, floating the Rio Corobici is a great experience!
Brian S.
Pueblo, CO
Go with Capitan Andres, and DO NOT rent your car from HERTZ at the San Jose airport.
5.0
/
5
Go with Capitan Andres, and DO NOT rent your car from HERTZ at the San Jose airport.
Calvin D. N.
Costa Rica
Be prepared for a workout on a yellow fin tuna. Much harder than I expected but worth the all the effort!
5.0
/
5
Be prepared for a workout on a yellow fin tuna. Much harder than I expected but worth the all the effort!
Greg G.
Billings, MT