Quepos Fishing Report Today 🎣

Quepos, located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, is renowned for its world-class sportfishing and access to both offshore and inshore fisheries. The area is anchored by Marina Pez Vela, a modern hub for charters targeting a diverse range of prized species throughout the year.

Weekly Catches

No verified catches in the last 7 or 15 days; the catches below cover the last 21 days.

Sailfish

Sailfish remain the showpiece of offshore fishing in Quepos, with charters regularly reporting double-digit releases during peak season. Most fish average 80–100 pounds and are caught 20–40 miles offshore, especially on trips departing from Marina Pez Vela. The bite is strongest from January through April, but action continues year-round with experienced crews targeting bait-rich bluewater.

• Charters have reported raising 15–30 sailfish per day during peak windows.
• Most sailfish are released after acrobatic fights, in line with strict local regulations.
• Effective techniques include trolling with circle hooks and live bait to minimize harm and maximize hookups.

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are available year-round in Quepos, with notable spikes in catches from June through September and again in November and December. These powerful predators are often targeted on deeper offshore runs and overnight FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) trips, which have become increasingly popular for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish.

• Marlin trips typically venture 30–50 miles offshore, with multi-day charters increasing chances for larger specimens.
• Most marlin are caught using trolling techniques with large lures or live bait.
• All marlin must be released, following Costa Rica’s conservation-first approach.

Wahoo

Wahoo are a rare but exciting catch in Quepos, with only a handful landed each year. These high-speed predators can reach 50–100 pounds and are most often encountered while trolling for marlin or sailfish. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their aggressive strikes make them a prized target for offshore anglers.

• Peak wahoo activity occurs from December to March and August to September.
• Best results come from trolling high-speed lures or skirted baits near drop-offs and current breaks.

Roosterfish

Inshore anglers in Quepos consistently target Roosterfish, a dazzling species known for its dramatic dorsal fin and powerful runs. These fish are found around rocky beaches, river mouths, and shallow bays, making them accessible by shore, panga, or larger vessels.

• Productive spots include rocky beaches and river mouths near Quepos.
• Live bait and strong tackle are recommended for best results.
• All roosterfish must be released according to local regulations.

Snook

Snook are a popular inshore target, especially around brackish inlets and mangrove-lined river mouths. These tough-fighting fish are abundant in the Quepos area, and unlike roosterfish, anglers are permitted to keep snook for the table.

• Best snook action is found at river mouths and inlets with brackish water.
• Medium-strength tackle and live bait are effective for snook fishing.
• Bag and size limits are liberal, allowing anglers to keep their catch.

Dorado (Mahi Mahi)

Dorado (mahi mahi) are frequently caught offshore in Quepos, especially around floating debris and lines of sargassum. These vibrant, hard-fighting fish are targeted by trolling and are known for their spectacular leaps and rapid growth.

• Hotspots include offshore current breaks and areas with floating structure.
• Trolling with bright lures or live bait yields the best results.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are another staple of Quepos offshore fishing, with catches peaking during the green season (May–November) when cooler water and nutrient pulses drive baitfish schools. Tuna are often found in the same areas as marlin and dorado.

• Effective techniques include trolling, live baiting, and targeting surface activity near floating debris.
• Fish aggregating devices (FADs) and overnight trips increase chances for larger tuna.

Weather & Marine Conditions

Quepos enjoys a mix of steady weather and calm seas, especially during the dry season (December–April), which is prime time for offshore trips. The green season (May–November) brings scattered showers and cloud cover, but fishing remains productive, particularly for marlin, tuna, and dorado. Surface temperatures and nutrient pulses during transitional months can spark aggressive feeding activity offshore.

Tides & Solunar Activity

River mouths and inlets around Quepos are most productive for inshore species like snook and roosterfish during tidal changes. Offshore action for billfish and pelagics often peaks around major solunar periods, with charters timing departures to coincide with optimal bite windows.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

For offshore trips, experienced crews recommend trolling with circle hooks and live bait to target sailfish, marlin, and wahoo. Inshore anglers should focus on rocky beaches and river mouths using live bait and medium-strength tackle for roosterfish and snook. Kayak fishing is popular in the mangroves and bays, offering access to secluded spots and a unique challenge for adventurous anglers.

Regulations & Notices

All anglers fishing aboard boats in Quepos must obtain a recreational license from INCOPESCA, easily available online. Billfish and roosterfish must be released by law, while snook and other species have liberal bag and size limits. Costa Rica enforces strict catch-and-release regulations for billfish, with captains required to use circle hooks and avoid removing fish from the water. The sportfishing sector is actively advocating for stronger marine policies and sustainable practices, with recent meetings at Marina Pez Vela highlighting community priorities for conservation and responsible tourism.

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Quepos

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