Best Times & Seasons to Catch Sailfish in Costa Rica
Sailfish are one of the most targeted fish species in Costa Rica. Knowing the best times and seasons to target sailfish in waters near Costa Rica helps anglers make their fishing trips more successful.
The best times to catch sailfish in Costa Rica are from January to April and in December. Sailfish are more active in the local waters during colder months.
Costa Rica offers world-class sailfish fishing. Oftentimes, anglers catch trophy-sized sailfish during their Costa Rica fishing trips. Fishermen can target sailfish both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Best Times: Sailfish Fishing in Costa Rica
Sailfish is active in Costa Rica throughout the year. The sailfish fishing season in Costa Rica is high from November and until May. This time of the year is known as the “Costa Rica Summer”.
The best months to fish for sailfish in Costa Rica waters are January – April, and December. Sailfish fishing is excellent during these months. Anglers can also catch sailfish in the region successfully in May-August and in November. Sailfish fishing is good at these times of the year. On the other hand, the worst months to catch sailfish in waters near Costa Rica are September – October.
Early morning is the best time of day for sailfish fishing in Costa Rica. Oftentimes, anglers get the perfect sailfish bite during the morning hours.
It’s possible to catch sailfish in waters near Costa Rica at all tide stages. However, anglers who are interested in sailfish fishing, usually get the best results during an outgoing tide.
Sailfish begin to feed actively when water temperatures are 70° – 83°F. The best water temperatures for sailfish fishing are 75° – 80°F.
Seasonal Breakdown of Sailfish Fishing in Costa Rica
Winter
Sailfish fishing is incredible in Costa Rica during the winter months. Sailfish begin to arrive in the region in October. So, the number of sailfish increases significantly by December. In winter, sailfish mainly concentrate in Costa Rica’s offshore waters.
It would be better to fish for sailfish on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica during cooler months. A small ballyhoo rig is a perfect bait to use for catching sailfish in Costa Rica during the winter months.
Spring
Sailfish fishing in Costa Rica is excellent in March – April. However, sailfish are less active in the late spring. Sailfish travel to the Atlantic coast north during the spring months. The Offshore World Championship takes place in the region in the spring.
The championship attracts sailfish anglers from different parts of the world. Waters are calm and sailfish can be found in nearshore waters in the springtime.
Summer
Summer sailfish fishing is less productive in Costa Rica. Anglers should aim to search for sailfish in the area’s inshore waters and shallow waters during the summertime. Sailfish can be found in offshore waters as well. In summer, many anglers choose to use kayaks to fish for summertime sailfish in Costa Rico.
A Stinger Rig would be the perfect live bait for sailfish in Costa Rica during the summer months. Sardines with sabiki rigs are also one of the best baits to use for sailfish in summer.
Fall
Sailfish travel to the southern part of Costa Rica in the fall. The early fall is not the best time of the year for target sailfish in the region. However, sailfish fishing is getting better in the late fall.
Fall is the time of the year when fishermen should target sailfish in Costa Rica’s offshore waters. Yakkas is the bait that works well for sailfish in the waters of Costa Rica during the fall months.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Costa Rica
These Costa Rica-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures | Tamarindo, Costa Rica |
| Bucket List Sportfishing | Quepos, Costa Rica |
| Snook Sportfishing | Herradura, Costa Rica |
| Jackpot Sport Fishing | Quepos, Costa Rica |
| Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner | Tamarindo, Costa Rica |
| Luminare Sport Fishing | Herradura, Costa Rica |
| Allin Sportfishing Charters | Jacó, Costa Rica |
| Pacific Boat Rentals – Mad Marlin | Herradura, Costa Rica |
| Capullo Sportfishing | Tamarindo, Costa Rica |
| Chino’s Sportfishing | Herradura, Costa Rica |
| Flamingo Sportfishing Charters | Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica |
| Gitana Fishing Charters | Herradura, Costa Rica |
Best Seasons for Costa Rica Sailfish (by Region)
Pacific Coast
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers excellent opportunities for anglers, who are interested in sailfish fishing. Anglers can target sailfish on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica at any time of the year.
It makes a lot of sense to target sailfish along the Pacific coast in the area from Golfito to Papagayo. Anglers should go fishing for sailfish in offshore waters.
The best time of year to catch sailfish on the central Pacific coast is from December to April, on the south Pacific coast is in January, February, and from May to July, and on the northwest Pacific coast is from May to August.
Atlantic Coast
Sailfish can be found along the Atlantic coast of Costa Rico. Sailfish fishing is the most productive on the Atlantic coast in January – February and in October – December. Atlantic sailfish also bites well in March and September.
Night Fishing Sailfish in Costa Rica
It’s possible to catch sailfish during night fishing trips in Costa Rica. Anglers should go into deep waters to enjoy night fishing for sailfish.
Moon phases affect sailfish fishing in the region. Fishermen get the best results when targeting sailfish in Costa Rica between the full moon and the new moon.
It would be great to fish for sailfish in Costa Rica between May and August. Sailfish fishing is good during these months. Also, it’s not hot during night hours. That’s why anglers find it comfortable to fish at night.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch roosterfish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the fishing charter cost in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch marlin in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch sailfish in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch roosterfish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch mahi-mahi in Costa Rica, check out this guide.
