Best Times & Seasons to Catch Marlin in Costa Rica
Marlin are one of the top targeted fish species in Costa Rica waters. Knowing the best times and seasons to target marlin in Costa Rica helps anglers plan great fishing trips.
The best times to catch marlin in Costa Rica are from January to March, from June to July, and from November to December. Marlin fishing is more productive when waters are colder and there is almost no current in the area.
Costa Rica has some of the best marlin fishing in the world. Marlin fishing is possible both on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The waters of Costa Rica are home to black marlin, blue marlin, and striped marlin. Anglers often catch marlin in reef areas and near underwater mountains.
Marlin Fishing in Costa Rica
The best months to target blue marlin in Costa Rica waters are January – February, June – July, and December. The worst months to catch blue marlin in the region are April – May, and September – October. Blue marlin bites well during the morning hours.
Blue marlin feed actively during the last few hours of the incoming tide. Blue marlin are active in warm waters. Blue marlin fishing is the most productive in water temperatures between 70°F and 87°F.
The best months to target black marlin in Costa Rica waters are January – February, June – July, and December. The worst months to catch black marlin in the region are March – April, and September – October. Blue marlin fishing is best in the morning. Black marlin can be caught on any tide. The best water temperature for black marlin fishing is 75 – 80°F.
The best months to target striped marlin in Costa Rica waters are December – January. The worst time of the year to catch striped marlin in the region is from April to October. Striped marlin bites well at dawn and at dusk. Striped marlin bites well on all tides. Striped marlin feeds actively when water temperatures are 64 – 68°F.
Seasonal Breakdown of Marlin Fishing in Costa Rica
Winter
Winter is the perfect time of the year to target marlin in Costa Rica waters. Blue marlin, black marlin, and striped marlin are active in the local waters during the winter months.
In winter, anglers prefer to fish for marlin in the offshore waters of Costa Rica. Trolling lures and pitch baits work well for marlin in the wintertime.
Spring
Marlin fishing is less productive in Costa Rica during the spring months. However, it’s possible to catch marlin in the springtime. Blue marlin and striped marlin are more active in the early spring, but black marlin is more active in the late spring.
The Northern Pacific Coast is the right place to target marlin during the spring months. Anglers choose to use a trolling technique to catch marlin in the spring. Ballyhoo baits work best for marlin fishing during the springtime.
Summer
Summer is a great time of the year to target blue and black marlin in the waters of Costa Rica. Marlin migrates to the north in the summer. Marlin fishing is best in June – July.
Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Gulf of Papagayo are great marling fishing spots in Costa Rica during the summer months. Anglers often catch marlin in the nearshore waters in August. Many anglers prefer to use mullet as a natural bait to target marlin in Costa Rica waters in the summertime.
Fall
Marlin fishing is not active in the waters of Costa Rica from September to October. However, marlin fishing is getting better in November. The late fall is the beginning of marlin migration in the region.
It’s the time of the year when marlin travel through Los Suenos. Artificial lures like a Rapala are an excellent choice for marlin fishing in the local waters 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 Marlin (by Region)
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast attracts anglers, who are interested in marlin fishing. It’s possible to target marlin in the North Pacific coast, the Central Pacific coast, and the South Pacific coast.
It’s possible to fish for marlin in the North Pacific coast successfully throughout the year. The marlin fishing season is high in the region from November to January and from May to July.
Anglers can also fish for marlin in the Central Pacific coast. A lot of marlin can be found in such areas as Jaco, Los Suenos, Manuel Antonio, and Quepos. Marlin fishing is best in the region during the fall months.
Marlin is abundant in the waters near the South Pacific coast. Anglers, who would like to target marlin in this area, should go fishing in Drake Bay and Golfito. The best time of the year to target marlin in the local waters is from August to December.
Atlantic Coast
Marlin can be also targeted on Costa Rica’s Atlantic coast. The peak season to catch Atlantic marlin in Costa Rica starts in February and ends in September. Anglers can successfully fish for marlin in inshore waters and in offshore waters.
It makes a lot of sense to target marlin in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean near coral reefs and near islands. Sometimes, anglers can even catch marlin from shore.
Night Fishing Marlin in Costa Rica
Marlin bites well at night. Anglers usually get bites of marlin during the evening and midnight hours. Overnight marlin fishing trips are available for anglers in Costa Rica. Los Suenos is the right place to go fishing for marlin in the darkness of the night.
Moon phase has an impact on marlin fishing in Costa Rica. Marlin fishing is the most productive in the region around the full moon. It’s a great idea to fish for marlin a week before and a week after a full moon. The best time of the year to target marlin at night is from May to November. The weather conditions are good and marling fishing is productive in Costa Rica during these months.
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