Costa Rica Fishing Report: Quick Summary
- Season right now: The late green season, moving into the dry season.
- Offshore: Yellowfin tuna and wahoo from the green season are still around. Dorado are building up around floating debris, and the first sailfish and returning blue marlin are arriving.
- Inshore: Roosterfish and snapper fish well all year.
- Next two months: Sailfish season kicks off in December and runs through March, with blue marlin on the offshore banks.
- Updated: October 28, 2026. These are the typical conditions for this time of year, based on our seasonal records. For the latest on-the-water numbers, message us on WhatsApp.
Costa Rica Fishing Report: What to Expect in Late October
October is a lot like September. Afternoon rains are consistent and seas are moderate, but mornings are usually fishable. Tuna schools are still present and wahoo stays reliable. This is also when we start to see the first hints of the coming sailfish season, with an occasional billfish hookup, and dorado begin showing up around floating debris.
Fishing Outlook: November and December
November: The Transition Month
November is the month savvy anglers target. The rains ease off, especially in the second half of the month. Blue marlin reappear in force on the offshore banks, and the first serious sailfish of the new season arrive. Dorado start showing in solid numbers around current lines and debris, while tuna and wahoo from the green season are still around. That overlap produces some of the most varied days of the year.
December: Everything Comes Together
Sailfish season officially kicks off, often with 5 to 10 raises per day by mid-month. Dorado are in peak form, averaging 20 to 40 pounds around every log and debris line. Blue marlin remain on the offshore banks. Inshore, roosterfish are active in the calming waters and snapper fishing picks up around the reefs.
Species Snapshot: What's Biting This Time of Year
| Species | Late October | November - December |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin Tuna | Still present | Tapering off |
| Wahoo | Reliable | Still around in November |
| Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) | Starting to show | Peak |
| Sailfish | First hints | Season kicks off |
| Blue Marlin | Slow | Returning |
| Roosterfish | Good inshore | Good inshore |
| Snapper | Good on the reefs | Picks up in December |
For every species by month, see our Costa Rica fishing calendar.
From Our Last Full Trip Report: January 2026
Here are the highlights from our most recent detailed monthly report, so you can see what a good month looks like:
- Sailfish: 6 to 10 sails per offshore trip on many days, with multiple doubles and triples, 25 to 40 miles west of Tamarindo
- Yellowfin tuna: Schools of 40 to 90 pounds, with the biggest of the month at 118 pounds
- Dorado: Fish of 15 to 35 pounds around floating debris
- Marlin: A few blue and striped marlin spotted mid-month
- Inshore: Reliable roosterfish and snapper action for families and light-tackle anglers
Read the full January 2026 fishing report.
How to Use a Fishing Report to Plan Your Trip
- Match the month to the fish. A report is a snapshot, so pick the month that fits the species you want most.
- Look at the trend, not one day. Fish move with bait and water, and a few slow days do not change the season.
- Choose the right trip length. Inshore species are close, and a half day is enough. Billfish and tuna need a full day offshore.
- Ask for the latest. Message us on WhatsApp the week you travel and we will tell you what the boats are seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Costa Rica Fishing Report
How is the fishing in Costa Rica right now? In late October the fishing is moving from green season to dry season. Tuna and wahoo are still around, dorado are building, and the first sailfish and blue marlin are arriving. Inshore roosterfish and snapper fish well all year.
What fish are biting in Tamarindo in November? Blue marlin return to the offshore banks, the first serious sailfish of the season arrive, and dorado show up around current lines and debris. Tuna and wahoo from the green season are still present, and roosterfish and snapper bite inshore.
When does sailfish season start in Costa Rica? Sailfish season kicks off in November and December and peaks from December through March. On good January days we raise 8 to 15 sailfish.
Are the seas calm in December in Tamarindo? Dry season seas are typically calm, around 2 to 4 feet, with steady trade winds and clear water.
How far in advance should I book for December? Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak season, and earlier for Christmas and New Year weeks.
Plan Your Trip with Coyote Sport Fishing
Tell us your dates and the species you want, and we will build the right trip. See our Tamarindo fishing charters or charter prices.
Tight lines, Captain Frank Berrocal