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Tamarindo Fishing Report -January 2026: Sailfish on Fire, Tuna Explosions & Inshore Surprises
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Tamarindo Fishing Report -January 2026: Sailfish on Fire, Tuna Explosions & Inshore Surprises

Perfect weather conditions made for unforgettable adventures.

Captain Frank Berrocal

Captain Frank Berrocal

Founder & Head Guide

5 min read

January at a Glance: Big Fish, Calm Seas and Happy Clients

Tamarindo's waters came alive this January with some of the most reliable fishing conditions we've seen in recent seasons. From high-flying sailfish to hard-pulling yellowfin tuna and dependable inshore roosterfish, our guests had no shortage of rod-bending action.

Offshore Report: Fast-Paced, Full of Action

Sailfish Surge

Sailfish stole the show this month, making nearly every offshore charter a thrill. Some days we were hooking 6-10 sails per trip, with multiple doubles and triples.

  • Prime depths: 300-900 feet
  • Best bait: Ballyhoo with circle hooks and light teasers
  • Hot zones: 25-40 miles west of Tamarindo

Tuna Showed Up Big

Yellowfin tuna moved through in solid schools, often under spinner dolphins or birds. Anglers using poppers and jigs had a blast landing tuna between 40 and 90 lbs.

  • Largest of the month: 118 lbs (Jan 19)
  • Favorite technique: Running to active birds and casting into the frenzy

Bonus Dorado and Surprise Marlin

  • Dorado: (15-35 lbs) were regulars around floating debris
  • Marlin: A few blue marlin and striped marlin were spotted mid-month, keeping things exciting

Inshore Report: Roosters, Snappers and Light Tackle Joy

Roosterfish in Prime Form

Inshore fishing along the reef lines and beaches delivered solid results, especially for roosterfish fans.

  • Common sizes: 20-45 lbs
  • Live sardines were key
  • Hotspots: Catalinas, Playa Grande ledge, and Langosta reef

Snapper and Jack Crevalle Variety

  • Cubera snapper were taken off rocky drop-offs using live bait
  • Jack crevalle schools provided explosive surface strikes
  • A few grouper and sierra mackerel added to the fun

Weather Conditions: January Was a Dream

  • Seas: Calm (2-3 feet), perfect for families and first-timers
  • Water Temp: 80-82°F
  • Winds: Light northeast trade winds
  • Visibility: 90+ feet, ideal for spotting surface action
  • All scheduled trips ran safely and comfortably

January Guest Highlights

  • A corporate group from LA released 8 sailfish in one trip
  • A family of five from Germany shared a boatload of action with 5 roosterfish and 2 snapper
  • A honeymoon couple celebrated with a 65 lb yellowfin on spinning tackle
  • Check out the latest pics on our Instagram

Looking Ahead: What's Next for February?

  • Sailfish numbers should remain steady through mid-February
  • Marlin activity likely to pick up around deeper seamounts
  • Dorado often peak late February into March
  • Inshore fishing will continue to shine, especially on early morning tides

Book Your Tamarindo Fishing Adventure

January was unforgettable, and February is shaping up even better.

Choose from our top-rated Costa Rica fishing charters:

  • Full-Day Deep Sea (8 hrs): Target sailfish, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi
  • Inshore Fishing (4-6 hrs): Hunt roosterfish, snappers, and jacks close to shore
  • Sunset Trips (4 hrs): Ideal for families, couples, and casual fishing fun
  • Custom Private Charters: Honeymoons, birthdays, and special occasions

From Captain Frank and the Coyote Sportfishing Team

Thank you to all the amazing guests who joined us in January. We're proud to offer one of the top-rated fishing charter experiences in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and we can't wait to get you on the water.

Tight lines, Captain Frank Berrocal

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About the Author

Captain Frank Berrocal

Captain Frank Berrocal

Founder & Head Captain

Captain Frank Berrocal is the proud founder of Coyote Sportfishing, a trusted name in Tamarindo, Costa Rica sportfishing since 1993. A Tamarindo native, Frank has deep roots in the area. His grandfather once owned large parts of the region in the early days. Today, Frank carries on that legacy by sharing his love of the ocean with anglers from around the world. After spending time in the United States learning English, Frank returned home and began working in local tourism, guiding turtle nesting tours and fishing trips in the Tamarindo estuary. His passion for the ocean led him to purchase his first boat, a 21-foot panga. With the support of his longtime friend Tom Parker, who helped him acquire the engines, Coyote Sportfishing was born. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Frank has watched Tamarindo grow into one of Costa Rica's top fishing destinations. What sets Captain Frank apart is not just his experience, but his dedication to every guest. For him, fishing is about more than just the catch. It's about creating unforgettable memories and seeing the joy on his clients' faces.