Costa Rica Freshwater Fishing

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Packages

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Fishing Info

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Seasons

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Available Species

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Accomodations

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FAQ's

Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity isn’t limited to the rainforests and wildlife, we get to enjoy it throughout the sport fishing industry as well. Freshwater fishing in Costa Rica offers a variety of venues like remote lagoons, floating down jungle rivers, or fishing the largest lake in the country – Lake Arenal. Often overshadowed by the incredible saltwater fishing, you can fish for exotic local species like rainbow bass and machaca or do battle with familiar foes like tarpon and snook. Once you inquire with us we’ll work with you personally to customize your package to include the best freshwater fishing in Costa Rica. Trust our decades of local expertise and see why nearly 40% of our anglers are repeat & referral guests!

The Best of Costa Rica

Arenal & Los Sueños

4-in-1 Fly Fishing Tripl

Costa Rica Bassmaster

Fly Fishing In The Jungle

Fly Fishing Quepos

Where is the Best Freshwater Fishing in Costa Rica?

From the popular Lake Arenal to the remote Caño Negro wetlands to the various jungle rivers on each coast, Costa Rica offers fantastic freshwater fishing venues all over the country. Whether you are in search of exotic local species to add to your catch-list like the rainbow bass or simply seeking new destinations to battle old foes like tarpon and snook, Costa Rica offers it all. The freshwater fishery in Costa Rica is so diverse we even have rainbow trout in our colder mountain streams! Below is a map to show you where the best freshwater fishing in Costa Rica takes place, but leave it to us to coordinate all the logistics and set you up with each area’s best local fishing guide and a quality place to stay. Keep in mind that it is very easy to combine both freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing trips in the same package, your fishing vacation does not need to exclusively be one or the other.

Costa-Rica-Freshwater-Fishing-Map-980x654

1) Lake Arenal Fishing

The most popular spot to enjoy freshwater fishing in Costa Rica is also the biggest, the 33 sq mile Lake Arenal. This massive, man-made lake was formed in 1979 to create cheap, clean hydroelectric power for the region and still serves it’s purpose today. When the damn was complete the surface area of the lake tripled and now it can be up to 200 ft deep in spots. This massive event turned hilltops into islands and converted grassy hillsides and the local rainforest into the perfect habitat for the local fish populations that thrive there today. Today the Arenal region is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations due to the combination of thermal hot springs, adventure tours like rafting and zip-lines, eco tours like the hanging bridges and waterfalls, and luxury hotels that are enjoyed here. In addition to fishing on Lake Arenal, other water sports include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and even kite surfing and wind surfing on the far west side of the lake can be enjoyed.

The most popular species to target when fishing on Lake Arenal is undoubtedly the rainbow bass. Known locally as “guapote”, which means “handsome one”, this is the prized local freshwater game fish in Costa Rica not only due to it’s brilliant colorings but also it’s hard-fighting ability. Rainbow bass are aggressive feeders that like to ambush their prey from heavy cover like tall grass or sunken trees. In the early mornings they can be found in shallower water patrolling ledges as they hunt sardines, but once the sun starts to heat things up they typically retreat to the cooler, darker waters. Most rainbow bass caught on Lake Arenal are in the 3-8 lb range, but fish over 10 lbs are caught every year. The older and bigger they get the more beautiful they become with more pronounced shades of blue and purple. For better or worse, they also have delicious white meat but since they are under a lot of pressure locally we encourage the catch-and-release of all rainbow bass. Rainbow bass are most often caught on small poppers, swim baits, and spinner baits in the early morning hours when they are hunting in shallower water. Once the sun is overhead they retreat to deeper water and can be targeted by retrieving or even trolling deep diving lures (15ft-20ft). They are such hard fighters and live in areas with a lot of cover many of our local guides will fish with 30 lb braid!

In addition to rainbow bass, Lake Arenal is also home to jaguar bass. This is a close relative of the guapote but does not grow as big nor display so many colors. Typically you can catch higher numbers of jaguar bass than rainbow bass, but most caught throughout Costa Rica are in the 1-3 lb range. They are found in the same areas and behave the same way as rainbow bass so many of the same techniques an lures apply.

The other main catch on Lake Arenal is the feisty machaca. Nicknamed ‘mini-tarpon’ for their silver scales and great leaping ability, these are a favorite among freshwater anglers because they almost always strike at the surface and then put on a great show once hooked. Machaca love to hit small poppers, but they can also be tricked with small baitfish lures as well. Machaca are found throughout Costa Rica’s waterways, but the biggest machaca are found on Lake Arenal.

Location: 2.5 hrs north of SJO Airport / 4 hrs east of LIR Airport

Available Species: Rainbow bass, jaguar bass, machaca, and tilapia.

2) Caño Negro Fishing

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of Costa Rica’s most exotic and remote destinations. It doesn’t receive anywhere near the foot traffic that it deserves from tourists, but it is a known paradise for wildlife lovers and birders while freshwater anglers consider it to be one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. Covering over 24,000 acres, the wildlife refuge was established in 1984 and and named a RAMSAR Wetland in 1991 due to the hundreds of species of both local and migratory birds found here, mammals big and small from monkeys to jaguars, reptiles like caiman and crocodiles, and of course several species of fish. Some even refer to it as “the Everglades of Costa Rica”. Fed by the Rio Frio, the main lagoon at Caño Negro spans over 2,000 acres when it is full of water in our green season. During the dry season the lagoon retreats to become a series of channels and shallow lagoons and can be impossible to reach via boat.

Perhaps the most alluring aspect of fishing in Caño Negro is the opportunity to catch a tarpon in a lagoon located over 100 miles from the Caribbean. Caño Negro is a series of rivers and wetlands that branches off of the mighty Rio San Juan, which forms the physical border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It has long been believed that tarpon use this area as a nursery until they are big enough to head out into the main river and eventually out to the Caribbean. Unlike the tarpon caught on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast which average 80-100 lbs, many of the tarpon caught here are smaller juvenile tarpon in the 20-60 lb range. Don’t be mistaken however, there are some very large adult tarpon in here too, the biggest recorded was over 200 lbs! Also unlike the silver kings of the Caribbean Coast, the tarpon in Caño Negro have more of a copper or bronze hue to them due to tannic water and their diets. While catching a tarpon anywhere in the world is thrilling, jumping a tarpon in the middle of the jungle and fighting it in close quarters is a whole new experience.

As if catching one prehistoric beast in the middle of the jungle wasn’t enough, Caño Negro fishing actually offers another: the tropical gar. A close relative to the alligator gar of the southern United States, tropical gar share a similar resemblance but are much are much smaller as the average fish is about 2-3 ft long and 4-8 lbs. Their design is so perfect it has hardly changed in the past 75 million years: short snouts with nostrils at the end, a modified swim bladder that allows them to breath air, ganoin-covered scales that act like an armor plating, and of course a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. They mainly eat cichlids and other fish, so they can be caught on swim bait or better yet live bait – but either way a wire leader is recommended! Locally known as “gaspar”, they are protected now due to over-fishing and habitat loss. Caño Negro actually prohibits fishing from April through June every year during their spawning season.

Like tarpon, snook make the same journey for the same reasons so two of the Caribbean’s best game fish can be enjoyed in this freshwater paradise. The local exotic freshwater species like rainbow bass, jaguar bass, and machaca are all easily fished for here as well.

Location: 3.5 hrs north of SJO Airport.

Available Species: Rainbow bass, jaguar bass, machaca, tarpon, snook, tropical gar

3) Fishing the Caribbean Coast Jungle Rivers

While the tarpon and snook fishing along Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast gets all the attention, there is some pretty fantastic freshwater fishing available there too. Most anglers visit this side of Costa Rica to do battle with big tarpon in the open ocean, but when the seas are rough, when you are tired of fighting 100 lb silver kings all day long and need a day off, or if you simply want a change of scenery fishing the freshwater canals and lagoons is rewarding and stunningly beautiful. The entire northeast corner of Costa Rica is dedicated to the Tortuguero Conservation Area, which is comprised of the Barra de Colorado National Wildlife Refuge (200,600 acres) and Tortuguero National Park (190,100 acres), so this is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the entire country. Nicknamed “the Venice of Costa Rica“, there are no roads here so the freshwater rivers and channels are home to an incredible amount of wildlife including crocodiles, manatee, tropical gar, several species of snook, and of course tarpon.

Depending on which river you fish, you can float with the current and cast flies or small swim baits towards the banks in search of the feisty machaca. A favorite among us locals, machaca have earned the nickname “mini tarpon” due to their similar silver colored scales and incredible jumping ability. The imposing set of teeth machaca posses is to smash seed pods and fruits that drop into the water from above, so they almost always hit lures on the surface making them a perfect light tackle species. Most machaca are in the 2-5 lb range and are a catch and release species.

In the quieter, slow moving lagoons we’ll find other light tackle species like rainbow bass, jaguar bass, and mojarra. The thick rainforest and mangroves provides absolutely perfect habitat for these fish to both ambush prey and avoid becoming a quick lunch for one of the bigger predators that patrol these waters. Mojarra are like a sturdier, more muscular version of a bluegill and can be taken on small surface poppers and bugs. In these quiet waters we may also spot a tropical gar floating like a log or coming to the surface for a gulp of air, but catching them requires patience and a lot of searching.

Last but not least, the biggest predators of all also thrive in these freshwater rivers. Tarpon and snook are well known to frequent both brackish and fresh water, so they’ll pass in and out of the river mouths as they please in search of food, to avoid predators themselves, and to lay their eggs. As fun as catching a snook or a tarpon is, battling them in the confines of a river surrounded by thick rainforest is an experience most anglers won’t soon forget.

Location: Tortuguero, Parismina, Rio Colorado

Available Species: Rainbow bass, machaca, mojarra, tarpon, snook, tropical gar, snapper

4) Fishing the Pacific Coast Jungle Rivers & Mangroves

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is famous for it’s incredible offshore and inshore fishing, but the various rivers and mangrove systems offer excellent freshwater fishing as well. Our most popular trip is a float trip a handful of select rivers that are full of machaca. You’ll cover a few miles over the course of a few hours, so it’s not uncommon to make hundreds of casts on these trips. Many of these same rivers are used for rafting or wildlife viewing, so when you do a freshwater float trip it’s like a two-in-one tour as you get to enjoy freshwater fishing as well as wildlife viewing in the middle fo the rainforest. The vast majority of your catch on these trips will be machaca, but we’ll also catch snook, grunts, and the occasional snapper in the rivers too.

Closer to the river mouths on the Pacific Ocean there are a few places to enjoy mangrove fishing as well. Thick and humid, yet full of marine life, birds, and monkeys, freshwater fishing Costa Rica’s mangroves can offer good sized snook, snapper, and corvina.

Location: Quepos, Sierpe, Tempisque, Guanacaste.

Available Species: Machaca, grunts, rainbow bass, snook, mangrove snapper, corvina

When is the Best Time for Freshwater Fishing in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica in general has two weather seasons; the dry season (summer) and the green season (rainy season). With two different coastlines and towering mountain ranges in between, these seasons differ from the Pacific to the Caribbean. The freshwater fish of course aren’t migratory so we can and do catch them twelve months a year, but depending on where you are doing your freshwater fishing in Costa Rica some months are more productive than others.

Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s most popular freshwater fishing destination as well as its biggest. At 33 sq miles, there is certainly no shortage of habitat for fish to hide so the fishing is best here when water levels are lowest and the fish are more concentrated. Once water levels rise with the rains, they are able to work their way into the grass and fallen trees and are much harder to catch. The fishing is productive in the early morning almost every day of the year, but if you want to fish all day the best months are January through June during the dry season.

Farther north in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, the weather follows the same pattern but fishing these pristine wetlands is much different than the massive Lake Arenal. At the heart of the refuge is the main lagoon, which is fed by several local rivers. During the dry season (Jan-May) the water level drops and the great lake becomes maze of smaller lagoons connected by skinny channels. During the green season (May-Nov) this area can receive 160 inches of rain so the rivers typically jump their banks and flood the lagoon full of water again. The fishing is good all year, but like Lake Arenal the fish are more concentrated in the dry season. Fishing in Caño Negro is prohibited from April 1st to June 30th to protect the vulnerable tropical gar during it’s spawning season.

Fishing the coastal rivers tends to mimic the best times for saltwater fishing on each coast. The fish, the main target being machaca, are always in the river but the dry season months will offer lower water levels and clearer water, which can make all the difference of a feisty machaca spotting your lure or fly. On the Caribbean Coast the best months for fishing the freshwater rivers and canals are mid-January through mid-May and then again in September and October. On the Pacific Coast the best months are December through May, though some rivers may get very low in March and April at the height of the dry season.

Once you contact us and we have a better idea of what you want to fish for and when you are visiting, we can customize a package to put you in the right spot, at the right time to enjoy the best of our Costa Rica freshwater fishing venues.

Costa Rica Freshwater Fishing Species List

There are some familiar faces and some fish you’ve probably never heard of on our Costa Rica freshwater fishing species list. With two coastlines, Lake Arenal, the Caño Negro wetlands, and countless jungle rivers fishing in Costa Rica offers both variety and quality in it’s freshwater fishery. In addition to local exotics like rainbow bass and machaca, we’ll also find big snook and tarpon in mangroves and even up river.

Rainbow Bass

Machaca

Mojarra

Jaguar Bass

Tropical Gar

Tarpon

Snook

Snook

Mangrove Snapper

Corvina

Accommodations for Costa Rica Freshwater Fishing Packages

Tourism has been booming in Costa Rica since the 90’s so there is no shortage of quality fishing lodges and luxury hotels too choose. If you are fishing for rainbow bass on Lake Arenal you can stay at one of the many 4 and 5 star hotels in the area, some of which have their own thermal hot springs. On the Caribbean Coast, your options are eco-lodges or one of our many tarpon lodges while on the Pacific you can choose from the best beach hotels and resorts in the country. As a luxury vacation outfitter, we only work with the nicest 3, 4, and 5-star properties that meet our expectations for quality, reliability, and service so no matter where you are fishing we’ll have a nice place for you to stay. Being local experts, we have personally visited every single property we represent so we’ll use our personal experience to hand pick the perfect fit for your group on your Costa Rica fishing vacation.

Costa Rica Day Tours & Non-Fishing Activities

Our Costa Rica freshwater fishing packages don’t need to be all fishing, all the time. Costa Rica is of course just as famous for its volcanoes, rain forest, beaches and incredible wildlife – and chances are when you are freshwater fishing you’ll be surrounded by this anyway! Whether it’s an off day from fishing or for the non-anglers in your group, there are several great eco and adventure tours available. Keep in mind we can also combine freshwater and saltwater fishing in the same itinerary, it does not need to be one or the other. The list of non-fishing activities includes:

Canopy zip-line tour
White Water Rafting
Waterfall rappelling
ATVs
Horseback Riding (beach or rainforest)
Surfing
Golf
Guided tours of national parks
Waterfalls
Sunset catamaran cruise
Snorkeling
SCUBA Diving
Kayaking
Jet Skis
Parasailing
Coffee plantation tour

What Our Guests Love
About Costa Rica
Freshwater Fishing

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What We Love
About Costa Rica
Freshwater Fishing

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Costa Rica Fishing FAQs

Do I need a fishing license to fish in Costa Rica?

YES. All anglers need a fishing license to fish in Costa Rica. These are sold by the Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Aquacultura, or INCOPESCA as they are known here. Unfortunately their website has functionality and language issues so it’s not easy to use, so you can buy the license in the morning right before you fish for the first time. The cost is $15 for one week or $30 for one month and it must be paid in cash.

How many people will be on my fishing boat?

All fishing charters booked by Central America Fishing are private, so the boat is 100% yours. We do not set up any shared charters.

What is the standard tip for a fishing charter in Costa Rica?

A standard tip for a charter fishing crew in Costa Rica is 10%-20% of the cost of the charter. Most captains are paid a low salary with the idea they’ll earn more tips the more they fish, but many mates rely 100% on tips for their income. Tipping in USD or Costa Rican colones is fine. We recommend giving the entire tip to the captain and let him divide it up with the mate.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

OF COURSE! Even though our private charters provide all the fishing tackle and bait you’ll need, you are always welcome to bring your own lures, reels, and even rods if you want to catch fish using your own tackle. Fly anglers are always encouraged to bring their own fly gear.

Which fish in Costa Rica are catch and release and which ones can I keep to eat?

By law, all billfish in Costa Rica are strictly catch and release. While not a law, we also strongly encourage releasing all roosterfish, tarpon, and cubera snapper as they are such prized inshore species. Other species like tuna, dorado (mahi), wahoo, snappers, groupers, corvina, snook can be kept and enjoyed for a fresh seafood dinner.

Can I bring fish back home with me to my own country?

If you really want to enjoy your catch our best advice is to eat it while it’s fresh here in Costa Rica. We understand many of you love the idea of a Costa Rican seafood dinner in the comforts of your own home, so the good news is there is no law against it and people do it all the time. However – we do not have the final say in this so there are some things you need to keep in mind:

1 – Unlike some other popular fishing destinations, in Costa Rica there is no service that will package and ship fish home for you. If you want to bring fish home with you you’ll have to do it yourself in your own luggage. Our best advice is to bring down a soft sided, leak-proof cooler, have your fish frozen completely solid, wrap them in newspaper, and then check your cooler as part of your luggage since it will stay cooler in the cargo hold of the plane versus in the cabin as a carry-on. If you don’t have a cooler or forget to bring one, you can purchase affordable plastic coolers here in local grocery stores.

2 – While Costa Rica does not prohibit you from bringing fish fillets home with you, your international airline might. We strongly recommend you confirm this with your airline (in writing if possible) or you may have the fish confiscated from you at the airport check-in.

3 – Even if your airline lets you fly the fish home, your local customs may have an issue with you bringing in meat products from a foreign country. In our experience most customs agents don’t seem too interested in you bringing back frozen fish fillets from your fishing vacation to Costa Rica, but it can depend on the agent and depend on the day.

What if there is bad weather on our fishing day?

First of all, it is extremely rare to have a fishing day cancelled due to bad weather. Costa Rica is too far south for hurricanes, and on top of that we custom design every single one of our Costa Rica fishing packages to factor in not only where you’ll have the best fishing but also the best weather & sea conditions for the time of year you visit us.

It does happen every once in a while however, so if the captain, local marina, or government deem the conditions are unsafe the trip will be cancelled. The first course of action is to try and reschedule you, but if that is not possible you will be refunded in full.

Please note that rain and dark clouds are not considered bad weather. We are in the tropics and rain is a common occurrence here so that is not a cause for cancelling the trip. Many great fishing days happen in the rain – as they say the fish are wet anyway!

Why Fish With CAF?

We have been fishing, living, and traveling around Central America since 2003. Plan your trip with local experts to make sure you are in the right place, at the right time, and on the right boat. We’ll help you fish for what you want, the way you want.

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Free vacation planning + the best direct rates. No booking fees!

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Personalized service from pre-arrival to 24/7 in-country support.

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Hand-picked accommodations, fishing captains, expert guides for the best vacation experience.

Nearly 40% of our anglers are repeat & referral guests. CAF puts you on the fish!

We are proud to have a global reach and have hosted anglers from 14 different countries here in Central America!

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   Based on 77 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Justin McDaniel 
 22 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris did an amazing job planning our trip. Our group of 8 didn’t have to worry about any details after we landed in Costa Rica. The resort was amazing and the fishing was better! Transportation from the airport, from the resort to fishing, back to the resort… everything was planned for us. My Central America Fishing contact answered the phone or text immediately every time I reached out to him. Everyone in my group kept complementing me on planning the trip. I kept telling them, “All I did was call Chris, this is all Central America Fishing’s work!” This was my first time using a service like this, and I will use them from now on. Chris is already working on plans for our next trip.
  
 
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   Al Piwoschuk 
 26 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Chris for the amazing Guatemala vacation!  We caught 28 sailfish, 1 blue marlin, 2 large tuna, and a bonita in 3 days of fishing before heading to the mountains for some scenic volcano hikes.  Accommodations were fantastic and all logistics went smooth.  10 out of 10!
  
 
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   Gerald Hurd 
 20 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A big thank you to Central America Fishing, our trip to Costa Rica was amazing. I had mentioned to Chris this was my first time traveling to Costa Rica and he put together the perfect trip. All transportation pickup/drop-offs on the itinerary were on schedule and the villa in Manuel Antonio was amazing. Wasn't planning on having howler monkeys in the trees above the villa. We also saw scarlet macaw, yellow throated toucan, hummingbirds and black spiny-tailed iguana while at the pool area of the villa. We had two days of fishing, caught mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna and a sailfish. Both fishing charters were very professional and put in the work to land fish knowing it was just family fun for us. The domestic flight back to San Jose was so nice, the green of the tropical forest, rivers flowing out of the mountains and views of the pacific coast added to our adventure. Costa Rica is such a beautiful place. Big thanks again for everything CAF, my vacation planning was stress free this year! Looking forward to more adventures in Costa Rica. Gerald Hurd
  
 
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   Sarah Doebereiner 
 17 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unbelievable day on the water! If you are looking for a top-tier fishing experience in Belize, Central America Fishing is the absolute way to go. We had an incredible day out on the boat near Placencia. Our boat captain was extremely knowledgeable and knew exactly where the fish were biting. The action was non-stop! We had a blast reeling in a mix of hard-fighting Barracuda, beautiful Red and Yellowtail Snappers, and plenty of Jacks. The boat captain and guide was fantastic and their local expertise made the trip seamless and fun!
  
 
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   Tom Rigden 
 18 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris, Can't thank you enough for the particularly detailed attention you gave us! The planning and  organization of our itinerary was far better than any other agency we have used. Being able to pick up the phone and ask questions directly was most rewarding as we are of the age that a direct conversation gets way more done than emails. I have used many booking agencies and yours is the best and most "user friendly" I've ever been around. The fishing, guides, and accommodations were all top notch. Would definitely recommend your services to anyone seeking a Central America adventure.
  
 
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   Jason Bazemore 
 6 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris put together an amazing trip!  My airport pickup was waiting for me when I came out on the front end of the trip.  Pacific Fins was a great resort with excellent food, great accommodations, and very attentive staff.  The Maverick and her crew were top notch.  They put me on fish the entire time and customized each day of fishing to match my goals of getting the slam on a fly rod.  If you are looking for an unforgettable trip and first class accommodations, book with Chris and let him plan out the adventure of a lifetime for you!
  
 
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   Victoria Driggers 
 3 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris with Central American Fishing was amazing to work with. We had a wonderful time in Los Sueños and will definitely be back. We fished on the wing man and we caught 6 sailfish one day. Th next day we caught jacks, snapper and rooster fish.
  
 
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   John Cast 
 11 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris was fantastic, from the airport shuttles to the 3 days fishing, great boats and crew. the perfect service.
  
 
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   sam hightower 
 30 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Three of us just got back from our second excursion with Central American Fishing. This trip we scheduled 5 days fishing at Zancudo Lodge near Golfito, Costa Rica. It was a fabulous fishing trip and a 1st class place to stay and experience Costa Rican hospitality. I’ve been asked how many fish we caught and I really can’t answer. After the first day, we lost count. We had 2 doubles on Sailfish, 2 doubles on Yellowfin Tuna, 1 triple and 2 doubles on Roosterfish. Additionally, we caught Cuberra Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Yellowtail snapper, Mullet Snapper, etc. I believe it was day two we caught 6 Yellowfin Tuna (the largest 140lbs), 4 sailfish. We then went inside and caught 9 Roosterfish and 4 Cuberra Snapper - all in one day. They literally work hard to get you on fish. Tito, our guide, has been there 27 years. We left the dock every day at 6:00AM and most days got back to the dock around 4:45 PM-5:00 PM. It’s a full day of fishing. This is a first class fishing operation. The lodging is excellent and meals are fabulous. I also have to mention the Costa Rican people are very friendly and do everything they can to make sure you have a good trip. I can recommend this trip highly. We are even considering going back in February, 2027.
  
 
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   Amanda Hill 
 30 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an awesome overall experience utilizing CAF for our honeymoon itinerary! Utilizing the WhatsApp communication real time throughout the trip was super helpful to ask any questions as they came up and we got really quick, helpful responses. Big win! We really enjoyed all our transport drivers and were very impressed how on time, professional, knowledgeable and nice they all were. This made our trip so smooth knowing we had reliable transportation along the way! Overall, great hotel picks and really smooth transportation. Even down to the small plane from Quepos to San Jose -we enjoyed the 15 min plane ride compared to a long car ride! Manuel Antonio was definitely our favorite leg of the trip and we are hoping to return again soon for more adventures so hopefully we can stay in touch!! Thanks so much for putting such care into our itinerary and making our honeymoon all we could have hoped for! Would 10/10 use CAF again 😊

About the Author

I first visited Costa Rica during a semester abroad in 2003 and instantly fell in love with the language, culture, and natural beauty. I caught my first roosterfish on that trip, and ever since then I knew that I wanted to live here. After graduating in 2004, I worked for a year in the corporate world, but I was unhappy and unstimulated, so I returned to live in Costa Rica full time in 2005. Today I can proudly say that I’ve been in Costa Rica for half of my life, I met my wife here, and my two boys were born here so they are “Ticos”.

I’ve been working in the sport fishing industry in Central America for twenty years, I’ve had articles published in fishing magazines, hosted fishing TV shows, fished in several tournaments, and I’m a four-time IGFA trophy club member. I am however most proud to say that 40% of our anglers are repeat and referral guests. I’ve personally visited every destination, hotel, and fishing lodge that we partner with so that your next vacation with us is one of the best you’ve ever had.

Chris Atkins - Angler & Owner of Central America Fishing

See Full Bios & Team

All fishing vacations booked with Central America Fishing include the following:

Free Vacation Planning (no fees + direct rates)
VIP Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival into SJO
Private, air-conditioned transfers with English speaking driver.
Luxury, private accommodations hand-picked and customized for your group. Choose between private condos & villas, luxury beach resorts, exclusive boutique hotels, and fishing lodges.
Private fishing charters
All eco / adventure tours you’d like to include
All Costa Rican taxes
Free quotes on travel insurance
Pre-arrival assistance with dinner reservations, tee times, pre-stocking your condo or villa, hiring a private chef, and special requests.
24/7 support once you are here in country