Best Fishing Charters in Osa Peninsula

Fishing charter boats at sunrise. Osa peninsula Costa Rica

Yellow fin tuna Osa peninsula Costa Rica

40 kilos yellow fin tuna Osa Peninsula Costa Rica

Captain Taboga . Osa peninsula Costa Rica

Captain Taboga, Old Man of the Sea

Taboga is THE OLD MAN IN THE SEA! He grew up on the Osa Peninsula, and if there ever was a fishy captain, it would be hands down Taboga.

He speaks excellent English and has a love for the Ocean and making clients happy.

One trip it started to rain, he canceled the trip and told the clients. Let’s wait for better weather. Two days later, the sun came out the clients caught their target fish of Dorados. The best part of the story Taboga did not charge any more. I am building his website for him now.

Your Dream Fish

At 4 a.m., you wake up before the sun. Only one thing is on your mind, the sound of the drag on your fishing reel screaming out line.

A 100 lb Tuna jumps out of the water as your rod starts to bend! Yes it’s heaven, for at least a day.

The battle was 30 min, your back hurts, your arms hurt as your captain gaffs the tuna aboard the boat. A smile lights up your face like a 10-year-old boy you once were.

Captain says una mas, one more fish, and its only 8.30 in the morning

Offshore fishing

The Blue Water Advantage: Offshore Fishing

The Osa Peninsula is world-renowned because the “Blue Water” (the deep drop-off) is incredibly close to shore compared to other regions. In many spots, you only need to run 12 to 15 miles out to reach the continental shelf. This means less time traveling and more time with lines in the water.

Marlin (Blue, Black, and Striped)

Osa Peninsula is one of the best spots to catch what is on your bucket list. Whether it is Marlin, Sail fish, Roster fish, or Dorados, and of course the yellow fin Tuna.

The Osa is one of the few places where you can target all three species. We use “run and gun” tactics or slow-trolling live bonito near the seamounts.

Sailfish:

Known for their acrobatic leaps, Sailfish are the stars of the blue water. It is common to see multiple “raises” in a single day during the peak season.

Inshore Action: The Roosterfish CapitalInsh

Inshore is also action-packed for fishing. From Jacks, Snapper, and huge Snook,

If you prefer to stay within sight of land, the inshore fishing is world-class. The rocky volcanic coastline and the mouth of the Sierpe River create the perfect habitat for predators.

Roosterfish:

he ultimate inshore prize. These powerful fish are recognized by their iconic “rooster comb” dorsal fin and are famous for their stubborn, hard-pulling fights.

Cubera Snapper

Often called “the taxman,” these giants hide in the rocks. You’ll need heavy tackle and quick reflexes to keep them from breaking you off in the reef.

The Acrobat: Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)

Dorado are the most colorful and exciting fish to catch in the Osa Peninsula. Known for their brilliant neon greens and yellows, they are famous for their high-speed runs and spectacular jumps.

The Experience: When you hook a Dorado, the water explodes in color. They are a “schooling” fish, so when you find one, there are usually many more nearby. It’s common for the whole boat to have “doubles” or “triples” on at the same time!
The Season: While they can be caught year-round, the peak season is October through January, during the “green season” when floating debris (like logs and branches) washes out of the rivers. Dorado love to hide under this floating structure.
Table Fare: There is nothing better than bringing a fresh Dorado back to a local restaurant in Puerto Jimenez and having them prepare it “Blackened” or in “Ceviche” for your dinner. It is truly the ultimate reward after a day on the water.

Best Times to Catch: Fishing Calendar

While you can catch fish year-round in the Osa, timing your trip for specific species will increase your success:

Marlin: Peak months are November through March, though Black Marlin are often found near the reefs in the summer months (July/August).

Sailfish: The “Golden Era” for Sailfish is December through April. During these months, the seas are flat and the bite is incredibly consistent.

Yellowfin Tuna: Found year-round, but the massive “cow” tunas (200lb+) are most common from May through November, often found running with schools of spinner dolphins.

Roosterfish & Inshore: Excellent year-round. Since they don’t migrate far, you can find a trophy Rooster any day of the year.

Professional Gear: Built for the Battle

When you are hooked into a 300lb Marlin or a 50lb Roosterfish, your equipment is the only thing between you and a “one that got away” story. The top charters in Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay use tournament-grade tackle to ensure you land your trophy.

Rods & Reels: Most offshore boats are outfitted with Penn International or Shimano Tiagra two-speed reels. These are the gold standard for big game, providing the smooth drag needed for long runs. For inshore and spinning, expect high-end Shimano Saragosa or Penn Slash setups.

The Tackle: We use a variety of methods depending on the target. This includes trolling with lures (like Mold Craft or Black Bart) for Marlin, and live baiting with “Goggle Eyes” or Blue Runners for the big Roosters and Snappers.

Beach fishing

Beach fishing is very good. Beaches going out to Matapalo are the best. High tide is the best time to fish the Beaches of the Osa Peninsula.

Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing is in a world all by itself. Hooking up a huge roster fish in a Kayak is a dream. Trolling live bait is the secret to lots of action.

Panga Fishing

Then the smaller panga fishermen will fish inshore for snapper, roosters, jacks, and snoke. These captains have their honey spots where they know where to fish, what to fish.

Tres Amigos Fishing

Tres Amigos fishing is a family-owned fishing Chater boat. They have the boat in the beach house in Playa Sandalo. They can pick you up at the new dock in Puerto Jimenez.

Their boat is a 26-foot Proline with new twin 175hp Zuzukis. All the fishing gear is top-notch including 2 gear Pen reels for those huge fish.

Captain Edwardo

Captain Edwardo is also the owner. He has lived his whole life on the Osa Peninsula, which means he knows where the fish are at different times of the year.

I first met Edwardo years ago on Sandalo Beach, where I have my panga. For two years, we talked in Spanish, then one day he started talking in English. Why did you not speak English? I asked him. “You needed to practise your Spanish,” he said with a grin, which was very true. Not only is he a great fisherman, but also a great person! Their website is below at the top.