The Role of Weather and Tides in Costa Rican Sportfishing 

Costa Rica’s diverse coastline and tropical climate create some of the best sportfishing opportunities in the world. With the cool waters beckoning you into their embrace, the sun shining brightly on your back, and the wind cooling your cheeks, you can experience the adventure of a lifetime while fishing in Costa Rica. However, planning your trip to Costa Rica’s sportfishing nooks without knowing the impact of the weather and tides can dampen your fun. While Costa Rica offers year-round fishing opportunities, knowing the right fishing season in Costa Rica, what species to expect during which season, and the influence of tides can be helpful. 

If you have booked your tickets, are excited about your stay in an all-inclusive villa in Costa Rica, and are ready to fulfill your sportfishing dreams, read this article first! 

How Weather Affects Sportfishing in Costa Rica 

Rainy vs. Dry Season Fishing 

The fishing season in Costa Rica can be divided into two primary categories. These seasons don’t just influence fishing conditions but also shed light on the types of species you can find.  

Dry Season (December – April) 

• This season is ideal for offshore fishing in the Pacific. 
• The calmer waters make trolling for marlin, sailfish, and dorado easier. 
• The visibility is better, attracting more billfish to surface lures. 
• More transparent water means fish are more cautious, requiring more natural bait presentation. 

Rainy Season (May – November) 

• The heavy rains increase nutrient flow from rivers, attracting baitfish and predators. 
• This season, inshore fishing improves, with roosterfish, snook, and snapper becoming more active. 
• More dorado (mahi-mahi) offshore due to increased debris and floating logs where baitfish gather. 
• Rougher seas can make offshore trips more challenging, but fishing is still productive. 

Wind and Ocean Currents 

Pacific Coast: More robust winds between December and March make the seas choppy, especially in the north (Guanacaste region). When the waters are calmer, billfish swim closer to shore, making them easier to catch. 

Caribbean Coast: September and October have the calmest seas, making them the best months for tarpon and snook fishing. Other months are rougher, with stronger winds pushing fish into sheltered areas.  

Upwelling Event: Cooler waters cause the upwelling of nutrients, which attract baitfish and larger predators. These events often take place during February and April, enhancing offshore fishing. 

Storms and Low-Pressure Systems 

• Fish tend to feed aggressively before a storm due to changing pressure systems. This is an excellent time to catch larger species. 
• During a storm, fish become less active as they move deeper to avoid turbulent conditions. 
• After a storm, murky waters can make fishing challenging, but predator fish often hunt near river mouths where runoff attracts baitfish. 

The Influence of Tides on Fish Behavior 

Did you know that tides are crucial in inshore and nearshore fishing, adequate movement, and feeding patterns? Understanding the tide schedule can help you target fish when they are most active. 

Incoming (Flood) Tide 

• The incoming tide brings fresh, oxygenated water, stimulating fish activity.  
• Baitfish tend to move closer to the shore.  
• This is the best time to fish near estuaries, river mouths, and shallow reefs. 

High Tide 

• Many species, including snook and roosterfish, move into shallower waters to hunt. 
• Fishing along beaches, sandbars, and mangroves is most productive. 

Outgoing (Ebb) Tide 

• In the outgoing tide, baitfish and crustaceans are swept out to sea, making deeper channels excellent spots for them. 
• Bottom-dwelling fish like snapper and grouper become more active near drop-offs and reefs. 

Low Tide 

• During low tide, the water is often more transparent, and fish retreat to deeper areas. 
• Fishing at low tide can get more challenging, but targeting deeper structures can yield better results. 

Best Times to Fish Based on Weather & Tides 

Early Morning (Before Sunrise – 9 AM) 

• Cooler water temperatures make fish more active. 
• Calm winds improve topwater fishing. 
• Tides are usually shifting, which triggers feeding behavior. 

Late Afternoon (3 PM – Sunset) 

• During this period, fish become more aggressive due to cooling temperatures. 
• The changing tides help bring in or push out baitfish. 

Full & New Moon Phases 

• The different moon phases may see stronger tides, creating more water movement and making fish more active. 
• Offshore fishing improves as baitfish migrate in large numbers. 

Days Before a Storm