Marlin Fishing Seasons in Costa Rica

The largest and most sought-after game-fish. Join the Marlin Mania and get the adventure of a lifetime.

Marlin Fishing Trips in Costa Rica

Here are just a few sample packages that provide the opportunity to catch Marlin. Request a free quote and one of our fishing experts will customize a Marlin fishing itinerary for you.

Your Custom Vacation Package Includes More than Fishing

Every trip we provide is you-nique. Pricing, accommodation and tour options depend on travel dates and your final destinations. Our quotes always include the following:

• ‘Meet & Greet’ Airport Service.
• English-speaking drivers.
• Private ground transfers or charter flights.
• Accommodations: pick between hotels, rentals, resorts or fishing lodges.
• Private fishing charters.
• Guided tours (English-speaking guides).
• Meals (as stated in each itinerary).
• 24/7 In-country support.
• Taxes.
• Transaction fees.
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Where to Fish Marlin?

These are the locations where Marlin are most abundant on the Pacific coast.

What's the Best Fishing Style for Marlin?

Marlin can be caught in several ways, but these are the absolute best.

Best Marlin Fishing in Costa Rica

Known for its strength and acrobatic jumps, a Marlin fight can last for hours or a few minutes. Their pull and energy make it one of the most popular species to target in the world.

Blue Marlin are the most common Marlin found in Costa Rica. Marlin have become so abundant here, that it is not uncommon for anglers to get several releases in a day.

Black Marlin and striped Marlin are also found in Costa Rica, although these two species are not as common.

What makes Marlin so strong is their size. Blue Marlin reach an average of 150-500 lbs, and black Marlin can even be bigger. In both species, females are larger and it is rare to find a male over 300 lbs.

The Marlin is also a prized target because of their beauty. Blue Marlin are distinguishable by their bright blue coloring on top with silver sides and white underbelly.

Black Marlin are identified by their rigid pectoral fins. Unlike blue and striped Marlin, black Marlin’s pectoral fins will not fold back.

Many times a blue Marlin that has been feeding in the deep is incorrectly identified as a black Marlin. However, the tell-tale sign is the pectoral fins.

The most obvious physical feature of all Marlin is their upper jaw. This elongated jaw, shaped like a spear is the sign of a true billfish.

Their dorsal fin is pointed near the head before tapering off, along with the pectoral and anal fins. They have no spots on their fins or backs.

Marlin typically feed on squid, small Tuna, Dorado and various other pelagic species. They use their upper jaws to stun the prey by whipping their bodies with incredible speed and power.

Several seamounts and FADs in Costa Rica target the Marlin’s feeding habits. This represents an advantage for the angler, as there is a chance to catch more in a single day.

How to Catch Marlin?

Since Costa Rica has great numbers of Marlin, there are also many different styles to catch them. All Marlin are a good way of testing the angler’s ability and strength against a herculean billfish.

The most productive way is pitch baiting. Pitch baiting uses teasers from the bridge of the boat to attract the Marlin to the surface.

As the teaser is retrieved, the angler or a mate tosses a rigged ‘bonita’ or pitch bait into the spread. The Marlin then switches over to the rigged bait. This struggle is one of the greatest sights to see as an angler.

It is also possible to catch them with lures trolled farther back in the spread. If you want to try your hand at it, fly fishing for Marlin has become pretty popular these days.

Costa Rica’s Marlin may be a bit smaller than in other parts of the world, but it makes them perfect targets with a fly rod.

Where to go for Marlin in Costa Rica?

Marlin are found all along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. They are a pelagic and migratory species, which means they are always moving.

They also favor warmer tropical conditions between 70-85 degrees. Costa Rican waters provide these conditions year round, which means they don’t have to move as much.

Day charters are a great way to catch Marlin. The typical run time to the continental shelf is between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

In addition, now there are FADs strategically located near or above natural Seamounts. These seamounts are located between 63 and 160 miles off the coast of Costa Rica. During peak months, these seamounts produce unheard of blue Marlin numbers.

The best departure points for a Costa Rica Marlin fishing expedition are Los Sueños and Quepos in the Central Pacific. In the North Pacific, the best options are Tamarindo, Flamingo and Papagayo.

Best Time to Catch Marlin

Marlin are caught all year round in Costa Rica, but there are some prime times.

November – January and May – July have historically been the best months for the Central Pacific. This includes the areas of Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Quepos & Osa Peninsula.

Then North Pacific produces great Marlin as well from May – October. This includes the areas of Tamarindo, Flamingo and Papagayo.

For Seamount and FAD trips, the best months are May – November. April and December are transitional months, but still produce great fishing as well.

If you want to catch a Marlin, Costa Rica is a great destination for your fishing vacation. To avoid all the hassle, contact us and we will gladly help arrange a personalized package for you.