FAQs

FAQs about Fishing in Costa Rica

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answer to those burning questions so you can start your trip without any worries.

If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, contact us and we’ll gladly clear it up!


 

Questions About Fishing

Do I need to buy a fishing license?

Yes, they are $15.00 per person for a 7-day license. You can purchase them at the marina or in advance with us.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, any fish that is edible can be kept. Billfish and Roosterfish are catch-and-release ONLY.

Can I take my fish back with me to the U.S.A.?

In general, our recommendation is to keep the fish you can eat and enjoy while you are in Costa Rica. If you do want to take your fish back with you, there are several aspects to consider:

1. There are no processors in Costa Rica. Each traveler would need to package their fish and freeze it themselves, then purchase a cooler to bring it back like a checked bag.

2. Airlines constantly change the rules. Verifying with the airline if they allow you to transport frozen fish or not is the traveler’s responsibility.

3. U.S. customs may confiscate it. Because Costa Rica is a foreign country, there is no guarantee the fish would clear and the traveler is at the mercy of the customs agent.

Are tips included with the rate?

No, tips are not included. We recommend 10%-20% of the charter as your tip for the crew.

Will you put me on a boat with other people?

No, all our charters are private charters.

Can I catch a Sailfish on a half-day?

Very unlikely. Half days are typically spent targeting inshore species. A half-day trip simply doesn’t allow enough time to go offshore.

Do I need to bring my own equipment and bait?

Everything is provided for you unless you’re going fly fishing. For fly fishing, you’ll need to bring your own equipment as it is highly specialized.

Some of our partners will provide the necessary gear for fly fishing if requested in advance, so make sure to plan the trip as early as possible.

Are the seas rough?

Not typically. The Pacific Ocean is the calmest ocean in the world and it typically looks like a lake more often than the ocean. The Caribbean Sea is often warm and calm as well.

What if a storm hits?

In the unlikely event that the sea is so terrible you can’t go fishing on a specific day, we’ll do our best to rearrange the trip to your satisfaction.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, most of our boats have bathrooms on board.

What if I get tired and don’t want to fish the whole day?

The charter is a private charter. You can return to land any time you want.

Questions About Us

How do you make a living?

Our partners give us a percentage of their rates. We don’t charge you extra for our services, and in many cases, our prices are lower. We sometimes get special quotes because of the volume of business we send to the partners.