The waters of the Papagayo Gulf on the North West Pacific coast are home to some of the best sport fishing in Costa Rica. Commonly caught fish include: amberjack, yellow fin tuna, marlin, sailfish, rooster fish, Dorado (mahi mahi), snapper and Wahoo. North Pacific Tours practices catch and release for Marlin, Sailfish and Rooster Fish.
Roosterfish
Available all year, there are more caught in the Papagayo Bay area from November through March. The roosters like the structure of the shoreline and islands where they're found in 50 to 60 feet of water. The dorasal fin with its ranlikie array, gives the fish its name. It's an inshore species often found in the surf, over sandy bottoms and always in moderate depths. An aggressive predator, the roosterfish is always exciting when hooked. There is no particular season for roosters so expect a hard hit anytime when fishing near shore and around rocks or islands.
Wahoo 
The first showing begins about the time the rains start in mid-May, peaking in July and August. Most are caught around the rocky points and islands, but you will pick one up occasionally fishing offshore. The Wahoo is a loner and when traveling with other Wahoo it's usually only a school of five or six. This fish can be found anywhere in the ocean but does seem to concentrate during the summer off of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Considered a relatively rare species, the Wahoo is usually caught while the angler is looking for other oceanic species. That's always a nice surprise because many fishermen consider the Wahoo one of salt water's finest delicacies. Experts speculate that the Wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean and it's no wonder that the first scorching run can burn out the drag on some reels.
Yellow Fin Tuna
Peak months are around August through October but are caught all year long. Tuna in this region can easy reach well over 100 pounds and range up to 300 pounds.
Dorado
Also known as Mahi-Mahi, the Dorado is one of the most exciting fish to catch on light tackle. Most abundant from May until October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines where they like to lie. A hooked Dorado might leap first in one direction, then another. It's been noted that they can reach speeds of 50 mph in short bursts. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a Dorado.
Snapper
There are many species of snapper. A shallow water fish preferring a rocky bottom that provides bait fish and protection . Each species will be a tough fighter, particularly on light tackle and although all snapper are delicious eating the flesh of the larger fish can become course.
Sailfish Caught throughout the year, May through August is normally the top season. Perhaps the most acrobatic of all blue water fish, the sailfish has engraved Costa Rica on every international angler's wish list. This beautiful fish spends more time in the air than in the water during the fight is not as powerful as the marlin but always spectacular. Double and triple hookups are not uncommon.
Marlin
Best time to fish for these are from mid-November to early March (exceptional) but can be caught all year long.
fish@northpacifctours.com
