Los Sueños, Costa Rica, is a name that resonates with anglers worldwide as the premier destination for sportfishing in Central America. Nestled on the Central Pacific coast in the vibrant province of Puntarenas, Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a haven for those seeking the thrill of battling trophy-sized billfish, tuna, and inshore species like the iconic roosterfish. At Go Fish Costa Rica, we’ve been crafting unforgettable fishing experiences for over 18 years, leveraging our deep knowledge of these waters to put you on the fish of a lifetime. In this blog, we’ll dive into why Los Sueños is a world-class fishing destination, what you can expect on a fishing charter with us, and expert tips to make your angling adventure truly epic.
Why Los Sueños is the Fishing Capital of Costa Rica
Los Sueños Resort and Marina, located in Herradura Bay just north of Jaco Beach, is widely regarded as the #1 sportfishing destination in the Western Hemisphere. Its reputation is built on a combination of factors that make it a paradise for anglers of all skill levels:
- Abundant Marine Life: The nutrient-rich waters of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast attract a staggering variety of game fish. Los Sueños is famous for its billfish, including Pacific sailfish, blue, black, and striped marlin, with 20-fish days not uncommon during peak seasons. Beyond billfish, anglers can target dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and inshore species like roosterfish, snapper, and snook. Costa Rica holds over 80 IGFA world records, many set in these waters, including records for sailfish, marlin, and roosterfish.
- Year-Round Fishing: While the dry season (December through April) is peak time for billfish, Los Sueños offers exceptional fishing year-round. Marlin can be found at nearby seamounts during the green season (May to November), and inshore species like roosterfish remain active throughout the year. This consistency makes Los Sueños a reliable choice for anglers planning their dream trip.
- World-Class Marina: Los Sueños Marina, the only government-sanctioned marina in Costa Rica, is home to over 200 slips and a fleet of top-tier charter boats. From 28-foot center consoles to 100-foot luxury sportfishing yachts, the marina caters to every preference. The marina’s proximity to fertile fishing grounds—often just a short ride offshore—means more time fishing and less time traveling.
- Luxury and Accessibility: Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Los Sueños is easily accessible yet feels like a tropical escape. The resort offers luxury accommodations, including the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, beachfront condos, and private villas, alongside amenities like an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, and adventure tours. Whether you’re a serious angler or planning a family vacation, Los Sueños blends world-class fishing with comfort and convenience.
Fishing with Go Fish Costa Rica: What to Expect
At Go Fish Costa Rica, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized, high-quality fishing experiences tailored to your goals. Founded by Captain Dan Ross, who brings over 40 years of fishing experience and 18 years of expertise in Costa Rica’s waters, our team knows the best boats, captains, and spots to ensure your trip is a success. Here’s what you can expect when you book a Los Sueños fishing charter with us:
Offshore Fishing: Chasing Pelagic Giants
Los Sueños is a billfish playground, and our offshore charters are designed to put you in the heart of the action. During the peak season (December to April), sailfish are abundant, often leaping acrobatically from the water as they strike. Marlin—blue, black, and striped—are also prime targets, with some exceeding 750 pounds. Yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo add variety to the catch, making every trip an adventure.
Our offshore charters, available as 3/4-day or full-day trips, are equipped with state-of-the-art gear, including outriggers, rods, reels, and advanced electronics like Raymarine chart plotters and CHIRP sonar. Our experienced crews, many of whom compete in tournaments like the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown, work tirelessly to find the bite. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, we’ll guide you through techniques like trolling with circle hooks to ensure a proper hookset on these powerful fish.
Inshore Fishing: The Roosterfish Challenge
For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, our inshore charters target the legendary roosterfish, known for their striking dorsal fins and fierce fights. Los Sueños is one of the best places in the world to catch roosterfish, often weighing 50 pounds or more. Other inshore species include red snapper, snook, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel. These trips, available as half-day, 3/4-day, or full-day options, are perfect for anglers seeking action-packed fishing in calmer waters near reefs and rocky points.
Inshore fishing is ideal for families or novice anglers, as our crews provide hands-on instruction and support. Whether you’re casting lures, live baiting, or trying fly fishing, we’ll match you with the right boat and captain to maximize your success.
Customized Fishing Vacations
At Go Fish Costa Rica, we go beyond fishing charters to create complete vacation experiences. We can arrange luxury accommodations in Los Sueños or nearby Jaco Beach, transportation from your hotel or condo, and additional adventure tours like ATV rides, ziplining, or catamaran sunset cruises. Our long-term relationships with top boats and crews ensure you get the best experience at the best price. For corporate groups or families, we can customize multi-day packages that combine fishing with other Costa Rican adventures.
Our Fleet and Crew
Our fleet includes a range of vessels, from agile 31-foot center consoles like the Luhrs Tournament to luxurious 47-foot Cabo yachts equipped with air-conditioned cabins, full galleys, and Pompanette fighting chairs. All boats are Coast Guard-certified and outfitted with high-performance gear, including Okuma rods and reels, to handle everything from trophy marlin to feisty roosterfish. Our captains, like Dan Ross and tournament-seasoned locals, bring decades of experience and a passion for putting clients on fish.
The Los Sueños Fishing Experience: Stories from the Water
The magic of Los Sueños fishing lies in the stories anglers bring back from the water. In 2016, the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown tournament saw 43 teams release an astonishing 6,570 billfish over nine days, showcasing the incredible abundance of this fishery. Our clients have reeled in 100-pound yellowfin tuna, battled sailfish that leap like acrobats, and landed roosterfish that test every ounce of their strength. One client, fishing with us in July, described their full-day offshore trip on a 36-foot Cabo as “a blast,” catching sailfish, tuna, and dorado with Captain Ezequiel’s expert guidance. Another group of five anglers on a 43-foot Viking praised the crew’s tournament experience and the boat’s amenities, landing 7 out of 10 sailfish bites in a single day.
For fly fishing enthusiasts, Los Sueños offers unique opportunities. Captain Dan, an avid fly fisherman, loves teaching clients how to target billfish or roosterfish on the fly. With the right gear—a 9ft #8 or #9 weight rod for inshore, or a #10 or #11 for larger species—you can experience the thrill of hooking a sailfish or marlin on a fly rod, a bucket-list achievement for many.
Best Times to Fish in Los Sueños, Costa Rica
While Los Sueños offers year-round fishing, timing your trip can optimize your chances for specific species:
- December to April (Dry Season): Peak season for sailfish and marlin, with calm waters and high catch rates. Dorado and yellowfin tuna are also plentiful. This is when major tournaments like the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown take place.
- May to November (Green Season): Marlin remain active around seamounts, and inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and snook is excellent. Wahoo and tuna bites increase, especially in August and October.
- Year-Round: Roosterfish, snapper, and jack crevalle are reliable inshore targets, while offshore fishing always offers a chance at billfish or pelagics, depending on conditions.
For the latest fishing reports and seasonal updates, contact us at Go Fish Costa Rica. We’ll provide real-time insights to help you plan the perfect trip.
Expert Tips for Your Los Sueños Fishing Trip
To make the most of your Los Sueños fishing adventure, here are some tips from our team at Go Fish Costa Rica:
- Book Early: Prime fishing dates, especially during the dry season, fill up fast. Reserve your charter well in advance to secure the best boats and crews.
- Choose the Right Charter: Decide whether you want an offshore adventure for billfish or an inshore trip for roosterfish. We’ll match you with a boat and captain suited to your goals and skill level.
- Bring Proper Gear: For offshore fishing, rely on our boats’ high-quality tackle, but bring personal favorites if you prefer. For fly fishing, a #8-9 rod for inshore or #10-11 for offshore is ideal, paired with a strong drag reel and 250m of backing.
- Prepare for the Conditions: The Pacific sun is intense, so pack SPF 50 sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, and polarized sunglasses with a strap. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and motion sickness pills if needed. Most boats provide drinks and fruit, but confirm with us.
- Practice Catch-and-Release: Costa Rica emphasizes conservation, especially for billfish. Our crews are skilled at safely releasing non-edible fish to preserve the fishery.
- Ask Questions: Our captains and mates love sharing their knowledge. Whether it’s learning to set a circle hook or understanding local baitfish patterns, take advantage of their expertise.
- Combine Fishing with Adventure: Enhance your trip with activities like ATV tours, ziplining, or a sunset catamaran cruise. We can arrange a complete vacation package to keep everyone in your group entertained.
Why Choose Go Fish Costa Rica?
With nearly two decades of experience in Los Sueños and beyond, Go Fish Costa Rica is your trusted partner for an unforgettable fishing adventure. Here’s why anglers choose us:
- Expertise: Captain Dan Ross and our team have fished every corner of Costa Rica, from Los Sueños to Papagayo, Golfito, and the Caribbean. We know where the fish are and when to target them.
- Top-Tier Boats and Crews: We work only with the best, tournament-proven captains and well-maintained boats, ensuring a safe and successful trip.
- Personalized Service: From solo anglers to corporate groups, we tailor every trip to your needs, handling everything from charters to accommodations and transportation.
- Passion for Fishing: Like our clients, we live for the thrill of the catch. Whether it’s your first sailfish or your tenth marlin, we’re as excited as you are to make it happen.
Book Your Los Sueños Fishing Adventure Today
Los Sueños, Costa Rica, is more than a fishing destination—it’s a place where dreams of landing trophy fish come true. With Go Fish Costa Rica, you’ll experience the best of this world-class fishery, guided by experts who are passionate about putting you on fish. Whether you’re chasing a 400-pound marlin, a leaping sailfish, or a hard-fighting roosterfish, we’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Contact us today at 1-888-326-7677 or dan@gofishcostarica.com to book your Los Sueños fishing charter. Visit our website at gofishcostarica.com for more details and to explore our full range of fishing and adventure packages. Let’s get you hooked on the fishing trip of a lifetime in Los Sueños, Costa Rica!
Pura Vida!