From the Water

The Fishing Journal

Tips, species guides, seasonal forecasts, and dispatches from the Gulf of Papagayo.

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Child holding a fish on a charter boat with smiling captain

Family Fishing Trips in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know

Fishing with kids in Papagayo — what ages work, what to expect, which tours are best, and how to make it a trip everyone remembers.

Aerial view of the Papagayo Peninsula coastline

Beyond the Boat: A Guide to the Papagayo Peninsula

Fishing is why most people come to Papagayo. Here's what to do with the rest of your trip — beaches, wildlife, restaurants, and the logistics that matter.

Captain and angler releasing a sailfish at the boat side

Catch and Release Fishing in Costa Rica: How It Works and Why It Matters

Why we release billfish, how the process works, and what it means for the long-term health of Pacific fisheries.

Gear and equipment laid out on a fishing boat deck

What to Pack for a Fishing Charter in Costa Rica

A practical packing list for a day on the water in Guanacaste — what you need, what to leave behind, and the one thing most people forget.

Charter boat leaving the marina at sunrise

Your First Offshore Charter: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

First time on a sport fishing boat? Here's exactly what to expect — from the moment you step on board to the fish cleaning at the dock.

Billfish jumping behind the boat during a fight

Sailfish vs. Marlin: What's the Difference on a Papagayo Charter?

Both are billfish. Both will ruin you for freshwater fishing forever. But sailfish and marlin are very different experiences — here's how to tell them apart and which one to target.

Angler holding a large sailfish alongside the boat

What Fish Can You Catch in the Gulf of Papagayo?

From trophy billfish to inshore roosterfish, here's every species you might fight on a Papagayo charter — and what to expect from each.

Offshore fishing boat in the Gulf of Papagayo at sunrise

Best Time to Fish in Costa Rica: A Month-by-Month Guide

Sailfish in January, marlin in May, tuna all summer — here's exactly when to book your Papagayo fishing trip for the species you want.