Los Suenos Sailfish Season

Report Date: March 20, 2015

Fishing reports have taken a back seat because we are absolutely slammed this time of year. February and March are our busiest months of the year. We have been having excellent offshore fishing trips for past few months as expected.

January through April is our peak sailfish season here in Costa Rica, and they are here in very consistent numbers, with plenty of action. On slow days you can expect 15 bites, releasing 6-12 sailfish. But average days are 15-30 bites with 10 to 20 releases, and days of 50 bites or more are very possible.

It looks like it will even get better today - we had about 50 bites on the EPIC and released 21 while trying to teach our guests about circle hooks, and the bait and switch technique. We saw lots of doubles and even got covered up with 5 or more fish a few times.

While sailfish are the main species encountered offshore this time of year, there are also scattered mahi-mahi (dorado or dolphin fish), but they are few and far between. This is not really peak time for them as they are found in the highest numbers during October & November. But, the ones you encounter this time of year are usually 30 pounds or greater.

Yellowfin tunas occasionally make an appearance as well. If you find the spinner dolphins with birds working the same area, it is good indicator yellowfins are present. Most yellowfins are 25 to 50 pounds this time of year. They should be showing up more consistently in early May.

Inshore fishing for rooster fish, cubera snappers and amberjacks should be on fire from late February and through March, but to be honest, has been slower than usual. Bait (blue runners and small bonitos) have been a little hard to find, and it does not seem the bigger fish are here in the same numbers as last year.

If you are looking for table fare, mixing in some bottom fishing in the 300-500 ft. depth range has proven a consistent way to produce great tasting snowy and golden cheek groupers. Most of these fish are 5 to 10 pounds, but once you find the right spot, they are plentiful and provide plenty of hands on action.

Feel free to call me on my U.S. line (561-459-5355) to discuss your next fishing vacation.

Captain Michael "MJ" Alligood
EPIC Sportfishing Costa Rica
561-459-5355

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