Fishing the Caribbean: Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado

Fishing in Costa Rica off the Caribbean coast can vary from one day to another depending on the weather. When it rains, as it often does between January and May, fishing is difficult out in the ocean. If the rivers fall somewhat or the surf is low enough to let you outside the river mouths, you’ll probably catch tarpon, some in the 150-pound range. Tarpon fishing out of the lodges in Tortuguero and Barra Colorado further north on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is best from about May through October, while snook traditionally peak from October through December. There are a lot of flat days in October and November when tarpon are abundant, and some of the best fishing has even been in June and July. But both species can be caught year round, providing the weather cooperates. Other species caught are guapote, goliath grouper, small tuna and for the lucky angler, the rare Atlantic sail. There are no good roads into the area, and it is definitely best to get there by commercial airline or charter flight.
Tarpon
The prize gamefish of this area are always around, the best time being from May through October/November 300-500 yards offshore when the sea is flat, although you can also get them in the river mouths and the canals..
Snook
Record snook generally peak from March through May and again from September through the end of November.
Calba (Flat Snook)
These small and exceptionally tasty snook come from mid-November through late January, but can sometimes appear much earlier.
Billfish
When you can get outside to blue water you can find the occasional Atlantic sailfish and equally occasional Atlantic blue marlin throughout the year. Best time is from February through September.
Wahoo
Best from early February through mid June.
Dorado
Found just outside the river mouths throughout the year, most are caught when the runoff carries out the debris to form inshore trash lines.

Tripletail
January through June..

Other Species
Spanish and Cero Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Barracuda are found close to shore any time the ocean is flat.