Golfito sportfishing in Costa Rica has deep roots. Robert McGuinness, father of IGFA world’s top captain in 2006 and 2010, Bobby McGuinness (seen here, below) with this huge Grouper) who has made a stellar international name for himself over the past two decades as a Costa Rica sportfishing charter captain, came from the USA to the banana port of Golfito in the South Pacific region the in the late 1950s to work for the United Fruit Company.
See Which Charters Fish the Golfito Area
Golfito is about 250 km from San José by road, much of the route passing through some of the most beautiful areas of the country. It a 55-minute commuter flight from San José.
Golfito fishing’s great potential
In the 1930s the United Fruit Company opened the port of Golfito on the western side of Golfito Dulce to export its bananas. At Golfito’s peak in the 1950s, 90% of banana exports from Costa Rica went through the port. However, as United Fruit found it more profitable to grow bananas in less developed and lower-salaried Central American countries, it closed its Golfito operations, and the area in general stagnated.
An avid angler back home, Robert – also Bobby – McGuinness quickly understood the immense potential of Golfito, Golfo Dulce and Costa Rica’s entire South Pacific coast, as a Costa Rica saltwater sportfishing destination.
Best offshore/inshore Costa Rica fishing combo
There is no other area in Costa Rica – or very few anywhere else in the world for that matter – that encompasses Golfito and Puerto Jiménez inside the Golfo Dulce, south towards the Panama border, and north along the coast to Drake Bay, with the incredible offshore/inshore saltwater sportfishing species combination found off the South Pacific coast.
A dozen Snapper family species
Anglers who come for a Golfito fishing adventure can catch every offshore and inshore species that you will find in Costa Rican waters. There are more than a dozen different Snapper family species alone!
Robert McGuinness began an infant Costa Ricans charter sportfishing operation in Golfito, finding clients, and began training locals as mates. Unfortunately, his endeavor was brought to a screeching halt in a tragic airline accident north of Golfito that claimed his life. However, his legacy persisted. Among those whom Robert McGuinness trained and went on to become successful Golfito fishing captains were his sons Donald and the younger Bobby.
Golfito Costa Rica fishing bite peaks earlier
Today Bobby McGuinness and other skilled local Costa Rica sportfishing captains have made Golfito one of Costa Rica’s major sportfishing destinations, and the town is booming again.
The Golfito fishing season for billfish usually peaks earlier than in the Central Pacific. Once the rains stop, by mid/end of November, anglers who travel to Golfito for a Costa Rica sportfishing charter can expect lots of Sailfish, along with a goodly number of Blue Marlin, both going 10 miles or so south outside Golfo Dulce, or north along the Pacific coast towards Drake Bay. Black and Striped Marlin tend to come in a bit later. Yellowfin Tuna also arrive in Golfito earliest.
Enjoy Golfito fishing inshore
Often the best way to decide what to include in your own custom tailored sportfishing package is to see what others before you have reserved.
Golfito fishing is an inshore anglers delight. At any time of year, anglers coming to fish Costa Rica can expect to catch big Roosterfish; Snapper family species such as Cubera, Colorado, Red, Mullet and Spotted Rosy; Grouper; Pompano; Jack; Mackerel; Shark and small Barracuda.
Still Need more information on Golfito? The Wikipedia Page has some good general information.
Golfito Area Fishing Charters
- 26ft Custom McKee Craft for Puerto Jiménez Golfo Dulce fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing
- Price: 26ff Custom McKee Craft
- 30ft Island Hopper Express for South Pacific coast fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 23ft Panga Center Console for Puerto Jiménez fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 29ft Hydra Sport Fisher for Puerto Jimenez South Pacific Fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 21ft Bay Boat for Puerto Jimenez Fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing, Saltwater Fishing
- 60ft Loa Luxury Custom for Golfito overnighters
- Phone Number: Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 35ft Cabo Sport Fishing Yacht for Drake Bay fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 27ft Center Console for Puerto Jiménez fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 36ft Luhrs Express for Puerto Jiménez fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- 27ft Ocean Runner for Puerto Jiménez fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
- The 37ft Cazador for Golfito fishing
- Phone Number: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Pacific Ocean Fishing
To learn more about the Golfito area or to see some Golfito, Costa Rica Real Estate Options you may also be interested in speaking to a real estate professional at C.R.R.V.P.
Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties
Heredia Province, Belén, Costa Rica
Toll Free: 1 888-581-1786
Local: (506) 2293 2446
