FISHING REPORTS

How has the fishing been? We provide a video and written fishing report every month highlighting the success of our fishing guests. Sign up to get the monthly fishing report from Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica.

Exceptional Fishing in an Exotic Location

Crocodile Bay isn’t just located in Costa Rica—it’s where your fishing dreams come to life. As the country’s premier fishing destination, we don’t just meet expectations, we exceed them with trips that go beyond the ordinary. With Costa Rica’s largest private fishing fleet, we tailor unforgettable adventures for anglers of every skill level. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list catch or on your own fishing journey, we’re here to make it happen.

Fishing Calendar

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH?

Fishing Seasons at Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica

Peak Offshore Season - January & February

Kick off the year with some of the best fishing action at Crocodile Bay! January is prime time for landing Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna (100 to 250 pounds), massive Sailfish (over 100 pounds), and hefty Dorado (50 to 60 pounds). Even with a bit of chop from the north trade wind, the fishing is fantastic, especially for marlin lovers.

February keeps the excitement rolling with Blue Marlin and Sailfish releases, plus the occasional Striped Marlin. Black Marlin.

Inshore Season - March to May

March shifts to inshore fishing, bringing diverse opportunities. Look for big Yellowfin Tuna and a thriving inshore scene with Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, and Grouper. Baitfish hatching in the shallows attract Grouper and Snapper, making for thrilling fishing adventures.

April is outstanding for inshore fishing, with record-sized Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, and Grouper. You'll also spot school-sized Yellowfin Tuna (20 to 60 pounds) near the coast. Billfishing is hit or miss, so most boats focus on inshore action.

May continues the inshore fun with abundant Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Bluefin Trevally, and Grouper. Sailfish start appearing a few miles offshore, and the seas remain calm.

Offshore Season - June to December

June marks the start of our offshore season and a busy Sailfish time, with multiple bites per day and double hookups. Inshore fishing peaks, especially for big Roosterfish over 70 pounds.

July is prime for Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado, with Slams becoming common. Inshore fishing stays strong with big Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper.

August offers amazing chances for big Blue Marlin and Sailfish, with Black Marlin closer to shore. Yellowfin Tuna and sizable Dorado add to the excitement, and inshore fishing remains hot for Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper.

September keeps the momentum with Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Sailfish offshore, and great bites for large Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado. Inshore fishing is excellent, with increasing Wahoo bites.

October and November bring some rain but also fantastic fishing.

December wraps up the year with a stellar mix of species: Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna (100 to 250 pounds), and Dorado (50 to 60 pounds). Plus, there's a chance to target big Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper inshore.

Come join us at Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable fishing adventure, no matter the season!

Fishing Seasons

Fishing at Crocodile Bay

There are two types of fishing from the fleet of boats:
Offshore and Inshore.

Offshore fishing is for the classic species: marlin, sailfish, yellowfin and big eye tuna, dorado and an occasional wahoo.

There are also a variety of exciting inshore species which are not limited to roosterfish, cubera snapper, bluefin trevally, rainbow runners, barracuda African pompano, bonito, several types of jacks, and snook.

There are about a dozen different kinds of snapper to be found in the Golfo Dulce.

Offshore fishing generally starts 45 minutes to an hour run from the pier depending on water colour, current lines, bait in the water and birds working the area. As a rule, most crews start fishing in an area where the bite was best the previous day.

The crew works as a team. When one crew member finds an area with a good bite, he will advise other boats from the area.

All inshore & offshore species are available year-round although some do have a “peak season.”

FISHING RATES

Our 24′ and 25′ Boston Whalers are equipped with brand new twin engine 200hp Suzuki outboard 4 stroke-motors and have an enclosed head for your privacy and convenience. These boats fish inshore or offshore due to the relatively calm waters. Boats are equipped with electronics and safety gear.

The Boston Whaler can accommodate up to four anglers. Boats are ready at the pier beginning at 6:30 am and return between 3 and 3:30 pm. Pricing below is based upon a daily charter and includes: Captain, Costa Rica fishing license, gear, bait, fuel and an on-board cooler filled with snacks, picnic-style lunch, beer, water and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Our 24’ and 25’ Boston Whalers are available for groups of One (1) to (4) Four anglers.

Base Rate: $1,495 per boat per day plus tax

RATES & Details

Our 33′ Strike Towers have enclosed heads in the cabin for your privacy and convenience. Strike tower boats are equipped with inboard 425 hp Caterpillar engines. Boats fish inshore or offshore and are equipped with electronics and safety gear. The Strike boats will accommodate up to six anglers. Boats are ready at the pier beginning at 6:30 am and return between 3 and 3:30 pm. Pricing below is based upon a daily charter and includes: Captain, Costa Rica fishing license, gear, bait, fuel and an on-board cooler filled with snacks, picnic-style lunch, beer, water and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Our 33’ Strike Towers are available for groups of One (1) to (6) Six anglers.

Base Rate: $1,995 per boat per day plus tax

RATES & DETAILS

OFFSHORE FISHING

Available Species:

MARLIN

The “Lady in the Blue Dress” or the blue marlin is the most common of the marlin family and cruise our waters all year. They are a prime target for anglers at Crocodile Bay. While the majority of marlin caught (and released) at the resort are blues, some black marlin do get into the mix. Striped marlin have also been hooked at Crocodile Bay, but in limited numbers as compared to their larger and more numerous cousins. Large blue marlin are typically female, as males rarely reach over 300 pounds. On the other hand, the male black marlin can reach 500 lbs.
The pectoral fins of the blue marlin are flexible and can be folded against the side of the body as opposed to the rigid fins of the black marlin. These fish are powerful and aggressive fighters taking anglers to task as the run hard and leap high into the air with seemingly limitless strength. These fish are always catch and release.
Marlin have been taken every month of the year. Large numbers of Blues are taken in November and December with another peak in March and April. Black marlin may be found in July and August with the record largest one taken in August.

SAILFISH

Pacific sailfish grow much larger than their cousins in the Atlantic, and they are famed for their incredible speed and high jumps. With weights averaging from 80 to 100 pounds, sailfish usually travel alone or in small groups. These photo-worthy fish feature a high first cobalt blue dorsal fin with a sprinkling of round dark spots.
It's fighting ability and spectacular aerial aerobatics attract every saltwater angler. However, due to the smaller gill size (as compared to that of the marlin), sailfish get exhausted quickly and are considered a lighter-tackle species. Many anglers are now catching the sailfish with fly fishing gear.
Anglers will find the sailfish available year- round with the greatest numbers taken November through May and peak again during a short “Indian Summer” in late June or early July.The fishing grounds around Crocodile Bay are renowned for great numbers and hefty size of sailfish. Weights average from 80 to 100 pounds.
They are available year round with the greatest numbers taken November through May and peak again during a short “Indian Summer” in late June or early July. Want an extra challenge? Catch them on lightweight tackle.

DORADO

They are extremely fast swimmers and feed extensively on flying fish and squid as well as on other small fish. They have a particular affinity for swimming beneath buoys, seaweed, logs, and floating objects of almost any kind. Hooked dolphin may leap or tailwalk, darting first in one direction, then another. It is believed that they can reach speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 kph) in short bursts. Successful fishing methods include trolling surface baits (flying fish, mullet, balao, squid, strip baits) or artificial lures; also live bait fishing or casting. If the first dolphin caught is kept in the water, it will usually hold the school, and often others will come near enough to be caught by casting. In addition to being a highly rated game fish, the dolphin is a delicious food fish. It is referred to as the “dolphinfish” to distinguish it from the dolphin of the porpoise family, which is a mammal and in no way related.

TUNA

Yellowfin, the most common species, can be taken year-round, but the best months are usually during the most productive runs of Dorado in November and December. They can often be found under floating debris fields/logs washed offshore during the rainy season. Most are football size, but larger tuna weighing up to 300 pounds can surprise an angler at any time. Makes a great dinner cooked to your liking!

WAHOO

These fast and explosive fish are found year round in limited numbers. While not prevalent, our wahoo average between 30 to 40 pounds. They are taken offshore and at times during summer months venture inshore and hang out around the rock outcroppings.

STRIPED MARLIN

Striped marlin peaks in the summer months in Costa Rica but can be released year round. Smaller than blue and black marlin this fish can be identified by its vibrant stripes. They don’t get nearly is big as blue or black marlin but none the less are a top release species in Costa Rica.

INSHORE FISHING

Available Species:

CUBERA SNAPPER

This great fighter is the most popular of all the local Snapper due to its size and sheer strength. Fish over 50 pounds have been caught in the area all year round. Smaller ones are the best for consumption and the larger fish are generally released since they are female and breeding stock.

SNOOK

ROOSTERFISH

Roosterfish, or Pez Gallo, are the Kings of inshore / near shore fishing, and very sporting on lighter tackle! Without a doubt, Roosterfish are the most exciting, hard-fighting inshore fish available, and a main attraction to anglers. Roosterfish range between 15 to 50 pounds are caught year round.

RED SNAPPER

A Prized Catch: Known for its delectable flavor, the Red Snapper is a top target for anglers. These tenacious bottom-dwellers are commonly found around reefs and underwater structures. Due to their powerful nature, strong tackle is essential when fishing for Red Snapper. Catching one of these prized fish is a rewarding challenge and a highlight of any fishing trip to Costa Rica.

BLUEFIN TREVALLY

The Stunning Predator: With their striking electric blue fins and shimmering silver bodies, Bluefin Trevally are as beautiful as they are fierce. These aggressive predators are often found inshore and are famous for their spectacular strikes and intense fights. Anglers are captivated by the Bluefin Trevally’s thrilling battles, making them a must-catch species in Costa Rica's diverse waters.

AFRICAN POMPANO

The Ocean’s Silver Warrior. The African Pompano, with its metallic, armor-like appearance, is a member of the Jack family and a formidable opponent in the water. These fish can weigh over 30 pounds and are typically found around underwater structures at various ocean depths. Known for their aggressive nature and hard fights, African Pompano are a favorite among anglers. Not only are they exhilarating to catch, but they also make for a delicious meal.

FISHING REPORT