The waters around Costa Rica have once again been hailed as an idyllic spot for casual and serious sport fishermen alike.

According to a recent feature in The Costa Rica News, the country's central Pacific region is celebrated the world over for its high-quality excursions.

The area has racked up numerous accolades, including more than 80 fishing records as well as a number of sportfishing records from the International Game Fish Association.

The popular pasttime can be divided into two types: inshore and offshore. Visitors can participate in both, particularly around scenic beach villages such as Manuel Antonio and Jaco.

Inshore fishing is defined as fishing in shallow waters at a depth of less than 30 metres. This type is often the preferred option for more casual fishermen, as less equipment is required, making it far less expensive than its deep-sea counterpart.

Offshore fishing is obviously the opposite—sport fishermen trek out into deeper waters on the hunt for bigger prey. And the adventurous sportsmen who try tackling offshore can expect to see more big game. Those with a fierce competitive side or looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience can take on the task in hopes of landing a mammoth Marlin or Sailfish.