Sport fishing is thrilling.

It can also, however, be frustrating for inexperienced anglers - especially if they choose the wrong rods while in Los Suenos.

Travelers planning their first Costa Rica vacations must think of more than charter ships, lodgings and fishing reports. They must instead consider their tackle options.

Rely on spin cast rods.

Spin cast rods are lightweight options, with compact grips and flexible poles. They adapt well to the Central Pacific, accommodating medium-strength lures and providing exceptional tension (which is essential while battling the area's many fierce fish). Their streamlined designs make them easy to master and their push button releases prove ideal for first-time anglers, especially young children.

Consider a spin cast rod while in Los Suenos. Use it to track Snooks, Groupers and other marine creatures. It’s a simple, but effective, tackle tool that will enhance every sport fishing vacation.

Costa Rica offers numerous unique natural sights for tourists that are rare or non-existent elsewhere in the world.  

 
In addition to being one of the top charter fishing spots for sportsmen and casual fishers alike, Costa Rica also has the densest concentration of biodiversity in the world. That means tourists have the opportunity to witness a variety of flora and fauna they might not see elsewhere.
 
One of these unusual sights is the phenomenon of a cloud forest. Costa Rica cloud forests are characterized highland forests blanketed by something akin to a cool, heavy mist. These forests have 100 per cent humidity, which makes the air thick with moisture.
 
And all that water in the air results in lush green rainforests, mostly found in the south central and central highland areas of the country. So after spending some time fishing along the Pacific in towns such as Jaco or Los Suenos, travellers can work their way into the interior to get a glimpse of the cool cloud forest zones of Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota or perhaps the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Every sport has its great debates. Is football won with offense or defense? Is the designated hitter rule a liability? Which basketball league reigns supreme?

Fishing isn’t exempt from this clash of opinions. Los Suenos anglers instead argue over key terminology - is it a fishing pole or a fishing rod?

The answer is easy to find.

According to the Fishing Loft, poles and rods are two separate entities, defined by their materials. Poles are recognized for their natural elements. They’re often shaped by cane, reed, bamboo or similar woods, making them flexible and lightweight. Rods, however, are manmade composites, blending kevlar, boron, fiberglass or graphite. This offers them greater durability and easier mounting.

Poles and rods are not interchangeable. Their constructions and tensile strengths instead differ - due both to their materials and their designs. It’s important to remember this when chartering ships along Los Suenos. Request the proper tackle equipment and don’t swap one option for the other.

Contact Costa Rica Fishing Adventures for suggestions on which tackles to use and how to use them.

A twisted line is a useless line.

Trying to capture fish along the coast of Los Suenos is no easy task, especially as filaments bend and break. Anglers struggle with every ray-finned, bill-nosed breed - only to lose the fight as their cables snap.

This is an unfortunate effect of bad luck and barrel swivels.

A barrel swivel is the most common connector, its ball-jointed body used often to attach leaders to lines. It’s a compact device, with double rings and metal-cast riggings. Its low cost and light weight makes it an angler favorite.

Its tendency to let lines twist, however, quickly makes it a failure.

The barrel swivel is not a recommended choice for Los Suenos, generating friction between leaders and lines. It causes cables to repeatedly turn, eventually knotting them to the point of breaking. This process is quickened in Costa Rica, due to the size and strength of the breeds found there.

When chartering a ship rely on other swivels, such as the crane swivel or ball-bearing swivel. Question captains and crews to verify their tackle choices, and visit local terminal shops to choose the appropriate options.

Seek out Marlins, Wahoos and other creatures without a fear of ruined lines and lost attachments.

Trying to snag Marlins and Mahi-Mahis is no easy feat, especially if an angler finds himself without a crane swivel.

While sailing the shores of Los Suenos fishermen will face many trials - unpredictable currents, predatory breeds and a rocky collection of reefs, inlets and tidal pools. These elements threaten to undo every deep sea expedition, snapping lines and bending rods.

A crane swivel, however, can provide relief.

A crane swivel is a small, double-ringed device. It’s intended to support leaders or sinkers, allowing them to more securely attach to fishing lines. Its jointed body lets it move freely beneath the water, and a balanced design eliminates concerns of tangling.

Due to the ferocity of many Los Suenos breeds, as well as the unique underwater terrains, charter captains will often recommend crane swivels to passengers. These items adapt to fighting Marlins, Dorados or Sailfish and keep every line secure. No longer fear twisted filaments or broken cables.

To learn more about crane swivels click here.

To schedule a Los Suenos fishing adventure click here.

An angler is only as successful as his equipment. This is the unfortunate truth of fishing in Costa Rica. Strong Pacific waves, sudden storms and endless continental shelves challenge even the most experienced sportsman.

Trying to combat the elements isn’t easy and, without the proper tackle, it’s impossible.

When sailing along the coast of Los Suenos be prepared with the right terminal tackle.

What is terminal tackle? This term defines the angling equipment that’s attached to casting or trolling lines. It includes circle hooks, sinkers, swivels, lures, wire leaders and more. It also encompasses live bait, such as the popular minnows or mackerels. No angler can succeed without using this tackle correctly in the Central Pacific.

Knowledge, therefore, is power - so question charter services about their terminal options. Be aware that there are countless fish in Los Suenos and all have unique requirements. Different items and strategies will be needed every day.

To learn more about terminal tackle contact Costa Rica Fishing Adventures!

The Dorado is a fisherman’s favorite. This ray-finned breed flits close to the surface, dazzling with its electric colors and arched scales. Its compact body weaves quickly through the currents, making it a challenge to catch.

Without the proper rods and reels, however, that challenge becomes an impossibility.

Before setting sail from Los Suenos every angler should create a tackle checklist. Prepare for Dorado expeditions with:

The Snook is a slender-bodied fish, with high fins and a distinctively sloping forehead. Its mouth protrudes in a narrow line, while its tail is gently forked. Its soft scales are pale in color, with golden undertones and flecks of gray. This breed is noted for its quick speeds and high prey drives. It will flock to any source of food it can find.

This makes it a challenge for anglers to catch. The Snook is forever moving and forever unpredictable. Understanding basic fishing techniques, however, will allow travelers to confidently board their charter ships (like the ALIN).

Before attempting a Snook charter on the ALIN anglers should remember these rules:


A Snook charter can be successful... as long as anglers choose the proper time, location and bait.

Book a Snook tour on the ALIN today.

The ALIN is a 28’ Custom Mako boat.

Speciality: Snook speciality.
 
Description: The ALIN is a custom Mako that measures 28’. It features a 200 HP Suzuki SGL engine, which can achieve up to 26 knots for cruising. It’s guided by a captain and first mate (both bilingual), as well as a VHF radio, GPS and a fish finder.
 
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the ALIN.

Book an exclusive tour today!

Costa Rica is the most diverse bio-scape in the world.

This is not an exaggeration, offered as a way to tempt tourists. It is instead a fact. This country, which comprises only one-third of a percent of the Earth’s total mass, boasts over four percent of its species. Within the 19,739 square miles is a dynamic collection of flora and fauna, representing both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

And it is this reason that leads many anglers to explore both in-shore and off-shore fishing.

Costa Rica offers an endless variety of fish. Many anglers, therefore, expand their usual techniques, chartering ships (like the Fandango) for shallow and deep waters. This allows them to experience what the country has to offer. 


The opportunities are without limit. Charter a ship, like the Fandango, to explore Costa Rica.

Charter an in-shore or off-shore excursion on the Fandango today.