Costa Rica is host to some of the globe’s top sports fishing tournaments. The best of the best descend on the Central American country to flex their fishing muscles and show off their ability to snag the biggest catch.

But for sports fishermen looking to set sail to Los Suenos or Jaco for the first time, here are a few tricks to help you get a handle on all the different catches and how best to bring them triumphantly on board.  

·      Put away your ego. When charter fishing, let the crew know your experience level. If you’re a first-timer, make it known. The crew is a valuable resource to give you as much help as you might need to land a big catch.
·      Use circle hooks. Fishers are required by law to use these types of hooks in Costa Rica, as they can help you effectively snag your catch without too much damage to the fish itself.
·      Call ahead. Get the number of your charter fishing operator before your tour and ask some hard questions. Does the crew speak English, and if so, how much? What kind of boats and equipment do they use? What is their methodology? 

Costa Rica is known the world over for its top-notch sports fishing hot spots. From its smorgasbord of fish species both big and small to its variety of fishable waters for charter fishing (lakes, rivers, and the oceans on both the east and west coasts), Costa Rica is a sports fishing paradise.

 
But those fisherman who don’t live year-round in the tropical climate may have a more difficult time snagging that big catch, depending on the time of year. Different fish populations see their peaks during different seasons. According to an article from the Costa Rican Times, the season you choose for your trip will heavily affect your catch. So a little foresight and planning ahead can help sportsmen make the most of each and every expedition.
 
Here’s a list of the most common catches and the optimal times to hook them:
 
·      Dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo: Year round.
·      Snapper: July through December.
·      Roosterfish: July to September.
·      Black marlin: October to December.
·      Blue marlin: April to June.
·      Sailfish: December to May.

While on holiday in Costa Rica, many visitors take advantage of the innumerable tours available.

 
The country is a veritable playground for tourists hoping to escape the daily grind as well as adventurous explorers seeking unique excursions.
 
Luckily, there are plenty of tour types and family activities to captivate almost anyone’s interest. Here are a few types of Costa Rica tours travellers staying in Los Suenos, Jaco or Manuel Antonio can find:
 
1.     Marine tours: Surrounded on both sides by the sea, Costa Rica has more than 800 miles of coastline and beaches. Take a charter fishing expedition into the deep blue, or a marine wildlife tour to observe all the animal species occupying the adjacent waters.
2.     Nature tours: Costa Rica hosts the densest population of plant and animal life in the world.  And with beautiful scenery including cloud forests and the rainforest, tourists can take in the country’s diverse places.
3.     Culture/Educational tours: Travellers interested in immersing themselves into the agrarian culture of Costa Rica should take advantage of one of the many cultural tours around the country.
4.     Adventure tours: For the thrill seekers, Costa Rica offers a number of outdoor activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Take a spin in a kayak or tackle your fear of heights by ziplining through the forest.

While Costa Rica is one of the top travel destinations in Central America, many visitors may not realize they're entering a whole new world when they stop off their flight.

Whether travellers are heading south to take in Costa Rica's ecotourism hot spots or head out into the Pacific for a charter fishing adventure, visitors should be prepared to expect the unexpected.

We've compiled a list of some of the top travel tips for an upcoming stay in Costa Rica: 

1. Rain, rain won't go away. The wet stuff falls from the sky year-round in this lush country. While this is healthy for Costa Rica's rainforest, unexpecting tourists often are caught unprepared. So make sure to pack a poncho and/or other raingear to deal with the wet Costa Rican weather.
2. Dollars and sense. The Costa Rican currency is called colones. While many hotels and tour operators list prices in U.S. dollars, it helps to familiarize yourself with the currency to avoid any confusion. To get a sense of average prices, the conversion hovers around 500-550 colones to US$1.
3. 'Tis the season. Peak travel season for this tiny Central American nation is between Christmas and New Years, so if you plan to visit for some fishing or family time, book well in advance.
4. They see me rollin'. Road conditions vary signficantly throughout the country. As can be expected, roads are better in more populated areas, whereas many mountain roads have never been paved. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you plan to rent a vehicle during your stay.

International visitors to Costa Rica are often looking for more than a little sand and sun.

While many visitors hit Costa Rica's waters for some superb charter fishing, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute says that more than half of the country's travellers from abroad participate in some form of ecotourism.

That means wanderlusting foreigners are hitting the mountains for hiking through the rainforest, the country's scenic waters for some kayaking, or taking advantage of Costa Rica's tropical climate for some year-round snorkeling.

In addition to exploring charming beach villages such as Jaco or Los Suenos, families and fishing enthusiasts alike can enjoy Costa Rica's unique position of possessing the highest density of plant and animal species in the world. Hailed as a haven for unique biodiversity, lovers of the outdoors can play a massive game of animal "I Spy" with more than 850 species of birds, 237 mammal species and a whopping 1,260 tree species.

The incredible biodiversity is often densest in many of Costa Rica's nationally protected parks scattered around the country. With more than 3.2 million acres of conserved lands, the Costa Rican government has ensured that travellers will be able to enjoy this nation's natural beauty for decades to come.