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.

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:

Winter has arrived and it’s time to book your Costa Rica Sport Fishing Adventure. Go Fishing Costa Rica presents the Captains Ultimate Deep Sea Adventure Package at an unbeatable price.

Book your Costa Rica Fishing Expedition today!- Click here