Tuna Fishing in Costa Rica: A World-Class Big Game Adventure

TunaFi

Costa Rica’s Pacific waters are home to some of the most exciting tuna fishing in the world. While several species of tuna roam the offshore blue waters year-round, the yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is the true superstar. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore angler or a first-time adventurer, the experience of hooking into a powerful tuna in Costa Rica is one you’ll never forget.

Tuna Species in Costa Rica

Several species of tuna are found in Costa Rica’s rich offshore waters, including:

  • 🐟 Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)

  • 🐟 Bigeye Tuna

  • 🐟 Skipjack Tuna

  • 🐟 Blackfin Tuna (Bonito)

Each species varies in size, behavior, and culinary quality, but all contribute to the thrilling offshore fishing opportunities available along the Pacific coast.

Yellowfin Tuna: Costa Rica’s Offshore Titan

Yellowfin tuna—also known as ahi—are the most commonly targeted tuna species in Costa Rica. Highly prized for both their incredible fighting ability and culinary value, yellowfin tuna are built for power and speed. These fish are pure muscle, capable of blistering runs and long, relentless fights that test both angler and gear.

Size & Season

  • Common sizes range from 20 to 100 pounds, with larger fish over 200 pounds landed regularly.

  • The best months for big yellowfin are during the green season (May through October), although they are present year-round.

  • The IGFA world record yellowfin weighed 405 pounds, and Costa Rica waters are no stranger to triple-digit fish.

Behavior

Yellowfin often travel in massive schools, particularly in areas rich in bait and current. They are known for their unique relationship with porpoises, especially spinner dolphins, with whom they often hunt cooperatively. Spotting a large pod of dolphins accompanied by diving seabirds is one of the most reliable signs that tuna are nearby.

How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Costa Rica

There are several effective methods to target yellowfin tuna, each with its own advantages depending on the conditions and angler preference:

🎣 Live Bait

  • One of the most productive methods.

  • Slow trolling or kite fishing with live bonito, goggle-eye, or blue runners often produces large tuna.

  • Ideal when tuna are finicky or spread out.

🎣 Topwater Poppers

  • A favorite among thrill-seeking anglers.

  • Casting poppers into tuna schools at the surface can produce explosive strikes, especially from larger fish.

  • Fluorocarbon leaders are recommended, as tuna have excellent vision and can be leader-shy.

🎣 Trolling

  • Cedar plugs, small feathers, and skirted lures are effective when tuna are moving fast.

  • Ideal for covering large areas and locating scattered schools.

🎣 Butterfly Jigs and Vertical Jigging

  • Highly effective around offshore structure and when tuna are holding deeper in the water column.

Tactic Tip:

When fishing alongside dolphins, it’s common to deploy live bait out the back while casting poppers or jigs off the bow. This often results in multiple hookups—double and triple headers are not unusual when the tuna bite is hot.

Other Tuna Species in Costa Rica

🐟 Bigeye Tuna

  • Similar in appearance and flavor to yellowfin, but feed more actively at night.

  • Occasionally caught while deep trolling or during overnight trips.

  • Less common but a prized catch when encountered.

🐟 Skipjack Tuna

  • Smaller tuna species typically 5–20 pounds.

  • Excellent as bait for marlin and large yellowfin.

  • Their dark, flavorful meat is also used in high-quality canned tuna products.

  • Often caught trolling spoons, small lures, or casting jigs.

🐟 Bonito (Blackfin Tuna)

  • Also known as “nice” locally, usually 5–10 pounds.

  • Not highly regarded for eating due to bloody red meat, but incredibly effective bait for marlin, tuna, and sailfish.

  • Also used as cut bait for inshore species like snapper, grouper, and roosterfish.

When to Go Tuna Fishing in Costa Rica?

Tuna can be caught all year long, but the best time for large yellowfin tuna is during the rainy (green) season, from May through October. During this period:

  • Currents are rich with bait

  • Porpoise activity increases

  • Big tuna regularly push closer to shore

That said, Costa Rica’s tuna fishing is remarkably consistent, and it’s not unusual to find schools of 30- to 80-pound fish even in the dry season.

Final Thoughts

Tuna fishing in Costa Rica is an experience every offshore angler should have on their bucket list. Whether you’re battling a 200-pound yellowfin with a popper rod or trolling through porpoise pods in search of that monster bite, few fishing adventures compare to the excitement and power of tuna in Costa Rica.

From its world-class fisheries to its experienced captains and high-end charters, Costa Rica provides everything you need for an unforgettable tuna fishing trip.

Book your charter, pack your strength and skill, and get ready to tangle with one of the ocean’s most powerful predators in the stunning blue waters of Costa Rica.