Sportfishing in Quepos

Why Quepos

Quepos is a working port town at the gateway to Manuel Antonio, and it has one of the largest sportfishing fleets in Costa Rica. Its waters sit in the heart of the Central Pacific sailfish grounds, and the town's whole waterfront has been rebuilt around Marina Pez Vela, the full-service marina where nearly every charter boards.

The marina has fuel, a boatyard, restaurants and shops on the dock, and boats of every size from 25-foot center consoles to big sportfishing yachts. That range makes Quepos a good choice for first-timers and serious bluewater anglers alike.

What you'll catch and when

Sailfish are what Quepos is known for. FECOP, the Costa Rican sport fishing federation, puts the best months for sailfish and marlin on the central and southern Pacific at roughly November to April, and February to April is usually the strongest stretch. Good boats raise several sails on a strong day in season. Blue, black and striped marlin are caught on the same grounds, more often by crews that target them on purpose.

The rest of the year, dorado are often the main offshore catch, especially when the rainy season washes logs and weed lines out to sea, and yellowfin tuna and wahoo turn up around floating debris and offshore structure.

Inshore, the rocky points north of Quepos and the river mouths along the coast hold roosterfish, snapper, jacks and Sierra mackerel, which can be caught any month. Inshore trips are shorter, calmer and good for families.

Choosing a charter

With dozens of boats at the marina, you can choose between half-day inshore trips, full-day offshore runs and longer days to the far banks. Two crews we list are Quepos Fishing and Quepos Fish Adventure; there are many others.

Things worth asking any crew:

• How far out are the fish running this week? In some seasons it's a long ride to blue water.
• Is the INCOPESCA licence included? If not, buy it online before you go.
• What tackle do they use for billfish? Circle hooks are standard practice for releasing sailfish safely.
• Can you keep a dorado or tuna? Billfish are always released.

A typical day out of Marina Pez Vela

Offshore charters usually meet at the marina early, often around 7. On the way out, many crews stop to catch live bait, then head for blue water to troll a spread of teasers and lures. When a sailfish rises behind the boat, the mate pulls the teaser away and the angler drops back a bait, usually on a circle hook, which catches the fish in the corner of the mouth and makes a clean release easier. On a good day in season, you'll repeat that routine several times.

Half-day inshore trips work the rocky points and river mouths outside the park waters, mostly with live bait for roosterfish, snapper and jacks. Some crews also offer light-tackle and fly-fishing trips for sailfish when the fish are close in; ask if that interests you.

One more tip: Quepos is busy in the dry season, and the best-known crews book up early for February to April. If you have fixed dates in peak sailfish season, reserve a boat well before you travel. In the rainy months, it's usually easy to find a boat a day or two ahead.

Where to stay

Quepos town is practical and close to the marina, with small hotels and restaurants on the waterfront. Most visitors stay up the hill in Manuel Antonio, about 10 to 15 minutes away, where hotels look out over the forest and the sea. There are also hotels and condos at Marina Pez Vela itself, handy for early departures.

Getting to Quepos

Quepos is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), on Route 27 and the coastal highway. SANSA flies from San José to the Quepos-Manuel Antonio airstrip in under half an hour. Shuttles and public buses run daily from San José and Jacó.

Other things to do

• Manuel Antonio National Park: beaches, monkeys and forest trails just south of town. No fishing is allowed inside the park.
• Rafting: the Savegre and Naranjo rivers, south of Quepos, have rafting trips for beginners and experienced paddlers.
• Sunset cruises: catamarans leave from Quepos most afternoons, with snorkeling stops near Manuel Antonio.
• The marina: Marina Pez Vela's waterfront is a pleasant place for dinner after a day on the water.