Excellent Fishing

Costa Rica has some of the world's best sport fishing. Take your choice. Fish either the Caribbean or the Pacific, but don't forget those gentle miles of meandering rivers or the fresh water lakes. Lake Arenal is famous for its guapote bass. More important, most fishing areas are only a few hours driving time from anywhere in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is also considered to be one of the best year-round fishing areas in the world. The fishing is outstanding almost all of the time and almost everywhere in Costa Rica. Even when it rains it isn't so bad since your chances of catching some excellent sportfish are very good. When it comes to sailfish, tarpon or snook, no place is better.

If you are really hooked on fishing, and want to keep up with the local fishing scene, pick up a copy of the Tico Times. It has an excellent weekly fishing column written by legendary local fishing expert, Jerry Ruhlow. Listed below are some of the better fishing camps all of which have great accommodations and experienced English-speaking fishing guides.

Carribbean Fishing:
Lucky One 221-0096
Tortuga Lodge 223-0333
Parismina Tarpon Rancho 235-7766
Casamar 381-1380
Río Colorado 232-4063 or 232-8610

Pacific Fishing: Flamingo Bay Pacific Charters 680-0444 or 680-0620
Papagayo Excursions 680-0859
Oasis del Pacífico (Nicoya) 661-1555
Sports Fishing Quepos 233-9135
Costa Rican Dreams (Quepos) 777-0593
Tango Mar (Tambor) 661-2798
Golfito Sports Fishing 775-0353
Reel'n Release Sportfishing (Dominical) 771-1903
Blue Marlin Fishing (Flamingo Beach) 654-4043
Freshwater Trout Fishing: Adventuras Tilarán (Arenal) 695-5008
Finca Zacatecales 771-1732

Some of these fishing companies, camps and lodges provide overnight accommodations that include meals. Fishing equipment and boats are also available.

For the listing of other fishing camps and tours, read the Tico Times contact Costa Rica Unique Tours at: www.costaricabooks.com/travel or consult Tico Travel at: www.ticotravel.com.