Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica lives up to its name the “Rich Coast”. Its progressive environmental policies have allowed both land and sea to flourish, making it one of the finest fishing and eco-tourism destinations in the world. The fishing is hugely varied, with most inshore and offshore species present year round. Not only the scene of excellent fishing but also a plethora of non-fishing activities and eco-exploration, there is a diverse range of fishing for conventional and fly anglers alike.
We’ll update this page with 2026 season fishing reports from the Crocodile Bay operation.
July fishing: the insure bite steals the dhow and bug tuna test rods and backs
July delivered some outstanding fishing at Crocodile Bay, with the Osa Peninsula once again showing why it’s one of Central America’s premier fishing destinations.
Calm seas and plenty of sunny days gave guests great conditions to take advantage of a red-hot inshore bite, while offshore, yellowfin tuna kept reels screaming throughout the month.
And while the offshore action was strong, July belonged to the inshore fishery.
Roosterfish Put on a Show
The inshore bite has been on fire for the past few months, and July kept that streak rolling.
Roosterfish were the stars of the show, with several boats enjoying double-digit days. Anyone who has tangled with a big rooster knows the hookup is only the beginning. These iconic fish have speed, strength, blistering runs, and an attitude to match that unmistakable dorsal fin.
They’ll rip off line, change direction when you least expect it, and make you earn every inch before finally coming boatside. It’s exactly why roosterfish remain one of the bucket-list species anglers travel to Costa Rica to experience.
When you’re getting that kind of action day after day, you know the Osa Peninsula is showing off.
Cubera Snapper Bring the Muscle
Roosters weren’t the only reason to stay close to shore.
Cubera snapper made a strong showing throughout July, with several trips producing double-digit catches and fish ranging from around 15lb to bruisers pushing 50.
Fishing for Cubera around the Osa is about as close to hand-to-hand combat as you can get with a rod and reel. Once they eat, their first move is usually straight back toward the rocks and structure, so anglers need to be ready to put the pressure on immediately.
There isn’t much room for error with a big Cubera. Our captains and mates know these reefs and rocky structures inside and out, and that local knowledge gave guests some fantastic opportunities to battle these powerful predators and get some impressive fish boatside before release.
Yellowfin Keep Reels Screaming Offshore
Offshore, the yellowfin tuna bite remained phenomenal.
Our crews consistently located multiple schools of feeding tuna, giving anglers plenty of opportunities throughout the month. The fish ranged from around 30lb all the way up to 150lb bruisers, with some serious muscle mixed into those schools.
In summary
July also gave us calm seas, sunshine, and some beautiful days on the Pacific. Yes, we’re in Costa Rica’s green season, so packing rain gear is always a good idea—but don’t forget the sunscreen.
Whether you’re chasing a trophy rooster along the coastline, trying to stop a cubera before it reaches the rocks, or watching line disappear behind a big yellowfin offshore, there’s plenty happening right now at Crocodile Bay.
June Fishing: In a word ‘ legendary’
June marks one of our favourite times of the year as we transition from the dry season into the beautiful green season. While many people think a little rain slows things down, seasoned anglers know the truth—it does the exact opposite.
This seasonal change cools the ocean just enough to create the perfect conditions for incredible fishing. As the water temperature begins to drop, baitfish move, predators follow, and species that normally stay in deeper water begin pushing into the shallows. The result? Non-stop action both offshore and inshore.
And this June certainly did not disappoint.
Trophy Roosterfish Steal the Show
Without a doubt, the stars of the month were the roosterfish. Not only did we experience incredible numbers, but we also started seeing the true giants of the Osa Peninsula come out to play. We’re talking about fish tipping the scales at 30lb and up, with several days producing double-digit catches of trophy roosterfish.
Watching these powerful fish explode on a live bait in crystal-clear water never gets old, and our guests were treated to some of the best roosterfish action we’ve seen in a long time.
The transition months have always been known for producing trophy inshore fishing, and this year was no exception. Every day on the water seemed to offer another unforgettable battle and another incredible story to tell.
Outstanding Offshore Action
While the roosterfish stole much of the spotlight, the offshore bite was equally impressive. Tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, and other pelagic species kept anglers busy throughout the month. The cooler water temperatures brought life back to the blue water, creating action that had rods bending from the moment we left the dock until it was time to head home.
If June taught us anything, it’s that the transition months continue to offer some of the most productive fishing of the entire year. With healthy water conditions, abundant bait, and so many species actively feeding, we’re expecting July to continue the incredible momentum.
Yes, you may want to pack your favourite rain jacket because this is the green season, after all—but don’t let that fool you. The sun still shines bright over the Osa Peninsula, and when it does, it lights up one of the most beautiful fisheries on the planet. So don’t forget your sunscreen either!
Whether you’re dreaming of battling giant roosterfish along the shoreline, chasing yellowfin tuna offshore, or simply experiencing one of Costa Rica’s most incredible fishing destinations, now is the time to come.
May fishing report: Non-stop action in the Osa Peninsula
If there’s one word that defines Crocodile Bay, it’s variety.
The transition season has the fishery absolutely alive right now, bringing together some of the best offshore and inshore fishing we’ve seen in years. One day it’s giant yellowfin tuna crashing topwater baits offshore, the next it’s explosive roosterfish strikes tight to the rocks. Add in blue marlin, sailfish, mahi, Cubera snapper, and even Pacific tarpon — and every day on the water feels different.
And that’s exactly what makes fishing the Osa Peninsula so special.
The offshore bite continues to fire on all cylinders. Sailfish numbers remain strong, with multiple double hookups throughout the month, while blue marlin encounters have added even more excitement offshore. The bull mahi have officially arrived too, giving anglers nonstop action and incredible variety every time the boats leave the dock.
But the biggest story this month has been the yellowfin tuna bite.
Massive tuna have been blowing up on bait offshore, creating pure chaos from the first cast — screaming drags, multiple hookups, and fish hitting the deck before the spray even settles.
Several groups experienced unforgettable tuna action this month, including epic triple hookups, 100-pound-plus fish, and fresh sushi dinners every night.
Inshore, the roosterfish bite has reached another level.
Big fish are pushing up along the rocky coastline of the Osa Peninsula, delivering explosive strikes and drag-burning runs anglers never forget. Roosterfish and Cubera snapper are both showing up in a BIG way right now, especially as cooler water settles into the region.
One standout catch this month included a rare black snapper estimated at 35–40lb — only the second one Captain Oldemar has seen in 25 years on these waters.
As always, all roosterfish and Cubera snapper are carefully released to help preserve this incredible fishery for future generations.
April Fishing Report: Highflying sailfish delight
Both inshore and offshore were exceptional this past month, but the sailfish stole the show.
We saw an electrifying month on the water, highlighted by a sailfish season unlike any we’ve experienced in recent years. Numbers remained consistently high throughout the month, with multiple record days and nonstop action that gave anglers more opportunities than usual to hook and fight that dream fish.
From early morning bites to late-afternoon flurries behind the spread, sailfish dominated and kept rods bent day after day.
Blue marlin added another level of excitement. These fish showed up impressively, aggressively attacking teasers and delivering the kind of strikes that make offshore fishing unforgettable.
Paired with the sailfish bite, it made for a billfish programme that produced action on nearly every trip.
Inshore, the story was just as strong. We consistently put anglers on trophy roosterfish with explosive surface takes, along with adult Cubera snappers that tested both tackle and technique. It’s a great reminder of the diversity and quality of the fishery we have here.
Conditions played a major role in the month’s success. Calm seas and stable weather allowed us to stay in productive areas and maximize key bite windows, making for comfortable runs and efficient fishing.
February Fishing Report: Double-Digit Sailfish Days!
February delivered unreal fishing action here on the Osa Peninsula. With calm offshore waters and ideal conditions, anglers experienced the kind of glassy seas that fishermen dream about. At the same time, the inshore bite remained just as exciting, reminding us once again why this region is considered one of the most productive fisheries in the world.
One of the biggest highlights this month was the incredible sailfish bite. Our crews enjoyed truly remarkable days offshore, raising impressive numbers of sailfish to the spread and regularly releasing double-digit fish. It has been a few years since we’ve seen this many sailfish concentrated in our waters, and watching multiple sails pile onto the spread at once created unforgettable moments for our anglers.
Yellowfin tuna were another major highlight in February. Large schools continued to run alongside porpoise offshore, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to hook into some powerful fish. Along with the schools, we also encountered aggressive lone tuna crushing our lures, adding even more excitement to the action.
As the month wrapped up, the billfish bite continued to stay strong, giving us plenty of optimism heading into March. If the end of February was any indication, the action is only getting better.
For more information on the best time to visit please contact Charlotte Chilcott or Peter McLeod or call us on +44 1980 847389. Alternatively click HERE if you would like us to contact you.
