Tuna Fishing in Costa Rica

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in the Waters of Costa Rica

Yellowfin tuna are some of the hardest-fighting, fastest-swimming, and most rewarding species you can hook in Costa Rica. These powerful game fish are known for their speed, strength, and size—often reaching over 200 pounds.

Whether you’re chasing schools of tuna boiling on bait balls or trolling offshore for trophy catches, Costa Rica’s Pacific waters are home to prime yellowfin tuna grounds year-round. Get ready for thrilling action, screaming reels, and an unforgettable fishing experience.

Best Time of Year for Tuna Fishing in Costa Rica

You can fish for yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica throughout the year, but peak season offers even higher chances of big action.

  • Peak Season: May through October
  • Year-Round Possibility: Tuna can be caught any month with the right conditions
  • Best Locations: Offshore waters near Quepos, Los Sueños, Drake Bay, and the Osa Peninsula

What’s Included in Our Tuna Fishing Charters

Our full-service charters come equipped for targeting tuna with top-tier gear and experienced crews:

  • Licensed, bilingual captain and mates
  • High-end rods, reels, and gear for tuna
  • Live bait, artificial lures & topwater poppers
  • Ice-cold water, soft drinks, and beer
  • Fresh snacks and lunch (full-day trips)
  • High-speed boats with sonar/GPS
  • Tuna cleaning upon request
  • Catch photos and videos

Techniques We Use to Catch Yellowfin Tuna

Tuna fishing is fast-paced and action-packed. Our team uses proven methods tailored to local conditions:

  • Trolling with cedar plugs, squid daisy chains, and diving lures
  • Live baiting around floating debris (logs, buoys)
  • Casting topwater lures to surface-boiling tuna schools
  • Chunking with sardines or skipjack
  • Running and gunning toward bird activity or porpoise pods

All techniques are conservation-minded and designed for maximum excitement.

Book Your Costa Rica Tuna Fishing Trip

If you’re ready for explosive surface strikes and long, hard fights, yellowfin tuna is the fish for you.

Frequently Asked Questions – Tuna Fishing

Can we keep the tuna we catch?

Yes, tuna can be kept and cleaned for you (within legal limits). We’ll even filet it and pack it for your cooler.

What size do tuna reach in Costa Rica?

Yellowfin tuna can range from 20 lbs to over 200 lbs. Big schools of 40–100 lb tuna are common offshore.

Is tuna fishing family-friendly?

Absolutely. Many families love the action, especially when tuna are feeding on the surface—it’s fast and fun!

What’s the best boat type for tuna fishing?

We use fast, offshore-ready sportfishing boats with twin engines, shaded decks, and all safety equipment.