
As the rainy season makes its exit, November is shaping up to be one of the best months for fishing in Costa Rica. The waters off the Central Pacific Coast are coming alive!
With incredible numbers of mahi-mahi, roosterfish, and marlin, plus a wide array of other inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, this month is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience for your fishing charter excursion. Here’s a detailed forecast for what you can expect when fishing near Jaco and Los Sueños in the coming weeks.
November is consistently one of the top months of the year for fishing in Costa Rica. With the rainy season nearly behind us, the conditions are becoming ideal. This transition to the dry season will draw out some of the most highly sought-after species across the Los Sueños area.
You can expect air temperatures to average around 83°F (28°C), with some perfectly pleasant days in the upper 70s. As the weather cools slightly, the ocean water is reaching that prime 82°F (27°C) mark—the ideal temperature for many of the trophy fish on your list.
While the peak rainy season could bring significant rainfall, November sees a dramatic drop. The few rainy days we might get will be much lighter, with the month being dominated by sunshine and clear skies perfect for a day on the water.
When you schedule your fishing excursion for November, you are targeting a peak month for a fantastic variety of fish, especially mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, and a host of inshore species.
The return of consistent sunshine in November attracts above-average numbers of mahi-mahi along the Central Pacific Coast. As we enter the dry season, the larger "bull" mahi are found further offshore. Anglers are reporting impressive 50-pound dorado up to 30 miles out. If you stick closer to shore, you can still expect to catch plenty of mahi-mahi in the 15-pound range.
As the skies clear, so does the water, creating prime conditions for billfish. Local anglers are already reporting impressive catches of both black and blue marlin. November is considered the peak of the marlin season, and with these powerful fish growing to upwards of 1,500 pounds, you could reel in a catch of a lifetime on your charter trip.
If you’re hoping to battle one of these giants, be prepared to start with live bait like small tuna, squid, or amberjack. You can often find marlin along deep-water drop-offs. Once hooked, get ready for an acrobatic fight as they breach the surface!
While yellowfin tuna often peak in the summer, we are still seeing large schools in the area. These powerful fish can top 400 pounds, making them a fan favorite on any charter. They are typically found hunting baitfish around pods of spinner dolphins.
Thanks to the Costa Rica "Tuna Decree" established in recent years, which protects local waters, the number of tuna available for sportfishing charters has dramatically increased. This means your Jaco fishing trip has a fantastic chance of landing multiple tuna this November.
For those planning an inshore fishing trip, you can expect to find a variety of popular and hard-fighting species. The top targets include:
November is truly one of the best months of the year for a fishing excursion in Jaco and Los Sueños. With the rainy season behind us, the peak fishing season is here. Book your charter boat today and enjoy the incredible bounty the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has to offer!