July Fish of the Month –– Rooster Fish (Pez Gallo)
If you are looking for a great day on the water and you have a limited budget consider going on a ½ day Inshore Fishing trip, and try your luck with one of the hardest fighting fish in Costa Rica…the Rooster Fish.
The Rooster Fish bite is good year round but rainy season seems to be the best time to catch the big fish. Roosterfish are generally caught slow trolling live bait near inshore rocks, reefs and in the surf. Use a downrigger or planer to get your bait down. Roosterfish can also be caught with lures, spoons, ballyhoo rigs and on the fly.
World Record: 114 lbs. La Paz, Baja California
Please use circle hooks and catch and release all Roosterfish.
Fishing Report
The fishing in July was a little better than expected. July is a slow month for charters but the boats that did go out caught some fish.
The Inshore Fishing has been good with lots of big Rooster Fish being caught…mostly on live bait. Captain RJ on the “Predator” had a double hook up on Roosterfish in July, one fish was 50 pounds and the other was over 80 pounds.
The Yellowfin Tuna bite was good in July with lots of 30 - 40 pounders being caught while fishing for Sailfish. The “Macushla” had a great day in early July when they caught a dozen Yellowfin all in the 40 pound range.
The Billfish action was also good with boats catching Sailfish and Marlin in above average numbers for July. Captain Glenn on the “Betina” went 7 for 11 on Sails and released a nice Marlin. Several others boats had similar days in July.
August Fish Forecast --The fishing in August will more than likely be similar to the fishing in July. The Rooster Fish and Tuna bite will be the highlights of the month, and the boats that go offshore will be rewarded with above average numbers of Sailfish and Marlin.
Give me a call or send an email with your fish story for the next “Costa Rica Fishing Report”.
DOLPHIN / WHALE WATCHING: Dolphins are usually everywhere plus we do see the occasional whale. HORSEBACK RIDING: Available in most places, who hasn’t wanted to ride a horse on a beach. HOT SPRINGS / SPA: Available only in a few places, the best in romantic and relaxing getaways. KAYAKING: Available in several places, white water or ocean kayaks – cheap water fun. LAKE FISHING: Fish for the Guapote (Central American Bass) at Lake Arenal and Lake Nicaragua, great fighters on light tackle. MOTORCYCLE / QUAD RENTAL: Available in several places, great fun, wear your helmet. NATIONAL PARKS: Available in most areas, great tours, see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
PARAGLIDING: Available in a few places…try it if you get a chance…a few moments of panic followed by the best ride of your life. RIVER FISHING: Fly fish for Trout in the high mountain streams, fish the jungle rivers for giant Tarpon and Snook. SHOPPING: Available everywhere, take home some souvenirs and coffee SURF / BOOGIE BOARD: Available in the most popular towns, what the hell…give it a shot.
TURTLE WATCHING: Available only at certain times and certain places but for some the thrill of a lifetime.
VOLCANO TOUR: Available almost everywhere, good family trip. WHITE WATER RAFTING: Scenic and serene beauty followed by wet and wild adrenalin rush. WINDSURFING: Available at a few places, Lake Arenal is famous for its windsurfing
