1/2 Day Inshore Amberjack Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing charter aboard 28' Bertram yachtTarget Roosterfish, Snapper, Grouper with experienced local captainsIncludes fresh fruit, homemade hummus, accommodates up to six guests
Picture this: you're on a pristine 28-foot Bertram Fly Bridge cruising the crystal-clear waters off Playa Flamingo, one of Costa Rica's top-rated fishing destinations. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a genuine inshore fishing adventure that gets your heart pumping and your drag screaming. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, our local captains know exactly where the fish are hiding and how to put you on them.
Your 4+ hour private charter aboard the Amberjack gives you exclusive access to some of the richest inshore waters in Central America. We're talking about prime fishing real estate where the Pacific currents collide with rocky points, creating the perfect storm for world-class angling. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, so bring your crew – there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques simultaneously. Our experienced captains have been working these waters for decades, and they've got the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an epic day. You'll cruise along dramatic coastlines, hit productive rock piles, and work the edges where big predators patrol. The whole setup is designed for serious fishing, but don't worry if you're green – our crew will have you casting like a pro in no time. Fresh fruit, homemade hummus with veggies, and a selection of chips keep you fueled up between hookups.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be working everything from live bait presentations near structure to casting poppers and jigs around rocky outcroppings where ambush predators like to hang out. The Amberjack is rigged with quality gear that can handle whatever swims in these waters – from finicky snapper that require light presentations to bruiser jacks that'll test your drag system. Our captains excel at sight fishing, often spotting schools of fish or individual trophies before they show up on the fish finder. You'll learn to work different depths, from shallow reef tops where roosters cruise to deeper drop-offs where big grouper hide in caves. Live bait fishing with sardines or ballyhoo is deadly effective, but don't sleep on artificials – these waters produce fantastic action on everything from spoons to soft plastics. The key is versatility, and our crew will rotate techniques based on conditions and what the fish are telling us.
Red Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system, often lurking in rocky crevices and caves along the coast. These bruisers can push 20+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using every piece of structure to try and break you off. They're year-round residents, but the bigger specimens show up more consistently during the dry season months. What makes them so exciting is the initial strike – grouper hit hard and immediately dive for cover, giving you seconds to turn their head before they reach sanctuary. Their table fare is absolutely top-notch, with firm white meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling.
Roosterfish are the poster child of Costa Rican inshore fishing, and for good reason. These iconic fighters sport a distinctive dorsal fin that looks like a rooster's comb, especially when they're fired up. They patrol sandy beaches and rocky points, often hunting in schools during certain times of year. Peak rooster action typically runs from December through August, with the largest fish showing up during the transition periods. What sets them apart is their aerial displays – roosters jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're catch-and-release fish that can live over 30 years, so treating them right ensures future generations get to experience the same rush.
Greater Amberjack are the speedsters of the deep, built for power and endurance. These fish patrol the edges of reefs and drop-offs, often following baitfish schools in massive feeding frenzies. They're most active during the cooler months, but resident populations can be found year-round in deeper water. What makes jacks so addictive is their fighting style – long, powerful runs that test your tackle and your patience. They're notorious for making multiple runs, just when you think you've got them beat. The bigger fish, often called "AJ" by locals, can exceed 40 pounds and provide battles that last 20+ minutes.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound fighters that earn respect from every angler who tangles with them. These aggressive predators hunt in schools, creating feeding frenzies that attract everything from birds to bigger gamefish. They're most active during dawn and dusk hours, but can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right. Jack Crevalle are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive biters that don't require finesse – they'll eat everything from live bait to gaudy lures. Their fighting style is all about brute strength and determination, making short, powerful runs that put serious pressure on gear.
Cubera Snapper are the giants of the snapper family, with trophy specimens reaching 50+ pounds in these waters. They're primarily nocturnal feeders but can be caught during daylight hours around deeper structure and rocky pinnacles. The larger cubera are typically solitary hunters, while smaller fish may school together. What makes them so sought-after is their combination of size, fighting ability, and incredible table fare. They're also incredibly smart fish that require patience and the right presentation. When you hook a big cubera, expect a methodical fight with powerful head shakes and determined runs toward structure. Peak season runs from May through September when they're more active in shallower water.
At $875 for the Amberjack plus $75 per additional angler, this charter delivers serious value for
Meet the Amberjack, your ticket to serious inshore fishing action off Playa Flamingo's Pacific coast. This restored 28' Bertram Fly Bridge runs on twin Yanmar 240 HP engines that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you steady when the action heats up. The flybridge gives you prime spotting position for cruising roosters and hunting those deeper drop-offs where snapper and grouper hang out. With shaded seating below and room to move around the cockpit, you've got everything needed for a productive half-day on the water. The boat handles Costa Rica's Pacific swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're working live bait for jacks or bottom fishing the rocky structure. Perfect setup for up to 4 anglers who want to fish hard without the offshore travel time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are serious fighters that'll test your gear and your endurance. These silvery-blue fish with that amber stripe down the middle average 20-40 pounds around here, but we've had guests hook into 60+ pounders. They patrol deeper structures – wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs – usually in 60-200 feet of water. Peak season runs April through September when they're most active. What makes them special is pure power; they'll make long, deep runs that'll have your arms burning. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking for dinner. The meat is firm and mild. My advice: use heavy tackle and be patient. When you hook one, let it run initially, then apply steady pressure. Try to keep them away from structure or they'll wrap you up and break off for sure.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable targets here in Costa Rica's waters. These rusty-red fish with distinctive white spots average 5-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 20+ pounders that'll give you a real workout. They hang around rocky bottoms and reef structures in 30-100 feet of water, making them perfect for our inshore charters. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and some of the best eating you'll find – their meat is firm, flaky, and has that sweet shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. They're aggressive feeders, so hooking up isn't usually the problem. My tip: once you get one on, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks where they'll cut you off every time.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the giants of the snapper family – true trophy fish that can exceed 40 pounds in our waters. These gray-brown bruisers have massive canine teeth and live around rocky ledges, reefs, and drop-offs in 50-150 feet. They're most active from May through August when they move to shallower spawning areas. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and table quality – they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The challenge is getting them away from structure once hooked, as they'll dive straight back to the rocks. My go-to technique is using live skipjack or large squid on heavy tackle. When you get a bite, don't hesitate – set the hook hard and pull them up immediately. Give them an inch and they'll take you to the rocks.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jack are the bulldogs of the reef – aggressive, powerful, and always ready to fight. These brassy-green fish with yellow tails typically run 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20+. They're found everywhere from shallow flats to deeper reefs, often hunting in schools that push baitfish to the surface. Look for diving birds – that's your best sign. They'll hit just about anything that moves fast, making them great for beginners and kids. While they're not the best eating, the fight more than makes up for it. They're available year-round but are most active during the warmer months. Pro tip: cast past the school and reel fast through it. These guys love the chase, and the faster you retrieve, the more aggressive they get.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are the crown jewel of Costa Rican fishing – there's nothing quite like seeing that iconic dorsal fin "rooster comb" pop up when they get excited. These silver beauties with dark stripes can reach 50+ pounds and are found year-round in our warm Pacific waters. They cruise sandy bottoms near reefs and rocky areas, usually within a few miles of shore. What guests love most is the visual aspect – watching them chase bait on the surface before that explosive strike. They're notorious for powerful runs, especially that final burst when they see the boat. Most anglers release them since the meat is pretty tough. Here's the key: when you hook one, be ready for multiple runs and don't horse them in. Let them tire themselves out, because they will.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica