3/4 Day Inshore Skipjack Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6+ hour inshore fishing charter aboard 27' SkipjackTarget Roosterfish, Snapper, Grouper with experienced local captainsGourmet lunch included, accommodates up to five guests
If you're looking for a serious inshore fishing adventure in Costa Rica's legendary waters, this 6+ hour private charter aboard the Skipjack delivers exactly what passionate anglers crave. Captain and crew know these productive coastal waters around Playa Flamingo like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish using proven techniques and top-quality tackle. The 27' Stamas Tarpon center console is built for the job – twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards give you the speed to reach productive spots fast, while the spacious layout keeps up to four guests comfortable during long fights with trophy fish. This isn't a tourist boat ride; it's a dedicated fishing machine run by locals who live and breathe these waters.
Your day starts early at Playa Flamingo, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The Skipjack's center console design means everyone has easy access to the action – no cramped quarters or fighting for rod space. Your captain will read the water conditions, check his GPS marks, and head to where the fish are biting that day. Could be rocky points holding snapper and grouper, could be blue water edges where roosterfish are prowling, or maybe structure that's loaded with jacks and amberjack. The beauty of a 6+ hour charter is having time to work multiple spots and adapt to what's happening. Lunch comes included – we're talking gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, homemade hummus with vegetables, and chips. Real food that keeps you fueled for the long haul, not some soggy gas station sandwich. Between the quality boat, experienced crew, and full day on the water, this trip attracts serious anglers who want results.
The Skipjack comes rigged with quality tackle suited for Costa Rica's hard-fighting inshore species. Your captain will match the gear to the target – heavier setups for amberjack and cubera snapper that'll test your arms, lighter tackle for pompano and smaller jacks that fight above their weight class. Live bait is king in these waters, and the crew knows how to present sardines, anchovies, and ballyhoo to trigger strikes from wary fish. You'll also work with artificials – poppers and stick baits that drive roosterfish crazy, jigs for working structure and drop-offs, and plugs that produce explosive surface strikes. Bottom fishing around rocky structure requires skill to keep fish out of the rocks – your captain will coach you through the technique of dropping the rod tip on hookup, then applying maximum pressure to turn the fish. Trolling is productive for covering water and locating active schools. The key is having a captain who can read the conditions and switch tactics when one approach isn't producing.
Roosterfish are the crown jewel of Costa Rican inshore fishing, and these waters produce some serious specimens. These fish are pure adrenaline – they'll crush surface lures with spectacular strikes, then launch themselves clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Roosterfish average 15-30 pounds here, but 40+ pounders show up regularly. They're most active during morning and late afternoon hours, hunting baitfish along the beach and around rocky points. The distinctive rooster-like dorsal fin and aggressive fighting style make them a bucket-list species for serious anglers.
Greater Amberjack in these waters are absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle and technique. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 60 pounds, and they use every ounce fighting around structure where they live. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively on live bait presented near rocky bottom and drop-offs. When you hook an amberjack, expect a straight-down power run followed by stubborn, circling fights that'll have your arms burning. They're excellent eating too, making them a favorite target for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the dinner table rewards.
Crevalle Jack might not be pretty, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These silver bullets average 8-20 pounds and attack lures with reckless abandon. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find many. Jacks are perfect for lighter tackle fishing – they'll bend rods double and peel drag like fish twice their size. They're most active around bait schools and structure, and they'll hit everything from live bait to surface plugs.
Pacific Pompano are the elegantly built speedsters of the group, averaging 3-8 pounds but fighting with incredible power for their size. These chrome-sided beauties prefer sandy bottoms and are caught using lighter tackle with small jigs and live bait. They're excellent table fare and provide great sport on appropriate tackle. Pompano often feed in schools during tide changes, and finding an active school can lead to steady action.
Cubera Snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family, growing to massive sizes in Costa Rican waters. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can exceed 50 pounds, and they're notorious for their initial power run toward structure. Cubera live around rocky bottom and require heavy tackle and expert boat handling to land successfully. They're primarily night feeders but can be caught during the day using large live baits presented near bottom structure. Landing a large cubera is considered a major accomplishment among experienced anglers.
At $750 for up to four anglers, this charter delivers serious value for a full day of top-tier inshore fishing. You're getting a proven boat, experienced local captain, quality tackle, and a full spread of meals – everything needed for a world-class fishing experience. The Skipjack books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. Payment is flexible with cash
The Skipjack cuts through Costa Rican waters like she was born for it. This 27-foot Stamas Tarpon center console runs on twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fish fast and bring you back dry. Her deep-V hull handles the Pacific swells with ease while you work the productive waters off Playa Flamingo for roosterfish, snapper, and whatever else is biting. The spacious cockpit gives four anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the live wells keep your bait fresh all day. Captain stocks her with top-shelf Shimano gear, plus all the electronics you need - GPS to mark the hot spots, fish finder to locate the schools, and VHF radio for safety. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh on the ride back to the dock. She's built for serious fishing but comfortable enough for a full day on the water.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied fighters that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60 or more. These bluish-grey fish with their distinctive amber stripe love deeper structure like rocky outcrops, wrecks, and drop-offs in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are thick around the reefs. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They'll eat anything from live bait to heavy jigs, but they're not picky. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - they'll use every rock and crevice to try breaking you off, so winch them up fast and don't give them a chance to dive back down to structure.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera Snapper are the giants of the snapper family - massive fish that can hit 60+ pounds and stretch over 4 feet long. These dark grey bruisers with thick lips and big canine teeth live around rocky structure, reefs, and drop-offs in 50-150 feet of water. Best fishing is during their spawning season from May through August when they move to shallower areas. What makes them special is the pure power - once hooked, they'll try every trick to get back to the rocks. The meat's good eating in smaller fish, but most big ones get released. My tip: use heavy tackle with live skipjack or large chunks of bait, and once you hook up, don't give them an inch - keep that drag tight and pump them up fast before they can wrap you around the reef structure.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of the flats - aggressive schooling fish that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20 or more. These brassy-green fighters with bright yellow tails love shallow sandy areas, grass flats, and around structure where they can ambush baitfish. They're here year-round but best when bait schools are thick. Watch for diving birds - that's your sign jacks are pushing sardines to the surface. The fight is pure aggression with hard runs and dogged determination. Most folks release them since the meat's pretty strong, but the action is non-stop once you find a school. My advice: cast past the feeding frenzy and retrieve fast - these fish love the chase. Use silver spoons or poppers, and once you hook up, get ready because they don't quit easily.
Peprilus SimillimusPacific Pompano are small but sweet - literally. These oval-shaped silver fish rarely exceed 8 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in taste. They school in sandy areas and around structure in 20-100 feet, feeding on small crabs and shrimp near the bottom. Active year-round, they're easiest to catch during calmer conditions when you can spot schools. Guests love them for the dinner plate - firm, flaky white meat with a delicate flavor that's hard to beat. They're picky eaters and easily spooked, so light tackle and small hooks are key. My tip: use tiny pieces of fresh shrimp on size 6 hooks and fish them mid-depth over sandy bottom. Move quietly and keep your offerings small - these fish are worth the finesse for that first bite.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are the stars of inshore fishing here - they're the only species in their family, famous for that signature "rooster comb" of long dorsal spines they flash when excited. These beauties average around 30-60 pounds but can hit over 100, with striking dark stripes along their silver sides. You'll find them in sandy-bottom areas, around rocky points, and near river mouths in 20-80 feet of water. They're active year-round in our warm Pacific waters, but peak during the dry season. Most anglers release them since the meat's tough, but the fight is pure power - long runs that'll test your drag. My tip: troll live bait like blue runners slowly near structure, and when one hits, clear the decks because they'll make multiple screaming runs before giving up.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica