Target Marlin and Mahi on Costa Rica's Top Fishing Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday private charter aboard 27foot Stamas Tarpon vesselTarget sailfish, marlin, mahi, tuna with premium gear includedAccommodates five guests with gourmet meals and beverages provided
Picture yourself 20 miles off the coast of Playa Flamingo, lines in the water, watching for that telltale splash of a sailfish or the electric blue flash of a charging mahi. That's what you get with Captain AmberJack's full-day offshore charter aboard the Skipjack – eight solid hours of big-game fishing in some of Costa Rica's most productive waters. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With space for just four anglers, you'll have the captain's full attention and all the room you need to work a hot bite or fight that fish of a lifetime.
The Skipjack is a 27-foot Stamas Tarpon center console that's built for serious offshore work. Twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards get you to the fishing grounds fast, and the wide beam gives everyone plenty of elbow room when the action heats up. Your captain knows these waters like his backyard – where the current breaks hold bait, which seamounts fire up with tuna, and when the blue water pushes in close enough to target billfish without burning half your fuel getting there. You'll spend most of your day trolling the drop-offs and temperature breaks where pelagic species cruise, but don't be surprised if the captain switches up tactics based on what the fish are telling him. Some days they want lures screaming across the surface, other days they're hanging deep and you'll need to get baits down in the water column.
This operation runs top-shelf tackle that can handle anything from 20-pound mahi to 400-pound marlin. The spread typically includes a mix of lures and rigged baits – maybe a couple of big marlin lures on the long riggers, some smaller dolphin gear on the flat lines, and fresh ballyhoo or skip-jack tuna rigged on the short corners. When you hook up, the captain will clear the other lines and coach you through the fight. These aren't lake bass we're talking about – a good-sized yellowfin or bull mahi will test your arms and your technique. The boat's equipped with a fighting chair if you need it, but most fish can be handled from the cockpit with a quality harness. Gaffs, nets, and a big fish box mean your catch stays fresh, whether you're planning a beach barbecue or looking to ship some fillets home.
Red grouper are the bruisers of the deep structure here, often weighing 15 to 30 pounds and fighting like they're twice that size. They hang around rocky bottom in 200 to 400 feet of water, and once they feel the hook, they'll try to cut you off on every ledge and crevice they can find. The best action typically runs from May through September when they're most active, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes these fish special is that combination of brute strength and table fare – they're arguably the best-eating fish in these waters.
Blue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing here, with fish ranging from 200-pound teenagers to 500-pound cows that can rearrange your tackle box in about three seconds. Peak season runs July through October when the blue water pushes in close and the bait concentrations draw them into trolling range. A good blue marlin will give you multiple jumps, long screaming runs, and a fight you'll be talking about for years. Most captains recommend catch-and-release for these magnificent fish, though smaller ones make excellent table fare.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as the locals call them, are probably the most reliable target species out here. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a dozen. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, and their electric colors make them one of the most photogenic catches in the ocean. Peak season runs March through June, but you can find scattered fish year-round. A good-sized bull mahi will run 20 to 40 pounds, while the smaller females typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling.
Greater amberjack are the locomotives of the reef fish world, often weighing 30 to 60 pounds and fighting with pure bulldogging power. They hang around deep structure and wrecks, and once hooked, they'll sound straight for the bottom with authority. The bigger fish are typically caught from November through March when they're most active in deeper water. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is that you never know what size you're hooked up to until you see color – a 20-pounder and a 50-pounder hit a bait the exact same way.
Striped marlin are the smaller, more aggressive cousins of the blue marlin, typically running 80 to 150 pounds but making up for size with pure attitude. They're incredibly fast, jump repeatedly, and often travel in small groups. December through April is prime time when they follow bait schools along the thermoclines. These fish are perfect for anglers who want billfish action without the hour-long battles that come with the bigger blues. They're also excellent table fare, with firm steaks that grill beautifully.
At $1,175 for up to four anglers, this charter delivers serious value for a full day of world-class offshore fishing. That price includes all your tackle, bait, gourmet lunch with sandwiches and fresh fruit, plus drinks to keep you hydrated during those long fights. The captain accepts cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp, and deposits are fully refundable if you cancel more than 72 hours out. This is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories – whether you're celebrating a milestone
The Skipjack cuts through Costa Rican waters like a dream. This 27-foot Stamas Tarpon center console runs on twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fish fast and smooth. Perfect for chasing sailfish, marlin, and yellowfin tuna in the deep blue off Playa Flamingo. The boat's built for serious fishing with premium Shimano gear, live wells to keep your bait frisky, and a fish finder that takes the guesswork out of locating schools. GPS keeps you on course while the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing intel on where they're biting. An icebox keeps your lunch and cold ones chilled during the long haul offshore. With space for up to four anglers, everyone gets room to work without bumping elbows when that big mahi hits your line. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, so no matter which direction the action comes from, you're ready to hook up.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - these giants can exceed 400 pounds and put up a fight like nothing else. Females grow much larger than males, sometimes reaching over 1000 pounds. We find them in deep blue water, usually 1000+ feet, following warm currents where baitfish concentrate. Peak season runs December through April when water temps are right. What makes them special is the raw power and acrobatics - they'll jump, dive, and run for hours. While the meat is good, most folks are here for the adrenaline and bragging rights. These are true apex predators that demand respect. Here's the key: when you see one following your spread, don't get excited and change anything. Keep your baits running natural and let the fish commit - patience wins with marlin.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are serious bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your back. These bluish-grey bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 60+, with that distinctive amber stripe down their sides. They live around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs from 60-400 feet, always near structure where they ambush prey. Best fishing is April through October when they're most active and feeding heavily. What draws people to amberjack fishing is the pure strength - they fight straight down with incredible power, making multiple runs before giving up. The meat is excellent when fresh, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't mess around. Once hooked, keep constant pressure and winch them up steadily. If you let them rest, they'll just dig deeper and make your job harder.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy with their golden sides and electric blues that light up when they hit your line. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and put on quite a show with jumps and runs. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water. They're here year-round but best during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests love is the combination of great fight, stunning colors, and fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're aggressive feeders and will often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute before gaffing. The splashing will often bring the whole school up to investigate.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the toughest fighters you'll hook in these waters. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, with distinctive white spots and a meaty build. They hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks from 10-300 feet deep, though we typically find them in 50-100 feet. Year-round fishing is solid here, but they're most active during warmer months. What guests love most is the fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, firm and flaky with a slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and work them up quickly before they can wrap you around structure below.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are considered the most beautiful of all billfish, with those pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They average 200-300 pounds with a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. We target them in deep blue water during our peak season from December to May when they follow warm currents through Costa Rican waters. What makes them special is their incredible aerial displays - they'll jump repeatedly and show off those distinctive stripes. The meat is highly prized, often compared to swordfish but with more flavor. They're aggressive feeders that aren't too picky about baits. Here's my tip: when you see one following your spread, watch for the head-down feeding posture. That's when they're about to commit, so get ready for the bite.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica