Full Day Inshore Fishing Trip In Playa Herradura
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targets snapper, grouper, and roosterfishCaptain Jeff guides groups up to six aboard 35' sportfishing boatEight hours fishing multiple productive coastal spots near Herradura
Looking for a solid day of fishing without breaking the bank on a deep-sea charter? This 8-hour inshore trip with Captain Jeff Monyard hits the sweet spot for anglers who want consistent action and variety. You'll fish the productive waters just off Playa Herradura aboard a well-equipped 35-foot sportfishing boat that's built for comfort and performance. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo fishermen looking to share the experience with other enthusiasts. The inshore waters here are loaded with snapper, grouper, roosterfish, and jacks – species that fight hard and taste even better.
Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the moment you clear the marina. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about equipment. You'll work multiple spots throughout the day, hitting structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where the fish congregate. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're battling a hard-fighting roosterfish, the next you're pulling up a chunky snapper from the bottom. The crew keeps things moving efficiently, re-rigging lines, netting fish, and making sure everyone stays in the action. Just remember to grab your Costa Rica fishing license before you head out – it's required for all anglers and the boat won't leave without it.
This isn't your typical drift-and-hope fishing trip. Captain Jeff runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. You'll spend time bottom fishing over rocky structure for snappers and groupers, using circle hooks and fresh bait to entice these reef dwellers out of their hiding spots. When roosterfish are around, the crew switches to live bait fishing or casting lures around bait schools – these fish are visual hunters that love to crash surface baits. The 35-foot boat handles the coastal swells with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting fish or just enjoying the ride between spots. Quality rods and reels are provided, spooled with appropriate line weights for the target species. The crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging, baiting hooks, and gaffing fish, so even novice anglers can focus on the fun parts.
Roosterfish are the crown jewel of Costa Rica's inshore scene, and Playa Herradura consistently produces these spectacular fighters. These fish get their name from the distinctive dorsal fin that looks like a rooster's comb when they're fired up. They're ambush predators that patrol the surf zone and outer reefs, often following schools of sardines and ballyhoo. Peak season runs from December through April, but you can find them year-round in these waters. When a rooster takes your bait, get ready for aerial displays and powerful runs that'll test your drag system. They're strictly catch-and-release, but the photos and memories last forever.
Crevalle Jacks might not win beauty contests, but they'll definitely win the strength competition. These bulldogs of the reef are pure muscle wrapped in silver scales, and they fight way above their weight class. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on smaller fish, making them willing biters when you find them. The jacks around Playa Herradura typically run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40 pounds. They're most active during tidal changes and early morning hours. Fair warning – these fish will smoke your drag and leave your arms burning, but that's exactly why anglers love them.
Broomtail Grouper are the reef bosses, lurking in caves and overhangs waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're year-round residents that respond well to fresh cut bait fished tight to structure. The key is getting your bait down fast before they retreat into their rocky hideouts. Broomtails are excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to bring dinner home. Their white, flaky meat is perfect for ceviche or grilled whole with some lime and garlic.
Cubera Snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family, capable of reaching monster proportions in Costa Rica's productive waters. These bruisers patrol deeper reefs and drop-offs, feeding on crabs, small fish, and anything else they can fit in their massive mouths. Prime time for cuberas is typically early morning and late afternoon when they move up from deep water to feed. They're incredibly strong fish that will test your tackle and technique – many anglers are surprised by the raw power these reef dwellers possess. The larger specimens are best released to keep the population healthy, but smaller cuberas make outstanding eating.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of inshore bottom fishing, providing consistent action when other species are being finicky. These crimson-colored reef fish are found around rocky bottom and structure throughout the year, though they're most active during certain tidal phases. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for a variety of cooking methods. Red snappers in these waters typically range from 2-10 pounds, with the occasional heavyweight pushing 15 pounds or more. They're smart fish that require finesse – light leaders, sharp hooks, and fresh bait are essential for consistent success.
This top-rated inshore trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – consistent action, variety, and professional guidance at a fair price. Captain Jeff's local knowledge and quality equipment make all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The $200 deposit holds your date, and with only six spots available per trip, prime dates fill up fast
Captain Jeff Monyard's 35' Express sportfisher is built for serious inshore action around Playa Herradura's productive coastal waters. Twin Yanmar engines power this well-equipped boat through the Pacific swells while you target snapper, grouper, and roosterfish along the rocky structure and drop-offs. The spacious deck gives your crew of six plenty of room to work, with outriggers ready for trolling runs and a fighting chair positioned for those stubborn bottom fish. Below deck, you'll find air conditioning, a full galley, and sleeping quarters for longer days on the water. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the hotspots, while the livewell keeps your bait fresh throughout the 8-hour trip. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. With quality tackle, an experienced captain, and all the amenities needed for a comfortable day of fishing, this vessel puts you in prime position to make the most of Costa Rica's rich inshore fishery.
Mycteroperca XenarchaThese are the tank-like fighters that'll test your arms and your drag system. Named for their fan-shaped tail that sets them apart from other groupers, they average 30-60 pounds but can push over 100. We find them around rocky structure and reefs in 60-200 feet, where they ambush crabs, squid, and smaller fish. The bigger adults stay deeper while juveniles hang in shallower water. Available year-round, but they bite best on live bait - shrimp, pinfish, or whatever we catch first. They're bulldogs that'll try to drag you straight into the rocks the moment they feel the hook. Great eating with sweet, flaky meat. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch once hooked, or you'll be re-rigging.
Caranx HipposThese silver bulldogs are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter out here. Most run 3-8 pounds and 12-20 inches, but we see plenty that push 15-20 pounds. They school up over sandy flats, around structure, and near the surface when chasing baitfish. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign they're feeding below. They hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull against you. Available year-round, but the bigger schools show up when the bait moves through. Not the best eating, but the fight makes up for it. They're aggressive and curious - sometimes they'll actually follow the boat. Pro tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast through them. They can't resist the chase.
Lutjanus CyanopterusThe heavyweight champion of the snapper family - these bruisers can top 100 pounds and 5 feet, though most we catch run 15-40 pounds. They patrol rocky ledges and reefs in 30-150 feet, using those massive canine teeth to crush crabs and smaller fish. We target them year-round, but they're most cooperative during the cooler months when they move shallower to feed. Guests love the challenge - they're smart, strong fighters that'll test your tackle. The meat's excellent when they're under 20 pounds, but bigger fish can carry ciguatera. They're notorious for taking the bait deep, so let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook hard and keeping constant pressure to prevent them from reaching cover.
Lutjanus CampechanusThese crimson beauties are what dreams are made of - both for the fight and the dinner table. Out here we typically see them 2-8 pounds and 12-20 inches, though the occasional trophy can hit 15+ pounds. They stick to rocky bottom and structure in 40-150 feet, where they feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Year-round fishing, but they're most active during the cooler dry season months. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and taste amazing - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for ceviche. They're smart and can be picky, so fresh bait works best. My trick: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it just a foot or two. When you feel that tap-tap-pull, count to three before setting the hook.
Nematistius PectoralisThese are the stars of our inshore trips - instantly recognizable with their signature "rooster comb" of seven tall dorsal spines that shoot up when they're excited. Most fish we see run 20-50 pounds, but the big ones can hit 100+ pounds and stretch over 4 feet. They cruise sandy bottoms and rocky areas in 20-80 feet, feeding on sardines and small bonefish. Year-round fishing here, but they're most active during baitfish runs. Guests love them because they're powerful fighters with long runs and beautiful for photos - plus they're catch-and-release since the meat's pretty tough. My tip: when you hook one and think you've got it beat, get ready for that final sprint when it sees the boat.
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