Quepos FAD Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24-hour offshore FAD fishing charter for up to 8 guestsOvernight trip targets large pelagic species in deep watersExtended trolling with heavy tackle in remote fishing grounds
You've been dreaming about that big blue water adventure, and this overnight FAD fishing charter is exactly what serious anglers come to Costa Rica for. We're talking 24 hours of prime fishing time, sleeping under the stars on the Pacific, and targeting some of the most sought-after pelagic species in these legendary waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a full commitment to getting out where the big fish live and staying there long enough to make it count. Perfect for groups of up to 8 who want maximum offshore time and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty chasing billfish and speedsters in the deep blue.
Your adventure kicks off at 6 AM sharp from Quepos Marina, and from there we're heading straight for the offshore FADs where the action happens. These Fish Aggregating Devices sit in deep blue water and act like underwater magnets for pelagic species – think of them as the best fish restaurants in the ocean. You'll spend the entire day trolling around these productive zones, and when the sun goes down, we don't head back to port. Instead, you'll sleep on the boat and wake up already positioned for the morning bite. This gives you access to multiple feeding windows that day-trippers simply can't reach. The boat is equipped for overnight stays, and while meals aren't included, you'll have plenty of space to store whatever food and drinks you want to bring for the journey. This trip is designed for experienced anglers who understand that trophy fishing requires patience, persistence, and plenty of time on the water.
We run serious offshore tackle on this charter because we're targeting serious fish. Think 50-80 pound test setups, heavy conventional reels, and rods built to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. The primary technique is extended trolling with a spread of lures and baits designed to attract billfish, mahi, wahoo, and roosters. We'll run different patterns around the FADs, adjusting speed and spread based on conditions and what we're seeing on the fish finder. When something big hits, you'll know it – these fish don't mess around in open water. The overnight aspect means we can also try different techniques as conditions change, maybe switching to live bait presentations during certain bite periods or adjusting our trolling patterns based on current and temperature breaks. The FADs themselves create unique fishing opportunities since baitfish congregate around them, which in turn attracts the predators we're after. Being able to fish multiple FADs over 24 hours gives you way more shots at trophy fish than any single-day trip could offer.
Atlantic Sailfish are the stars of these waters, and around the FADs they show up hungry and aggressive. These fish average 60-80 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Peak season runs from December through April, though we see them year-round. What makes sailfish so special is their speed – they can hit 60 mph and when one grabs your lure, you'll know immediately. The fight combines raw power with acrobatic displays that'll have your whole group scrambling for cameras. Blue Marlin are the true giants out here, with fish over 300 pounds not uncommon around the offshore FADs. These are bucket-list fish for serious anglers, and the overnight format gives you the best shot at hooking one since you can fish prime morning and evening bite windows. Marlin fishing requires patience, but when one shows up behind your spread, your heart will be pounding before it even takes the bait.
Roosterfish add a unique element to this fishery since they're only found in these Eastern Pacific waters. These bruisers can exceed 60 pounds and are instantly recognizable by their distinctive dorsal fin that looks exactly like a rooster's comb. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against the angler – it's like trying to pull a manhole cover through the water. Roosters are most active during warmer months and often show up around FADs chasing baitfish. Mahi Mahi, or dorado as locals call them, are the most colorful fighters in these waters. Bulls can reach 40+ pounds and provide non-stop action with their jumping, diving, and bulldogging runs. They school up around FADs and often travel in groups, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep – these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50 mph and are known for smoking drag and making screaming runs. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, which is why the overnight format works so well for targeting them.
This 24-hour FAD charter is hands-down the best way to experience world-class offshore fishing in Costa Rica. You're getting maximum time in prime fishing zones, access to multiple bite windows, and shots at trophy pelagics that most anglers only dream about. The overnight format sets this apart from every other fishing option in Quepos – you're not racing against the clock or heading back to port just when the fish start biting. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your group is committed before booking. This trip fills up fast during peak season because experienced anglers know it's the real deal. If you're ready to fish like the pros and target the species that put Costa Rica on the fishing map, this is your charter. Don't wait – prime dates book months in advance and there's nothing worse than missing out on the fishing trip of a lifetime because you waited too long to pull the trigger.
Step aboard this 41' Luhrs sportfishing machine designed for serious offshore action around Quepos FADs. Built tournament-tough with outriggers, fighting chair, and cutting-edge electronics including fish finder and radar to track down those deep water monsters. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility while trolling the blue water, and when you hook into something big, you've got all the space and gear needed for an epic battle. Air conditioning keeps you cool between strikes, while the onboard kitchen, bed, and restroom make this 24-hour overnight adventure comfortable. Free Starlink WiFi means you can share those trophy photos even from miles offshore. With icebox and refrigerator space for your catch and cold drinks, plus multimedia system for downtime, this boat handles everything from dawn patrol to midnight fishing sessions around the FADs where the real giants roam.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of Costa Rica's waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic sail raised high. These sleek fighters average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They love warm blue water between 70-80°F, usually cruising 30-65 feet down but will dive deeper when hunting. Peak season here runs November through April when cooler water brings baitfish closer to shore. Guests love them because they put on a show - jumping, diving, and changing colors from blue to black during the fight. The meat's decent but most folks release them for the photos. Pro tip: when one takes your ballyhoo, let it run before setting the hook. They'll try to shake the bait first, so patience pays off on these beauties.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate prize fish - massive, powerful, and built for battle. Females can push 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300, but both pack serious strength. These deep blue water hunters cruise tropical currents, often following baitfish around FADs and temperature breaks. Here in Costa Rica, we see them year-round with peak action during our dry season. What makes them special is the combination of size, speed, and those famous aerial displays when hooked. They're not great table fare due to mercury levels, so most anglers go for the photos and release. The fight can last hours - they'll sound deep, then explode on the surface. My advice: use circle hooks and heavy tackle, but most importantly, stay patient. These fish will test your endurance as much as your gear.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure fun on light tackle - fast, colorful, and excellent eating. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when brought up, flashing brilliant blues and yellows before fading. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and FADs in warm blue water. We catch them year-round here, with best action during calmer seas when we can spot birds working baitfish. What guests love most is the combination of great fight and even better flavor - mild, sweet, and firm like a cross between snapper and tuna. They mature fast and reproduce heavily, so they're sustainable to keep. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water until ready to clean. Also, if you catch one, work the area hard - they often travel in small schools.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are Costa Rica's signature inshore gamefish, famous for that dramatic "rooster comb" of dorsal spines they raise when excited. These bruisers average 50-80 pounds but can hit 100+, with distinctive black stripes along their silver sides. They patrol sandy bottoms, rocky points, and river mouths in 20-100 feet of water, year-round here in Quepos. What makes them special is the fight - long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle and stamina. When they see the boat, expect one last desperate charge for freedom. Most folks catch and release since the meat's pretty tough, but the photo opportunity is worth it. Here's the key: use live bait like blue runners on medium-heavy tackle with at least 300 yards of line. When one hits, hold on tight and prepare for a workout.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed - hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo body built for hunting. These silver bullets average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+, with distinctive blue stripes along their sides. They cruise deep blue water around FADs and current edges, usually in the top 200 feet. Best fishing here runs May through November when baitfish are thick offshore. What makes them special is the violent strike followed by blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Plus, they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The downside? Those teeth will cut through mono like butter. My setup: wire leaders are mandatory, and troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. When one hits, the reel screams and the fight's usually over quick - they either break off or boat fast.
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