Quepos FAD Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24hour overnight charter targeting large pelagic species around FADsPrivate groups up to 8 guests with extended trolling techniquesMultiple fishing windows by staying overnight in prime offshore zones
Picture this: 24 hours of pure blue water bliss, chasing monsters around offshore Fish Aggregating Devices where the big boys hunt. This overnight FAD fishing charter out of Quepos isn't your typical day trip – we're talking about getting serious with extended time on productive waters that most boats never reach. When you're ready to step up from the usual half-day routine and really commit to landing something special, this is your ticket to the deep blue.
We kick off at 6:00 AM sharp, and from there it's all about maximizing your time in prime fishing zones. This isn't a rushed day trip where you're watching the clock – you've got a full 24 hours to work the FADs properly, hitting multiple bite windows as conditions change. The beauty of staying overnight is catching those magic hours when pelagics really turn on, especially the dawn and dusk periods that day boats miss completely. Your private group of up to 8 can spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded, which makes a huge difference when you're dealing with heavy tackle and big fish. We're targeting the blue water where the thermoclines stack up around these FADs, creating perfect ambush points for everything from sailfish to blue marlin. The overnight element means you're not burning two hours each way traveling – you're fishing prime real estate while other boats are still making the run out.
This trip is all about extended trolling patterns around Fish Aggregating Devices using serious heavy tackle setups. We're not messing around with light gear here – think 50-80 pound class rods that can handle the freight train runs these offshore species are famous for. The FADs act like underwater magnets, concentrating baitfish which naturally draws in the predators we're after. Our approach involves working systematic trolling patterns at varying distances from each FAD, reading the electronics to locate bait schools and temperature breaks. You'll be pulling a spread of lures designed for big pelagics – think large skirted trolling lures, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs that can handle the abuse from wahoo teeth and marlin bills. The extended time offshore means we can really dial in what's working, adjusting lure colors, trolling speeds, and depths based on what we're marking and catching. When fish are located, we'll often switch to live bait tactics or vertical jigging depending on what species we're seeing and how they're behaving.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of these FAD trips, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that never gets old, especially when you hook multiple fish in the same school. Peak season runs December through April when they're stacked up thick around the FADs, often traveling in groups that can provide non-stop action for hours. What makes sailfish so special here is their aggressive feeding behavior around structure – they'll crash baits with reckless abandon, giving you that heart-stopping moment when 80 pounds of pure energy goes airborne.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing in these waters, and the overnight trips give you the best shot at connecting with one. These oceanic bulls can push 300-500 pounds and will test every piece of equipment you've got, not to mention your stamina. They're more common during the warmer months from May through September, often showing up as single fish cruising the deeper water around FAD edges. Landing a blue marlin isn't just about the fight – it's about the entire experience of seeing that electric blue torpedo materialize behind your spread, the way it lights up when hooked, and the sheer power these fish possess.
Roosterfish bring something totally different to the table with their distinctive dorsal fins and bulldog attitude. These coastal predators can reach 50-60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using their broad shoulders and stamina to wear you down. They're most active during the transition periods between seasons, particularly around new and full moons when baitfish are most active. What anglers love about roosters is their visual nature – you'll often see them following baits or even free-jumping near the boat before they decide to commit.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as locals call them, are pure gold both in color and action. These fast-growing fish hit hard, jump repeatedly, and provide excellent table fare if you decide to keep one. They school heavily around floating debris and FADs, often in groups of 10-30 fish ranging from schoolies to bulls pushing 40 pounds. Peak season runs April through July, but we see them year-round in these offshore waters. The beauty of mahi fishing around FADs is the consistency – when you find them, you're usually in for steady action.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that will smoke your reel's drag system in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds but can reach 80-100 pounds in these waters. They're most common during the cooler months from November through March, often showing up as single fish or small groups around the deeper FADs. What makes wahoo so exciting is their unpredictable nature – they'll destroy a trolling lure with surgical precision, then disappear into the blue faster than you can blink.
This 24-hour FAD charter represents serious offshore fishing at its finest, designed for anglers who want maximum time in productive waters without the constraints of day trip schedules. The combination of extended fishing time, access to remote FADs, and multiple feeding periods gives you the best possible shot at connecting with trophy-class pelagics that define world-class blue water fishing. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your group is committed to the adventure. When you're ready to experience what real offshore fishing looks like in one
This 41' Luhrs sportfishing boat is built to handle serious offshore action around Quepos FADs. Tournament-rigged with outriggers and a fighting chair, she's ready for big pelagic fish that cruise the deep blue water. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder keep you connected to the action, while free Starlink WiFi lets you share those hero shots from miles offshore. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. Below deck, you'll find air conditioning, a full kitchen, refrigerator, and comfortable sleeping quarters for your overnight adventure. With an onboard restroom and multimedia system, this boat handles extended trips in comfort. The spacious deck provides plenty of room for up to 8 anglers to work heavy tackle and fight trophy fish. Built for performance and equipped with top-quality gear, this vessel gets you to remote fishing grounds where the big ones swim.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are built for speed, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. That massive dorsal fin isn't just for show - they raise it when hunting and change colors from blue to black while working baitfish. We find them in 30-200 feet of water around our offshore FADs, especially during the warmer months when baitfish are thick. These fish put on a real show with their jumps and long runs - that's what keeps anglers coming back. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them after photos. My tip: when you see that sail come up during the fight, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with those acrobatics, then work them in smooth.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlins are the kings of offshore fishing - females can hit 1000+ pounds while males rarely exceed 350. We target them in deep blue water around FADs where they hunt tuna and mackerel. These fish are available year-round here in Costa Rica, but the bigger ones tend to show up during our peak season. What makes them special is that raw power and those aerial displays when hooked. The meat's good eating, though many anglers release the big females for conservation. They're built for the long fight with serious endurance, so come prepared mentally. One thing I always tell clients - when you hook a big blue, don't try to muscle it early. Let the fish make its runs and tire itself out, then start working.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are perfect for our FAD trips - they love hanging around floating debris where we set up. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 80+, and they're absolute gold when it comes to eating. You'll find them in the top 60 feet of water column, especially around current edges and weed lines. They hit hard, jump like crazy, and their colors are something else - bright gold and green that fades fast once you boat them. Best part is they school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Peak season runs with our warmer months when baitfish are active. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a few baits in the water - the rest of the school often sticks around looking for an easy meal.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are pure Costa Rica - you won't find them anywhere else in the world like you do here. They average 3-5 feet and can hit over 100 pounds, with that signature rooster comb dorsal fin that shoots up when they get excited. We catch them year-round in our warmer Pacific waters, from the surf zone out to about 200 feet around rocky structure and reefs. What guests love is that classic roosterfish fight - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and stamina. Most people release them since the meat's pretty tough, but the photos are worth it. Here's a local trick: when you see one following your bait, don't speed up the retrieve - slow it down and let that fish commit to the bite.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speedsters of our offshore grounds - they can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet, occasionally pushing over 100 pounds. We find them around our FADs and deep water structure, usually in the top 200 feet. They're here year-round but peak during our cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special is that initial run - pure rocket fuel - and the meat is white, flaky, and delicious. They hunt alone or in small groups, hitting lures at high speed. The challenge is their razor teeth that'll cut through most leaders. My go-to technique: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. When one hits, hold on tight because that first run will test everything you've got.
undefined, undefined