Tamarindo 3/4 Day Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour private offshore charter targeting marlin and sailfishAccommodates up to four guests with quality tackle providedCaptain Frank customizes trips based on conditions and skill levels
Looking for serious fishing time without burning a whole day? This 7-hour private charter with Captain Frank hits that sweet spot perfectly. You'll head out into the deep blue waters off Tamarindo targeting the big pelagic species that make Costa Rica famous among anglers worldwide. With room for up to six guests, this trip works whether you're bringing the whole crew or keeping it intimate with just a few fishing buddies. Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts the game plan based on what's biting, where the current's running, and what skill level he's working with onboard.
You're looking at seven solid hours of fishing time, which gives you enough runway to really get into the rhythm without feeling rushed. Captain Frank runs a tight operation – the boat's set up with quality tackle, plenty of shaded areas when you need a break, and enough deck space to handle those longer battles with bigger fish. The whole vibe is about maximizing your time on productive water. Frank reads the conditions each morning and plots out the day accordingly, whether that means chasing birds and bait schools or working structure where the big boys like to hang out. This isn't a cattle-boat operation – it's private, so you're not competing with other anglers for rod time or dealing with someone else's tangled lines.
The fishing strategy here revolves around two proven methods: trolling and live bait fishing. When you're covering water looking for marlin and sailfish, trolling is your bread and butter. Frank runs a spread of lures at different depths and distances, working the areas where pelagics cruise and feed. The boat's rigged with outriggers and downriggers to keep your baits in the zone. When the bite gets hot or you mark fish on the sonar, it's time to switch gears to live bait. There's nothing like a frisky ballyhoo or bonito to get a big fish's attention. Frank's got the bait wells and the know-how to keep your offerings lively, and he'll coach you through the whole process whether you've done this before or you're learning as you go. The tackle setup handles everything from 20-pound test for the smaller stuff up to heavy gear for when something really big decides to eat.
Roosterfish are the poster child of Costa Rican inshore fishing, but these bad boys venture into deeper water too. They're absolute bulldogs once hooked, with that distinctive dorsal fin that looks like a mohawk. Most roosters you'll tangle with run 15 to 40 pounds, but the occasional monster pushes 60 pounds or more. They're around year-round, but the bigger specimens show up more frequently during the dry season from December through April. What makes roosters special is their fighting style – they'll make blistering runs, then turn and bulldoze you with pure power. It's like being connected to an underwater freight train.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Tamarindo's waters hold some solid fish. These silver bullets can hit 40 miles per hour, so when one eats your bait, you better hang on tight. They typically run 15 to 50 pounds in these waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs making every hookup a memorable experience. Peak wahoo season runs from May through September when the water temperatures climb. They're structure-oriented fish, so Frank targets drop-offs, seamounts, and current edges where they ambush smaller fish. The meat is absolutely primo – firm, white, and perfect for the grill.
Yellowedge Grouper are the heavy hitters of the deep structure, and when you hook into one, you know it immediately. These bottom dwellers can push 20 to 40 pounds and they use every ounce of that weight to try and get back to the rocks. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, holding on deep reefs and rock piles in 200 to 400 feet of water. What makes yellowedge special is their dogged determination – they'll wrap you around structure if you give them half a chance, so it's all about putting maximum pressure on them right from the hookset. Plus, they're fantastic eating fish with firm, flaky white meat.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter species that keep the action steady when the bigger pelagics aren't cooperating. These guys run anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds and they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a good account on lighter tackle. They're year-round residents on the deeper reefs and structure, making them a reliable target when conditions aren't right for trolling. Red snapper have keen eyesight and can be line-shy, so Frank adjusts the leader material and hook sizes accordingly. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling.
Atlantic Sailfish are the glamour species that put Costa Rica on the sportfishing map. When a sail comes up behind your spread with that massive dorsal fin cutting the surface, your heart rate jumps through the roof. These acrobatic fighters put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Most sails in these waters run 60 to 100 pounds, and peak season typically runs from December through April, though you can find them year-round. Frank's a big proponent of catch and release for sailfish, using circle hooks and proper handling techniques to ensure these magnificent fish swim away healthy to fight another day.
This 7-hour charter delivers serious fishing without the full-day commitment, making it perfect for groups who want quality time on the water with flexibility for other vacation activities. Captain Frank's local knowledge and attention to detail consistently put anglers on fish, whether you're ch
Step aboard the 35' Carolina Classic "Coyote Tres" – your ticket to serious offshore action in Tamarindo waters. This beauty cuts through Pacific swells at 28 knots thanks to twin Cummins engines, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and comfortable. The flybridge gives you commanding views while you scan for feeding birds and baitfish, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those deep-water giants. When the sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin for a break, grab cold drinks from the icebox, or use the full kitchen and head facilities. Quality tackle is ready to go for targeting marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and mahi mahi using trolling and live bait techniques. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to battle big fish, and the comfortable seating means you can fish hard for the full 7 hours without wearing out. Captain Frank knows these waters inside and out, adjusting the game plan based on conditions and what's biting to put you on the best action.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing - these magnificent fish with their massive dorsal sails average 60-80 pounds and stretch 7-8 feet long. We find them in blue water from 100-400 feet, usually where baitfish schools are thick. Peak season runs December through April when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What makes sailfish special is that aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a display you'll never forget. Most anglers release them since they're not great eating, but the fight and photos are what you're after. They hunt in small groups and can change colors when excited. My go-to technique: slow-troll with live ballyhoo or mackerel around 8 knots. When one comes up behind the bait, don't pull it away - let them eat it.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are classic bottom dwellers that make for great eating and solid fights. These bright red fish typically run 3-8 pounds around Tamarindo's offshore structure, though bigger ones push 15+ pounds. Look for them on rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 80-200 feet of water. They bite year-round but seem more active during our cooler months from December through April. What guests love is the combination of steady action and excellent table fare - the meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's perfect grilled or in ceviche. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to wrap you around structure. Key tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or sardines, drop straight down to bottom, then reel up a couple cranks. When they bite, let the circle hook do its job.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are one of Costa Rica's signature species - you'll know one when you see that famous "rooster comb" of long dorsal spines they flash when excited. These beauties typically run 20-60 pounds around Tamarindo, though we've seen them push 80+. They cruise inshore waters from 30-150 feet, often near sandy bottoms and rocky outcrops. Peak season here runs December through April when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that aggressive fight - they'll make long, powerful runs and put up a real battle. Most folks catch and release since the meat's pretty tough, but the photo ops are worth it. My tip: when you hook one and it sees the boat, get ready for one last bulldogging run toward structure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters - these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50+ mph when they want to. Around Tamarindo, we typically see them running 20-40 pounds in the blue water beyond the continental shelf. They patrol depths from 100-300 feet, often near temperature breaks and current lines. Best action happens during our dry season from December to April. What guests love about wahoo is that blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, the meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and mild tasting. Perfect for fish tacos. Pro tip: troll fast (12-15 knots) with wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your drag loose at the strike.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge Grouper are the deep-water heavyweights that live on rocky bottoms and reefs in 400-600 feet of water. These chunky red fish with distinctive yellow fin edges typically weigh 15-35 pounds around here, though 40+ pounders show up regularly. We target them year-round, but calmer seas during dry season make the deep drops easier. What makes them popular is that bulldogging fight combined with some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, white meat that holds moisture better than most fish. They're solitary and territorial, so once you find structure holding fish, you can usually work it for multiple hookups. My advice: use heavy tackle with big hooks and fresh squid or mackerel, and be ready to horse them up fast before they dive into the rocks.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province