Tamarindo Full Day Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Nine-hour private charter targeting offshore species up to 40 miles outCaptain Frank uses trolling and live bait for Marlin, Sailfish, and TunaAccommodates up to six guests with quality tackle and comfortable seating
Captain Frank's full-day offshore charter gives you the freedom to chase whatever's biting in Costa Rica's world-class Pacific waters. With 9 hours on the water and the range to work up to 40 miles from Tamarindo, this private trip puts you in the driver's seat for one of the best fishing experiences on the Guanacaste coast. Whether you're after a trophy sailfish or filling the cooler with mahi and wahoo, Frank knows exactly where to put you on the fish. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring your crew and get ready for some serious fishing time.
This charter starts before sunrise when the fishing is prime and the water's still calm. Frank typically begins the day working the nearshore reefs for red snapper and roosterfish before making the run to deeper water where the real action happens. You'll cover a lot of ground in 9 hours, switching between trolling for pelagics and working live bait around structure depending on what's showing up on the fish finder. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano gear, but seasoned anglers often bring their favorite rods for the big ones. There's plenty of shade when you need a break from the Costa Rican sun, plus onboard facilities that make the long day comfortable. Frank adjusts the game plan throughout the day based on water temperature, current breaks, and bird activity – that's what separates the top-rated captains from the rest.
Frank runs a mix of trolling patterns and live bait fishing depending on conditions and target species. For the offshore run, expect to pull a spread of lures at varying depths – typically rigging ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures to cover the water column where wahoo, tuna, and marlin cruise. When the bite slows on artificials, Frank switches to live bait fishing around FADs (fish aggregating devices) and current edges where mahi mahi and sailfish stack up. The boat carries circle hooks in various sizes, fluorocarbon leaders from 60 to 200 pounds, and enough terminal tackle to handle anything from schoolie tuna to blue marlin. You'll work with conventional reels loaded with 30 to 80-pound line, and Frank's not shy about putting guests on the heavy gear when something big shows up on the sonar. The key to success out here is reading the water – watching for temperature breaks, bird activity, and debris lines where baitfish concentrate.
Roosterfish are the crown jewel of Costa Rican inshore fishing, and Tamarindo's rocky points and sandy beaches create perfect rooster habitat. These fish hit live bait and lures with serious attitude, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 30 to 100 feet of water, especially around the seasonal baitfish schools that move through from December to April. What makes roosters special isn't just their iconic dorsal fin – they're smart fighters that use their broad sides and the current to their advantage. Most fish run 15 to 40 pounds, but 50-pounders show up regularly during peak season.
Mahi mahi are the workhorses of offshore fishing here, schooling around floating debris and current lines year-round. These fish grow fast in Costa Rica's nutrient-rich waters, with bulls reaching 30 to 50 pounds by their second year. They're suckers for trolled ballyhoo and live sardines, often traveling in schools where you can boat multiple fish quickly. The best action happens when you find a log or debris line holding bait – mahi will stack up underneath and feed aggressively throughout the day. Their bright colors and acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite, plus they're excellent table fare.
Greater amberjack patrol the deeper reefs and offshore pinnacles, ambushing baitfish with powerful runs that test your drag system. These fish average 20 to 60 pounds around Tamarindo, with the occasional 80-pounder that'll make you question your tackle choices. They're most active during the dry season months when water clarity improves and baitfish concentrate around structure. Amberjack hit live bait dropped near the bottom and vertical jigs worked through the water column. What anglers love about these fish is their bulldogging fight – they don't jump, but they pull hard and long, making every hookup a real battle.
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the reef, hitting trolled lures with lightning-fast strikes that often result in spectacular jumps. Costa Rica's barracuda run larger than their Caribbean cousins, with 15 to 30-pound fish common around Tamarindo's offshore waters. They're visual predators that key on shiny lures and fast-moving baits, making them perfect targets for high-speed trolling. The bite is best during periods of good water clarity when cuda can see lures from a distance. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them exciting to catch, though you'll want to use wire leaders to avoid bite-offs.
Cobia are the wanderers of the offshore scene, cruising current lines and following rays in search of an easy meal. These fish show up year-round but peak during the transition months when water temperatures fluctuate. They're sight fishing targets that respond well to live bait presented near the surface, often following the bait boat before committing to the bite. Cobia average 20 to 40 pounds locally, with their broad heads and shark-like appearance making them unmistakable when hooked. What sets them apart is their curious nature – they'll often circle the boat multiple times before deciding to feed, giving anglers a real adrenaline rush.
Frank's full-day charter gives you the time and range to experience the best of Tamarindo's fishing scene in one
Meet the Coyote Tres, your floating fishing headquarters for chasing big game in Costa Rican waters. This 35-foot Carolina Classic cuts through swells at 28 knots thanks to twin Cummins engines, getting you to the hot spots while other boats are still making their way out. The flybridge gives you perfect sight lines for spotting bird activity and baitfish, while the captain works the fish finder to locate structure and schools below. Designed for serious anglers, she's got everything you need for a full day targeting wahoo, sailfish, mahi, and marlin up to 40 miles offshore. Quality tackle is ready to go, with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and working live bait. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with kitchen facilities and comfortable seating. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the long haul. Captain Frank knows these waters and adjusts tactics based on conditions – trolling the deep blue, working reefs for snapper, or switching to live bait when the bite calls for it. With onboard facilities including a head and sleeping quarters, you can focus on fishing instead of comfort. Perfect for groups of up to six anglers ready to put in the time and cover serious water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of offshore fishing – brown, stocky, and stubborn fighters that guests often mistake for sharks at first glance. These solitary fish average 30-60 pounds and cruise alone around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives the best action when they're moving through our area. What makes them special is the fight – long, powerful runs combined with some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The meat is firm, white, and rivals any restaurant fish. They're usually sight-fished, cruising just under the surface, which adds to the excitement. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is deadly. Local tip: if you see one cobia, work the area hard – they sometimes travel in small groups, and you might pick up two or three from the same spot.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the wolves of the reef – sleek, fast, and always hunting. These silver missiles average 3-4 feet but can stretch over 5 feet and hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll encounter them around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs in 20-100 feet of water. They're most active during dawn and dusk when they're ambushing baitfish. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and initial run, though they tire quickly. Most are catch and release since larger ones can carry ciguatera toxin. They're curious fish that will often follow lures, so speed changes and erratic retrieves trigger strikes. Pro tip: use a wire leader – those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Also, be careful at the boat; a green barracuda can still bite, so bring a good net and gloves.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are serious reef fighters that'll give you a workout on heavy tackle. These bluish-grey bruisers average 30-50 pounds around our deeper reefs and can push 80+ pounds when conditions are right. Look for them on structure in 80-200 feet – wrecks, rocky bottom, and offshore pinnacles are prime spots. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they're more active. What guests love is the initial run – pure power straight down toward the rocks where they try to cut you off. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. These fish aren't picky eaters, so live bait, jigs, or even trolled lures work well. Key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let it get back to the structure, or you'll be retying.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are among the most beautiful fish you'll encounter offshore, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that flash like neon underwater. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds in our waters. You'll find schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks 5-20 miles offshore in blue water. They're year-round residents here, but the best action comes during our dry season when baitfish are concentrated. What makes them special is their aerial acrobatics when hooked – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures at 6-8 knots around any floating object you can find.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are one of Costa Rica's most iconic gamefish, easily recognized by their distinctive "rooster comb" of tall dorsal spines that they raise when excited. These powerful inshore predators typically run 20-80 pounds and put up legendary fights with long, blistering runs that'll test your tackle and endurance. You'll find them cruising sandy beaches, rocky points, and around our local reefs in 20-100 feet of water. They feed on sardines, blue runners, and mullet, making live bait your best bet. The dry season from December through April offers the most consistent action. Most anglers practice catch and release since the meat is tough and fishy. Pro tip: when you see one raise that comb, get ready – they're about to make a run that could strip 200 yards of line in seconds.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province