Full Day Playa Flamingo Tuna and Mahi Mahi Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ninehour private charter targets tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo offshoreProfessional captain with decades of experience provides all tackle and equipmentFresh burritos, seasonal fruit, and beverages included for up to four anglers
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want the best shot at trophy pelagics, this full-day charter from Marina Flamingo is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking nine solid hours on the water with Hook'd Sport Fishing, giving you maximum time to reach those productive blue water grounds where the big fish live. This isn't some rushed half-day deal – it's a proper offshore adventure designed for anglers who want to fish the way it should be done. Your crew brings nearly fifty years of combined experience reading these waters, and they know exactly where to find the currents and structure that hold yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and roosterfish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing pelagics for decades, this trip accommodates up to four anglers and delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Costa Rica year after year.
Your day starts early at Marina Flamingo, where you'll meet your captain and mate who've been working these waters long enough to know every productive ledge, seamount, and current break within reach. The boat is rigged and ready with professional-grade tackle, so you're not dealing with cheap gear that'll let you down when a big yellowfin decides to test your drag. We're heading offshore to blue water where the real action happens – sometimes that's 15 miles out, sometimes it's 30, depending on where the fish are setting up. Your crew reads water temperature, current breaks, and bird activity to put you on fish, not just pretty scenery. The trip includes everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, safety equipment, plus fresh burritos (fish, chicken, or beef), seasonal fruit, and beverages to keep you fueled throughout the day. This is private fishing at its finest – no crowded party boats, no compromising on fishing spots because someone else wants to head in early. It's your boat, your crew, and your day to fish hard.
We fish these waters the way serious offshore anglers do it – with a spread of lures designed to attract everything from surface-feeding mahi to deep-running yellowfin tuna. Your crew sets up a proper trolling pattern using a combination of cedar plugs, feathers, islanders, and ballyhoo rigs that have been proven in these waters. When we mark fish or find working water, we'll switch to live bait if the situation calls for it. The tackle is sized right for the species we're targeting – heavy enough to handle big tuna but balanced so you can actually enjoy the fight. Your mate handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and gaff work, so you can focus on what you came here to do: catch fish. We're constantly adjusting speed, lure position, and depth based on what the fish are telling us. Sometimes that means slowing down and working a school of mahi with lighter tackle, other times it means covering water fast to find that temperature break where the yellowfin are staged. The key is having a crew that knows how to read the signs and adjust tactics accordingly.
Yellowfin tuna are the premier offshore target here, and these fish can push 40 to 80 pounds when conditions are right. They show up consistently from December through April, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes yellowfin so special is that initial run – when a big one hits your lure, it's going to scream line off your reel like nothing else in these waters. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere, with that deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or steaks on the grill.
Mahi mahi bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These fish are pure athleticism – jumping, tail-walking, and putting on a show that never gets old. They school up around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, often in good numbers. A typical mahi here runs 10 to 25 pounds, though bigger bulls can hit 40-plus. They're aggressive feeders and will often double or triple up on your spread, giving everyone on the boat a shot at the action. Plus, mahi are fantastic table fare with that firm white meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilled with some local spices.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore scene, capable of hitting 50 mph and cutting through your line if you're not prepared. They typically show up along drop-offs and current edges, often as a surprise when you're targeting other species. A good wahoo here runs 20 to 50 pounds, and they're known for that blistering initial run that'll test your drag and your nerves. The meat is excellent – similar to mahi but with a slightly firmer texture that holds up well to grilling or blackening.
Roosterfish add that Pacific coast flavor to your offshore spread. These fish are pure Costa Rica – you won't find them in the Atlantic, and when that distinctive dorsal fin comes up behind your lure, you know you're in for something special. They're strong fighters that use their broad sides to pull against you, and while they're typically released, the photo opportunities alone make them worth targeting. Peak season runs from May through August, when they move into the offshore grounds in good numbers.
Red snapper and gag grouper round out the mixed bag, often showing up when you're working structure or deeper water. These aren't the glamour species, but they're solid fighters and excellent table fare. Snapper here can reach 15 to 25 pounds, while gag grouper often surprise you with their size and stubborn fight. Both species are perfect for anglers who want to take home some fresh fillets along with their trophy photos.
This is the kind of fishing trip that serious anglers plan their Costa Rica vacation
This well-equipped motorboat cuts through Costa Rica's Pacific waters with the comfort and reliability serious anglers expect. Built for performance on offshore runs, she features a full kitchen, refrigerator, and onboard toilet – perfect for those long days chasing yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi in deeper waters. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to four fishermen, whether you're casting your first line or you've been working these waters for years. Her captain knows exactly where to find the productive currents and underwater structures that hold fish, backed by decades of local fishing knowledge. All the professional-grade tackle comes ready to go, plus you'll enjoy fresh burritos and cold drinks between strikes. When you hook into that trophy fish miles offshore, you'll appreciate having a boat designed specifically for serious fishing rather than just sightseeing. The real bonus? Optional chef service to turn your fresh catch into an amazing dinner at day's end.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - not much to look at, but they'll give you a serious tussle once hooked. These chunky gray fish typically run 5-15 pounds, though 25+ pounders lurk around the deeper structure. We target them around rocky reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 40-150 feet of water where they can ambush prey from cover. Best bite happens during cooler water months when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes them fun is that initial shock - they hit hard then immediately try to drag your bait back to their cave. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild like most grouper. The secret is being ready the moment you feel that thump. Keep your drag locked tight and horse them up immediately - give them even a second to think about it and they'll wrap you around the bottom structure every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful and hardest-fighting fish we target offshore. These brilliant gold and green speedsters average 15-30 pounds, though we regularly see 40-50 pounders. They live in the open ocean, usually around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. Peak season runs December through April when they're abundant in our offshore waters. What guests love most is their aerial show - they jump repeatedly when hooked, changing colors the whole time. Plus, they're absolutely delicious eating with firm, mild white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to landing them is keeping steady pressure. When you see one, there's usually more around, so we'll often stay in the area after landing the first fish to work the school.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are classic bottom dwellers that put up a surprisingly tough fight for their size. Most run 3-8 pounds around here, though 15+ pounders aren't uncommon on the deeper reefs. We find them in 60-300 feet of water around rocky structure, coral heads, and drop-offs where they can ambush smaller fish. They bite best during cooler months from November through March when water temps drop a bit. What people love about snappers is they're reliable - find the right bottom and you'll usually get bit. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting them up quick once hooked. They'll try to cut your line on the rocks below, so lock down that drag and don't give them a chance to dive back into the structure.
Nematistius PectoralisRoosterfish are one of Costa Rica's most striking game fish, famous for that dramatic rooster comb of spines they raise when excited or hunting. Most fish we catch run 20-60 pounds, though they can reach over 100. These powerful fighters love the inshore waters around rocky points and sandy beaches, usually in 20-80 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but we see the best action during the dry season when baitfish are thick near shore. What makes them special is that incredible first run - they'll peel line like nothing else their size. Most anglers release them since the meat's pretty tough, but the photos are always amazing. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip low and let them make that first screaming run. Try to horse them early and they'll usually win.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo shape that can hit 50 mph. Most of ours run 30-80 pounds, but 100+ pounders show up regularly in our deeper waters. We find them in 200-2000+ feet, usually around temperature breaks, current edges, or wherever baitfish are schooling. The best fishing happens year-round here, with peak months from December through May. What makes them special is that relentless, powerful fight - no jumps, just sustained runs that'll test your arms and equipment. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sashimi or searing. Here's the deal with yellowfin: once you hook up, don't pump and wind. Keep steady pressure and let the drag do the work, or you'll just tire yourself out fighting a fish that can outlast you every time.
Guanacaste, Guanacaste