Costa Rica

Fishing In Costa Rica

While the entire coastline of Costa Rica holds billfish, Carrillo is specifically known for its good numbers of marlin. Some of the world’s best light-tackle anglers make Carrillo their base of operations from December through April to take advantage of the large numbers of small blue, striped and black marlin that show up just offshore. A typical day usually means just a 12- to 20-mile trip offshore. Although, if we hear of a hot bite a bit farther out, we will go the extra mile to put you on the fish. Of all our Marlin University sessions, this one offers the best chance for a grand slam, catching three billfish species in a single day.
This is a dead-bait fishery where you will learn to operate a lever-drag reel by pitching baits to fish that come up on teasers. This method really gets the angler involved in the action and is the quickest way to become proficient with a rod and reel.

Trip Information

Playa Carrillo, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is less than a two-hour drive from Liberia and approximately 60 miles north of Los Sueños. Nestled in a cove overlooking a white-sand, coconut-studded beach, the Hotel Guanamar offers a spectacular panoramic view of the most incredible beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

From the hotel terrace, you can hear howler monkeys screeching in the thick rainforest. Charming palm-thatched roofs top the original villas, and the large area of green gardens is home to many exotic birds. The open-air restaurant and bar serve a wide variety of local specialties and freshly prepared seafood that will awaken your appetite. Each morning, we are met on the beach by a dinghy or panga that takes us to our game boats waiting in the mooring. After a full day of billfishing, we settle in for dinner and additional instruction at our nightly seminars. 

Non-fishing guests don’t have to miss out on the fun — you can opt for a rainforest canopy tour, horseback riding in the jungle, snorkeling or mangrove kayaking. Playa Samara, only three miles from the hotel, is a small surf town that offers car rentals, as well as a few bars, restaurants and an Internet cafe.

Students are met at the Liberia Airport by a Marlin University representative. The group will travel through the lush tropical forest to our destination, Carrillo Beach. This class accommodates 16 students and includes four days of fishing.