Put Fly Fishing on Your Costa Rica Bucket List
How are your casting skills? Are you a fly guy (or gal)?
When discussing fishing trips in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, most of our clients opt for half-day inshore boats or full-day offshore expeditions in the ocean. These sun-soaked adventures at sea can be great fun as participants knock back cold libations while trolling for snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, rock fish and even marlin.
But there’s another type of local fishing trip that doesn’t garner as much Tour Guide traction as the nearby ocean options: freshwater fly fishing at the Savegre, Naranjo and Pacuare rivers, which are all located less than an hour from many of our luxury vacation villas in Dominical and Uvita.
According to the United States’ National Park Service, “fly fishing gets its name from the lures used. They’re referred to as ‘flies’ because they’re made to imitate small insects or prey items that a fish may want to eat. Flies are usually made out of materials like yarn, sewing thread, feathers, fur and a single hook. Flies also range in size from as small as a grain of rice to the size of a 10-inch fish.”
Essentially, fly fishing is a rhythm sport. Casting techniques go a long way toward determining how many fish will wind up on your dinner table that night. Cast too aggressively with too much splash and you’re in danger of scaring all the fish away. Nevertheless, whether you’re an expert or a beginner, taking a meandering trip down the local rivers and tributaries, stopping at gorgeous honey holes along the route, is something that any self-professed fisherman should consider signing up for.
Fly Fishing in Costa Rica:
This intimate adventure includes an oar fishing boat for two participants. A certified rafting guide leads the adventure about a dozen kilometers upstream. Ideal for physically-fit anglers of all skill levels, there are a pair of comfortable swivel seats, one in the front of the raft and one in the back. All fly-fishing equipment included (or you can pack your own gear as well). The tour is ideal for two people, but a second guided raft can be added to accommodate two more anglers.
In these Costa Rica riverways, machaca fish are the dominant species. With piranha-like features and a whole lot of fight in ‘em, machaca fish are sure to give you a quality workout. They put on impressive aerial displays during battle. As the boat trip reaches midday and proceeds closer to the local mangroves, your expert guide will be on the hunt for robalo (snook), pargo (snapper), roncador (Pacific grunt), mojarra (tiger ciclet) and machin (mountain mullet).
Tour Details:
The current price is $350 for two anglers, and the expedition typically runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Due to some physical requirements, children must be at least 7 years old to participate. The best months, weather-wise, are from late December until May. Fly fishing is not recommended during the months of September, October and November, due to increased rainfall in the region.
Now, are you ready for something a little different on your Costa Rica vacation? If so, give fly fishing a shot. It’s a unique, under-the-radar outdoor experience that’ll get the adrenaline pumping. If fly fishing just isn’t your thing, the YouGetHere Vacation Rentals’ Tour Guide has all kinds of awesome activities available. From kayaking to zip lines to ATV off road fun, you’ll find it all in the guide. Email [email protected] with any lodging or tour questions and we’ll be happy to assist.
In the land of pura vida, it’s easy to get hooked!
