Los Sueños Fishing Report – October 15, 2024

As we approach the middle of October, the weather in Costa Rica is in its final phase of the yearly rainy season. The downpours that have been a daily occurrence for the past couple of months, will soon begin tapering off. This annual transition takes us from our rainy, green season months into the drier, sunnier Costa Rican summertime. By the end of October, the rains will steadily lessen, giving way to the holiday season and the start of the peak fishing period out of Los Suenos, Costa Rica. These last few weeks of rain still provide plenty of opportunities for anglers, with non-stop action both offshore and inshore. It’s an exciting time for those who love to fish out of Los Suenos Marina

Weather Insights: The Calm Before the Crowds

At Los Sueños Marina, we're currently experiencing the final weeks of the rainy season, marked by daily showers, warm temperatures, and high humidity. In October, mornings often start sunny, followed by afternoon rains—ideal conditions for anglers chasing predatory fish while taking in the stunning scenery. From the water, the view of the coastline is breathtaking: long stretches of sandy beach backed by lush tropical rainforests, with the red-roofed properties and exotic gardens of the high-end Los Sueños Resort standing out like jewels against the vibrant green backdrop.

November is a true transition period in Costa Rica. It begins with the last rains of October and gradually shifts to the endlessly sunny skies of December. As we approach November at the marina, we anticipate more sunshine and gentle tropical breezes—perfect for all-day fishing trips. This change also coincides with the holiday season, when families and tourists begin arriving to experience Costa Rica’s world-famous beaches and outdoor adventures.

Offshore Fishing: A Bountiful Adventure

Offshore fishing in Los Sueños in October brings a lot of excitement. Although we’re still in the green season, the conditions offshore remain excellent. In mid to late October, anglers can expect to encounter species like sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado (mahi-mahi). While the high season for billfish is just around the corner, October is already seeing an uptick in sailfish activity, with some lucky boats reporting impressive numbers of releases in a single day. Dorado are especially plentiful during this time, thanks to the abundance of debris washed out to sea by the rains. This floating debris creates natural shelter for smaller fish, which, in turn, attract larger predators like dorado.

An interesting fact about yellowfin tuna fishing during this time is the common occurrence of seeing schools of spinner dolphins. Tuna often travel with these dolphins, which are known for their acrobatic flips out of the water. Following the dolphins is a good sign that yellowfin tuna are not far behind, creating thrilling opportunities for anglers to land both sizable tuna and enjoy the spectacle of dolphin pods swimming alongside the boat.

Inshore Fishing: Riches Close to Shore

Inshore fishing out of Los Sueños during October also offers some excellent opportunities, particularly for those looking to target roosterfish, snapper, and jacks. The rainy season runoff stirs up the coastal waters, creating ideal conditions for these species to thrive. Roosterfish, in particular, are a favorite among anglers for their strength and the thrilling challenge they present. October is known for its larger roosterfish catches, often found close to rocky points and near river mouths.

Snapper are also abundant during this period, especially cubera snapper. Anglers targeting rocky outcrops and submerged structures can expect to encounter these strong fighters, which can be a real challenge to reel in. The diversity of species available inshore, combined with the relatively calm seas close to the coast, make it an appealing option for those looking for a different fishing experience.

Secure Your Spot: Book Your Charter Early

If you're planning a vacation to Costa Rica in the coming months, booking your fishing charter early is essential. As one of the top fishing destinations in the world, Los Sueños Marina experiences a surge in demand, especially as the holiday season approaches. With limited availability and high demand, waiting too long can mean missing out on the ideal boat and date for your fishing trip.

During most of the year, our online reservation system offers a convenient way to secure your spot. However, it's important to understand how the process works. When you book online, you'll make a payment to reserve a specific boat and date. However, due to the independent ownership of each boat and the absence of a single unified reservation calendar for the entire marina, your reservation is not immediately confirmed. Availability must first be verified directly with the captain before your booking can be finalized.

While your payment doesn't guarantee that you'll get your exact choice of boat or date, it does ensure that your request is prioritized. This prevents any unnecessary delays and gives our agents the ability to instantly secure your spot once availability is confirmed. This system minimizes the risk of losing your desired charter to another customer, as it reduces the back-and-forth inquiries that can waste valuable time. By having your payment in place, you significantly improve your chances of booking the charter you want.

However, during the peak holiday season, when demand is at its highest, we take extra steps to manage the booking process in the midst of high demand and limited availability. As such, we do not allow online payments during this period to avoid overbooking and disappointment. During the peak season, our agents will work closely with you to confirm availability before any payment is made, ensuring that we can accommodate your request as accurately as possible.

Even with our efficient booking system, there may be instances when your preferred boat is already reserved. If this happens, our team will immediately contact you with alternative options if any remain. You can choose from the available boats or dates, or, if none of the alternatives work for you, we offer a full refund—making the process entirely risk-free.

As we move closer to the holiday season and the weather shifts from rainy to sunny, the demand for charters at Los Sueños Marina will only increase. To avoid missing out, we encourage you to book your fishing charter as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. This way, you’ll have the best chance of securing your preferred boat and date, and you can look forward to an unforgettable fishing experience in Costa Rica. To give you an idea of the timeframe for booking in advance, October is the perfect month to secure your fishing charter for February or March of 2025.

Didn’t Plan? Don’t panic!

Adventure Tours Costa Rica has proudly maintained excellent working relationships with many of the top captains and charter boats at Los Sueños Marina for nearly 20 years. This long-standing partnership means that our agents often have the inside track on securing fishing charters, even on short notice. If you didn’t plan ahead or are having trouble finding a charter, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our close connections and extensive experience in the industry allow us to check availability quickly and discuss potential options to get you out on the water.

With the rainy season coming to a close and the holiday season just around the corner, October marks an exciting time for both offshore and inshore fishing in Costa Rica. Whether you're after the thrill of sailfish and dorado offshore or targeting roosterfish and snapper inshore, Los Sueños Marina offers unforgettable fishing experiences. We advise simply this: book early if possible, if not - be flexible. Adopting this attitude will help you to avoid disappointment and will make it easier for us to help you book an unforgettable adventure that promises excitement, beautiful scenery, and world-class fishing.