Costa Rica kayak fishing- Santa Teresa, Mal Pais?

Hey All,

Heading to CR for the first time next month, will be staying in Santa Teresa. Mainly there to surf but will do a boat charter one day and will bring rods and some gear.

Looks like kayak rentals are easy enough, and there are some guided kayak fishing options. I’m leaning towards self-guided, probably getting a 2p sit on top with my 15yo son. Going off rocky shore areas and/or paddling outside a bit.

Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations for the area? We were going to bring a couple of spinning rods with 25-40# braid, and some basic tackle for bait fishing (including sabiki or small stuff to catch live bait to fish out deeper) and probably jigging and poppers. Ideally we just launch out of the beach in town, or maybe run down to Mal Pais.

Thanks in advance for any intel. Just getting some sun and warmth will be a win, but the fishing looks pretty good too.

That sounds like fun!  Based on boat and ship fishing off Panama it's harder to sabiki bait down there than it is in more Northern latitudes.  I have heard the kayakers in Los Buzos use small lures to catch baits, with a heavier setup standing by ready to hook the bait on once they are landed.  I once caught a big Cubera on a large Bonito strip, so don't overlook dead bait as an option.   A friend of mine used this guide https://www.facebook.com/gary.salazarlopez out of Coco to the Nth of where you are staying.  He provides Hobie kayaks and gear -- put my friend on a big Rooster and Cubera.   For more inspiration check Lance Clinton out of Jaco https://www.instagram.com/thefishrustler/   Good luck.

Thanks! Appreciate the intel. I look at that guide’s FB page, it’s nuts what they are catching there wrt variety, size, and cool species. From the pics a lot of it looks near/nearish shore too. Looking at his February posts it looks like many target species could be in.

Thanks! Appreciate the intel. I look at that guide’s FB page, it’s nuts what they are catching there wrt variety, size, and cool species. From the pics a lot of it looks near/nearish shore too. Looking at his February posts it looks like many target species could be in.

Glad to help.  When I messaged Gary a few months ago, This was his reply." Hey man !! We do not rent kayaks, we only do guided trips and it works that way, 5 hours of fishing includes hobie kayak fishing equipment and guide price $300 per person, we are located in Playas del Coco Guanacaste C.R"  My friend that used his service said that he picks you up and drops you off at your hotel and that he wished the trips were of a longer duration.