Green Season, Prime Time

July falls squarely within Costa Rica’s green season, but at Los Sueños that does not mean slower fishing. It simply means a different rhythm.

Calm mornings, nutrient-rich runoff, and healthy bait populations create favorable conditions for both offshore and inshore species. Afternoon showers usually arrive later in the day, allowing boats to enjoy productive mornings before returning to the marina.

On the Central Pacific seasonal calendar, July marks the beginning of the Excellent window for roosterfish and snapper, while yellowfin tuna continue their year-round consistency. Marlin, sailfish, and dorado remain productive, with June’s offshore action—including the release of a remarkable 900-pound black marlin aboard Geax Fly—providing strong momentum heading into July.

Tides and Fishing Conditions in July

Los Sueños experiences a semi-diurnal tidal cycle, with two high tides and two low tides every day.

Captains closely monitor the daily tide tables because moving water concentrates bait around reefs, rocky points, and current seams. The morning tide change often creates one of the day’s most productive fishing windows, particularly for roosterfish and snapper.

Offshore, water temperatures remain near 80°F, while captains look for bird activity, spinner dolphins, floating debris, and current breaks to locate schools of tuna, dorado, sailfish, and marlin.

Afternoon rain is part of July’s normal rhythm. By leaving early, most charters can enjoy productive conditions before the heavier showers develop.

June Catch Report Builds Momentum Heading Into July

The latest fleet statistics confirm what captains have been experiencing on the water: the fishery continued to build momentum heading into July.

Compared with June 2025, June 2026 delivered significant gains across several of the Central Pacific’s most sought-after species.

June 2026 Catch Highlights

• Pacific sailfish: 196 releases, up 128% year over year
• Yellowfin tuna: 153 fish, a 46% increase
• Dorado or mahi-mahi: 79 fish, an 888% increase
• Black marlin: One release, matching the June 2025 total
• Blue marlin: Four releases

The fleet also reported excellent inshore variety, including five roosterfish, four snapper—including one cubera—one grouper, one shark, one pompano, one Spanish mackerel, and one rainbow runner. These catches highlight the range of fishing opportunities available along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast.

Taken together, the numbers point to strong momentum for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado, roosterfish, and snapper as the fleet moves into July.

What Fish Are Biting in Los Sueños During July?

July offers excellent fishing for yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, cubera snapper, and red snapper, while Pacific sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and dorado remain reliable offshore targets.

Offshore Species Report

Yellowfin Tuna

Fishing outlook: Excellent

Yellowfin tuna continue to be the most dependable offshore target of the month. Schools can range from football-sized fish to impressive triple-digit tuna, with feeding birds and spinner dolphins often leading crews toward the action.

Pacific Sailfish

Fishing outlook: Good

Current lines and color changes continue producing catch-and-release opportunities. June’s strong release totals provide an encouraging indicator heading into July.

Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin

Fishing outlook: Good

Marlin encounters naturally fluctuate from trip to trip, but full-day offshore charters continue to provide opportunities. Black marlin remain rare, yet possible, as demonstrated by June’s memorable 900-pound release.

Dorado or Mahi-Mahi

Fishing outlook: Good

June’s increase in dorado catches reflects productive offshore conditions. Floating debris and current breaks continue attracting fish, providing exciting action and excellent table fare.

Inshore Species Report

Roosterfish

Fishing outlook: Excellent

July begins one of the best roosterfish periods of the year. Rocky points, beaches, and current seams continue producing quality fish on live bait and surface lures.

Cubera and Red Snapper

Fishing outlook: Excellent

Snapper fishing remains productive around reefs and rocky structure, offering anglers one of the toughest fights available close to shore.

Snook and Jack Crevalle

These species continue to provide steady action for half-day trips and families looking to experience Costa Rica’s inshore fishery without a longer offshore run.

Boats to Watch This Month

The Los Sueños fleet offers charter options for different group sizes, fishing goals, and budgets.

• Ambition — 47-foot Cabo, up to seven anglers, full-day offshore charters from $3,600 plus tax
• Sueltalo 2 — 43-foot Viking Convertible, up to six anglers, from $2,900 plus tax
• Dragin Fly — 42-foot Maverick, up to six anglers, from $3,300 plus tax
• Spanish Fly — 42-foot Maverick, up to six anglers, from $3,300 plus tax
• Dream Maker — 35-foot Cabo Express, up to six anglers, from $2,600 plus tax
• Tiger Fly — A tournament-winning boat with an experienced local crew
• Desperado — 31-foot Rybo Runner, up to five anglers, from $1,725 plus tax

Charter prices, capacities, and availability may change. Confirm current details when reserving your boat.

Crew Spotlight: Tiger Fly

One boat stood out during a recent corporate retreat tournament: Tiger Fly earned Top Boat honors by consistently putting guests on fish.

The crew’s approach is uncomplicated: understand the conditions, stay focused, and give the guests aboard the best possible opportunity to connect with fish.

Captain Randall Gómez

Born and raised in Puntarenas, Captain Randall Gómez has been fishing Costa Rica’s Central Pacific since childhood. His understanding of seasonal patterns, offshore currents, and bait movements helps him adapt as conditions change throughout the day.

He brings the same energy and determination to every trip, whether the first bite comes early in the morning or during the final part of the charter.

Mate Cristian Cerdas

Mate Cristian Cerdas combines years of experience on the water with an upbeat personality on deck. He is known for keeping guests engaged and the atmosphere enjoyable, even when the bite takes time to develop.

Winning the tournament is part of Tiger Fly’s story, but the crew’s defining quality is how they treat the people on board. Whether a guest is pursuing a first sailfish or the marlin of a lifetime, the crew works to make the experience memorable.

From the Water to the Marina Table

One of the highlights of fishing Los Sueños comes after the boat returns to the marina.

Several marina restaurants may prepare a guest’s legal, retained catch, allowing anglers to enjoy fresh yellowfin tuna or dorado only hours after the trip. Sharing that meal while overlooking the marina is an experience many visitors remember as vividly as the fishing itself.

Costa Rica Fishing License Reminder

Every angler fishing in Costa Rican waters must carry a valid INCOPESCA fishing license. Licenses may be available online or through the marina.

• One week: $16.95
• One month: $28.25
• One year: $56.50

Confirm current license requirements and pricing before your charter.

Looking Ahead to August

Roosterfish and snapper should remain within their productive seasonal window throughout August, while yellowfin tuna continue offering offshore opportunities. Sailfish and marlin activity can fluctuate, but experienced crews will continue watching current lines, bait activity, and water conditions to identify the best fishing areas.