Kayak Fishing in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

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The Gulf of Papagayo in Costa Rica is well known for excellent fishing. You can find mahi mahi, jack, wahoo and many other types of fish even just a couple kilometers from shore.

You can go inshore or offshore fishing but I recently got into kayak fishing. It’s great exercise, a fun way to spend some time with friends and even though you can’t go as far, you still catch some good sized fish.

Kayak Fishing in Playas del Coco

kayak fishing in Playas del Coco
Our two person sit on top kayak

After watching some kayak fishing videos I was ready to go for the first time, so I started to look for a “tutor” that will teach me where the good spots are and the techniques of kayak fishing. Luckily I was introduced to Diego, one of the locals who has been fishing in Playas del Coco since he was a kid and back when Coco was a small fishing village.

He loves to take his kayak and bring some fish home and goes at any chance he gets. He’s been kayak fishing for years in the Gulf so he knew all the good places to go and all the secrets to kayak fishing. So here are some important facts to know if you want to do some kayak fishing in Playas del Coco.

Where to get a kayak?

kayak fishing in Playas del Coco
Getting ready to go out

In Coco there are some places where you can rent a kayak on the beach. One good option is to go to “Cafe de Playa” located in front of the beach by Pelican entrance. Most of the people knows where it is and they are really nice and you can rent out their kayaks.

Where to get fishing equipment?

If you didn’t bring your equipment or don’t have your own equipment, there are a couple fishing stores in town, such as the one next to the Super Luperon. That one is the biggest and has all of the fishing equipment.

There is another place on the road to Playa Ocotal called the Jobo that also sells fishing equipment and bait.

You can also buy fishing gear at the supermarkets in Coco, they aren’t the best but they do sell some basic poles, nets and things like that.

Where to go?

kayak fishing in Playas del Coco
One of the best fishing spots near Coco

The best spot Diego taught me was behind the Pelonas Island. It might take you 20 to 30 minutes paddling, and what you need to look for is “Bajo la sorpresa.”

This spot is right behind the big Pelona (there are 2), as soon as you see a wooden cross you will know that you are in the right spot. To be right in front of it, paddle about 40 to 50 feet.

Kayak fishing has definitely become on one of my favorite activities in Costa Rica. I work out, clean my mind and I bring dinner home! It is a must do for fishing lovers visiting Costa Rica.

Here is a video of my very first catch. See what it’s like to go kayak fishing in Playas del Coco!

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48 responses

  1. Eric Bender

    I am coming to playas del coco in about two weeks. I am going to scuba and try surf fishing. My question is how heavy of a pole and line would you recommend? I plan to bring my own. Special hooks?

    Reply
    1. Sammi

      Hi Eric, to be honest I am not sure. I recommend going to Coco’s Fishing Supply, the main fishing store in town to check.

      Reply
  2. Jonathan Nguyen

    Hi
    I am jonathan Nguyen, we are planning a trip to costa rica at the end of december through second week of January 2018. We are big on kayak fishing, but , never been to Costa Rica. We are planning to stay 1 week in central pacific and 1 week in south pacific of Costa Rica. Any suggestions would be very helpful for us, like places to stay, rent kayak, places to fish in shore etc… We are from Boston area, never caught rooster fish, and yellow fin tuna, and welcome any advice. Thank you so much

    Reply
    1. Sammi

      Hi Jonathan, in the Central Pacific, you can go sport fishing out of Playa Herradura. They have a big marina there with lots of sport fishing boats. In the South Pacific, Drake Bay is a great place to go sport fishing. I am not sure about kayak fishing though, you may need to ask the fishing companies if they can also rent kayaks as well.

      Reply
  3. Jim Riley

    Greetings,

    Great blog. I am coming down next month and waned to see if you had a contact for kayak fishing. I will be staying in Papagayo and Playa Conchal. Any help would be outstanding. Thanks, Jim

    Reply
    1. yeison

      Hello Jim, when you are in Coco go to this store “Cocos fishing supply” the owner’s name is Carlos Barrera and he knows a lot of excellent kayak fishers they might help you to put a trip together. “Diego” is the best in the area.

      This store is located next to a supermarket call “Luperon” they also sell Yamaha bikes and engines.

      Reply
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