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
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?
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?
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!
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary says
Awesome! I have been fishing in a boat before but never in a kayak! I would love to try it sometime!!
yeison says
Is way different compare to fish in a big boat you are closer to the ocean, and you are the engine.
A Southern Gypsy says
I love kayaking and fishing and really have been wanting to combine the two. My brother does this a lot back here in Tennessee…I think I’ll make it a priority this summer! Great post guys 🙂
yeison says
Thanks, and yes go for it is very fun !
A Brit and A Southerner says
I don’t generally go kayaking or fishing so whenever I started reading this I was a little skeptical that my interest level wouldn’t be very high! However, after reading your post this certainly would encourage even folks like myself that are not expert at either aspect but I would love to try it out for the experience.
Great post as always guys!
yeison says
You should try it, is a unique experience.
Syd says
I’ve always thought fishing would be too slow for me, but I think I would like it in a kayak. I love kayaking–it’s such a great upper body workout. Always kills my shoulders! Great application for the gopro too, haha.
yeison says
You work out a lot, and is not like normal fishing, you really feel that you are in contant with the ocean. You should try it out.
frankaboutcroatia says
Didn’t even know about kayak fishing. Sounds great. Ecological too. Go Pro did a job of capturing the fun, but kudos to you for catching the fish (ok, and a little bit to Diego for showing you the best spot to fish 🙂
yeison says
Yes, is a fishing rule at the beginning you need a local to teach you.
Greg says
I love this article! I have not been fishing since we moved here and we are closer to coffee farms than the beach but this post has fired me up. The GoPro did a great job of capturing the fun – nice editing. Question – the kayak dolly you use – how do you secure it while you are off having fun?
yeison says
I have a bike lock, that I use to lock the kayak dolly to a tree. Playas del coco is very safe in general but just in case I prefer to use it.
Frank says
Very impressed your youtube video.
I should have done like you. I have never been to costa rica. Is it good place for kayak fishing?
yeison says
Hi frank, yes Costa Rica is well know for good fishing, hopefully you can come here and do some fishing, let us know when you come around
sean kellogg says
I found your site by accident. I will be there jan 23 – feb 1 . I would love to go fishing with you . I am from great falls Montana look it up . we have some of the best trout fishing in the world I fish all the time . I will be traveling with my mom she is 70 years old and will not be fishing with me . do you have any connections or recommendations for a condo for my dates . also I would like information on kayak rental and where to go. want to catch lots of fish do you now any locals to fish with ? I would love to share costs or pay for fuel. I just want to fish affordable. looking forward to hearing from you skellogg43@yahoo.com
yeison says
Hi Sean ! nothing happends by accident for sure we will catch a huge fish hehehe .. I will send you an email 🙂 thanks for stoping by
Carmella says
We are coming down in June and def wat to rent a rod (we will bring our reels) and surfcast!!! Hopefully we can meet
Sammi says
Awesome! Let us know when you’re here! 🙂
Dusty says
Why did you buy a “sit on” instead of a “sit in”? Was because you intended to use it on open water as well? I have been thinking about a kayak for a while and although I don’t fish, you have got me thinking about it again.
Sammi says
I think mostly because we were going out in open water and it’s easier for Yeison to do fishing since he has a lot more room to just put stuff on top… it’s been great so far! Kayaking is super fun, great exercise 🙂 I don’t fish personally but Yeison loves it haha
Dusty says
Even if you don’t fish, it is great that you can do it together. Plus is motivates all us land lubbers to get our feet wet.
Sammi says
True true! 🙂
Alex says
Thanks for a nice ride. What a great shot you had. You didn’t have to wait that long to catch a fish… lucky.
yeison says
Hi Alex ! Normally fishing is very good, I have been 3 times by now at the same sport, and usually it takes from 10 to 20 minutes … poppers work very well here 🙂
Have a great day !