Tarpon And Snook Fishing In Costa Rica

For Tarpon, Snook and a multitude of light tackle game fish, there is no place in the world that compares to Rio Colorado Lodge.

Nestled in Costa Rica's tropical jungle, where the Colorado River flows into the Caribbean Sea, is a lodge that provides excellent Tarpon and Snook fishing for both novice and experienced anglers. Each day you go fishing for both; during a morning and evening session, returning at lunchtime to eat and relax in the heat of the day. Fishing comprises 2 anglers to one guide and boat. You decide what you wish to fish for, either Tarpon or Snook. Both Tarpon and Snook can be taken any month of the year, but like fishing anywhere, there are certain times of the year when chances of scoring big are greater than others. The dry season, from January through to May, is considered the peak season in the quiet river and lagoons for huge Tarpon as these aerial acrobats swarm in by the thousands to spawn.

The accommodation is a mini oasis in the jungle, built on stilts right on the banks of the River Colorado. There are 18 comfortable air-conditioned rooms; all have private baths, hot showers, electric fans and daily maid service. Meals are served family style, all you can eat, in the communal dinning area. There is a comfortable recreation room and bar with game tables, plus a video room.

Tarpon are the king of all game fish and there is no bigger thrill in fishing to compare with hooking a Tarpon. Set the hook hard when they strike, then watch the water erupt as they head for the stratosphere, leaping and twisting clear of the water eight or twelve times! Average size of the Tarpon taken at the Rio Colorado Lodge is around 80 pounds up to 207 pounds. You can expect to jump eight or ten fish a day and when things are hot, anglers often jump 25 or more Tarpon in a day's fishing. Most of the action will be in the calm waters of the jungle rivers and lagoons, with monkeys and brilliantly coloured birds to be seen in the vines and branches of the verdant orchid draped trees that line the shore. When the fish are on the outside your guide will often put you in the middle of a school of literally hundreds of leaping fish spreading over an acre or more of calm sea.

The Snook are also present year around in the waters of the Rio Colorado Lodge and are taken casting, trolling, surf fishing and even on flies. Small Snook, called "Calba" move into the rivers in November -December and provide furious action for two to three months, with 20 to 80 fish per rod not an unusual day's catch. They average about five pounds so light tackle is in order. But beware there are always a few up to 30 pounds mixed in with the smaller Calba. The best surf fishing and trolling in the waters near the river mouths is in the late fall and that's when the monsters from 25 pounds up are usually caught. You're also likely to tie into a big Jack Crevalle, Bonita dorado or mackerel while fishing in the sea. You will troll along the banks of the quiet jungle river or drift silently into a likely lagoon, plugging toward the brush. When the Snook hits you'll know you have a real fish on the line as these sluggers know all the tricks; one moment bulldozing toward cover, then often reversing their field to break water as they try to shake barbs. Except during the Calba runs, the average Snook is close to 20 pounds. Thirty-pounders are not uncommon and fish in the 50-pound bracket have been taken locally. Hooking a Snook in the surf as you stand waist deep in the warm waters of the Caribbean is an experience you will not forget, especially since the fish in the surf tend to run much larger. They will circle and jump frantically; using the surge of the tide and waves to their advantage and testing the angler's skill to the limit!

FISHING METHODS

Big Game Fishing, Trolling, Surface Poppers, Jigging and Live Baiting

SPECIES TO CATCH

Tarpon

Season: All year
Peak: Jan to May
Weight: 50lb to 210lb
Average Weight: 80lb

Snook

Season: All year
Peak: Nov to Jan
Weight: 1lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 5lb

Note: these figures are complied with catch reports over 5 years, however they can be affected by adverse weather conditions.

TOUR INCLUDES

Flights (WT) international return flights, (E) internal flights, airport transfers, 4 days full fishing as indicated on itinerary, 2 nights accommodation in San Jose B/B, 4 nights accommodation at Rio Colorado lodge F/B.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Holiday insurance, personal items and local tips (recommendation $25 USD per day for your guide).

OPTIONS

Seat upgrades available with British Airways.

VISA

No visa for UK citizens required.

Note: Because your flight will involve travelling into the USA, you will be required before travel to complete an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online, which is compulsory for all USA Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers before boarding an air or sea carrier to the USA. For full information and to apply online visit our ESTA information page.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Typhoid and Malaria.

PLEASE NOTE

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

DEPARTURE TAX

There is a $26 USD departure tax payable upon leaving Costa Rica.

FLIGHT ROUTE AND FLIGHT TIME

UK - Miami (approx 9hrs) Miami - San Jose (approx 3 hours) San Jose - Rio Colorado Lodge (approx 45mins).

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

International flight

British Airways (WT/WTP) 2 checked in items 23 kg, (C/F) 3 checked in items 23 kg. British Airways permits each passenger to check in one piece of sporting luggage i.e. a rod holdall, but must not exceed 23 kg.

Internal flight

Nature Air airlines (San Jose - Crocodile Bay) permits one piece of checked in baggage not exceeding 30 pounds and a maximum size not exceeding 50 linear inches. You are also permitted to take a small handbag for the cabin not exceeding 10 pounds. Excess luggage will be charged at the airport. The following fees apply: 1 to 30 pounds or one additional luggage has a $25 penalty. 31 to 45 pounds or two additional luggage pieces must pay $50. 46 to 70 pounds or three additional luggage pieces must pay $75. Any piece of luggage exceeding 71 pounds will be charged as cargo.

TRANSFER TIME

Local airport - Rio Colorado Lodge (approx 10 mins).

JUNGLE TRIPS

An opportunity to explore the depths of the rainforest and experience the wonder of its animals and wildlife.

BIRD WATCHING

With many species of birds, Costa Rica offers you a great opportunity for some wonderful bird-watching.

Here's Januarys Report & Pictures From The Paradise Lodge In Panama!

Tarpon Fishing Rio Colorado Lodge