Central PacificFAD fishing
Quepos
Runs to offshore FADs from Marina Pez Vela make Quepos a favorite for filling the cooler with tuna and mahi-mahi.
Private fishing charters • 7 Pacific coast locations
Fish species · Offshore
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Costa Rica
Hard-pulling, deep-diving and delicious. Yellowfin tuna are one of Costa Rica’s most popular offshore targets — and unlike billfish, you can take some home for sashimi. Here’s when, where and how to catch them.
- Caught year-round
- Big fish in the green season
- Dolphin schools & FADs
- Great table fare
Thunnus albacaresScientific name
20–100+ lbTypical Costa Rica fish
Year-roundBiggest in green season
Keep someFresh sashimi on board
Meet the fish
Built for speed and power
Yellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped, with a dark metallic-blue back, a gold stripe along the side and bright yellow finlets running to the tail. On larger fish the second dorsal and anal fins grow long and sickle-shaped.
Off Costa Rica, most yellowfin on charters range from about 20 to 100 lb, with “football” tuna schooling in big numbers and true cows over 200 lb possible during good seasons.
A tuna doesn’t jump like a billfish — it dives. Expect a blistering first run straight down, then a long tug-of-war as the fish circles under the boat. Pound for pound, few fish pull harder.
Deep, powerful runs
Schools of fish
Great for groups
Excellent to eat
When to go
Yellowfin tuna season in Costa Rica
Tuna are caught all year, but size and numbers change with the seasons.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Green season | May – November | Often the best time for bigger yellowfin, especially with spinner dolphin schools and around FADs. |
| Dry season | December – April | Steady school-size tuna mixed in with sailfish on offshore trips. |
| South Pacific (Golfito) | Year-round, with productive periods | Known for large fish on long-range and FAD trips. |
| Offshore FADs | Year-round | Fish aggregating devices hold tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo far offshore. |
Where to fish
Top yellowfin tuna locations
Tuna are found along the whole Pacific coast — these ports give you the best access.
Central Pacific
Central PacificLuxury yachts
Los Sueños Marina
Fast, air-conditioned sportfishers that cover water quickly to find dolphin schools holding tuna.
Central PacificMost boats
Jacó & Herradura
The widest choice of boats and budgets for an offshore tuna day close to Jacó hotels.
South PacificTrophy fish
Golfito
The South Pacific can produce some of the biggest yellowfin in the country, especially on long-range trips.
North PacificGuanacaste
Flamingo
Deep water close to Marina Flamingo gives quick access to tuna alongside marlin and sailfish.
North PacificGuanacaste
Tamarindo
Full-day offshore trips from Tamarindo regularly mix in yellowfin with the billfish.
Want to catch yellowfin tuna?
Tell us your dates and hotel — we’ll recommend the best port and boat for tuna.
How it’s done
How crews find and catch tuna
Finding the fish is half the battle — Costa Rica captains read birds, dolphins and current lines.
Follow the signs
Dolphin Schools & Birds
Yellowfin often travel with spinner and spotted dolphins. Diving birds and jumping dolphins tell the captain exactly where to set up.
Fast action
Trolling & Live Bait
Small lures, feathers and cedar plugs trolled around the school, or live bait pitched to feeding fish, produce explosive multi-hookups.
Structure
FADs & Jigging
Around offshore FADs, crews drop jigs and baits deep or work topwater poppers when tuna are busting bait at the surface.
Gear & table fare
From the deck to the sashimi plate
Tuna tackle depends on the size of the fish — 20 to 30-lb outfits for school fish, and heavier stand-up gear when big yellowfin are around. Your crew sets the spread to match the day’s conditions.
Unlike billfish, yellowfin tuna can be kept for eating. Many crews slice fresh sashimi right on board, and your catch can often be cooked at a local restaurant that night. We encourage keeping only what your group will eat and releasing the rest.
Light & heavy tackle
Fresh sashimi on board
Restaurant cook-your-catch
Keep only what you’ll eat
Tips for your trip
How to get the most from a tuna day
1Book a full dayTuna schools can be well offshore. A full day gives the crew time to find them.
2Pace yourselfBig tuna fight deep and long. Keep steady pressure and let the rod do the work.
3Plan dinnerAsk your hotel or a local restaurant about cooking your catch the same night.
Tuna photos
Yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica
More species
Other fish you can catch
Yellowfin tuna FAQ
Questions about tuna fishing
When is the best time to catch yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica?
Yellowfin are caught year-round. The green season, roughly May to November, often brings bigger fish, while the dry season produces steady school-size tuna alongside sailfish.
Where is the best place to catch yellowfin tuna?
Quepos is popular for FAD tuna fishing, Los Sueños and Jacó offer quick access to offshore schools, and Golfito is known for large yellowfin on long-range trips.
How big are yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica?
Most fish on charters weigh about 20 to 100 lb. Larger fish over 200 lb are possible during productive seasons, especially farther offshore and in the South Pacific.
Can I keep the tuna I catch?
Yes. Unlike billfish, yellowfin tuna can be kept for eating. Crews often prepare fresh sashimi on board, and we encourage keeping only what your group will eat.
Should I book a half day or full day for tuna?
A full day is recommended. Tuna schools are often well offshore, and the extra time lets the crew find the fish and follow them.
Ready to catch yellowfin tuna?
Send us your dates, group size and where you’re staying — we’ll match you with the best boat for tuna.