Fishing off the Osa is brilliant, a truly amazing experience that you’ll never forget. The Osa is where you want to fish andAguila de Osa captains are who you want taking you out. We’ve been fishing these waters for over 20 years and over that time, Aguila’s captains have set four IGFA world fishing records. We’re passionate about this sport and even more passionate about making sure you have an exceptional Costa Rica fishing experience with us.

Where We Go and What We Chase

On our full day charters, you’ll chase the runs of big Blue and Black Marlin, as well as Sailfish, which range from 20 to 60 miles out. On the way, we look for the huge schools of spinner Dolphin to find the big Yellow Fin tuna and Dorado (Mahi-mahi). Our half-day charters are closer in, where you can troll around Caño Island for Wahoo, or jig on the rock mounts for Cubera Snappers, Amberjacks, and Grouper. There are also half-day charters for in-shore trolling, casting surface plugs or live bait for Roosterfish, Sierra or Spanish mackerel, and Snapper. So whether half-day or full day, you’ll often be in the company of dolphins, sea turtles, rays, flying fish, and during seasonal migration —majestic humpback whales. Check our list of fish and fishing seasons listed below.

The Boats and Gear

With all the great fishing happening off the Osa right now, Aguila is offering three outstanding boats to choose from – a 35’ Cabo, 31’ Palm Beach, and a 26’ center console, specially built for the local waters. All boats meet all U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and are fully equipped with lifejackets, flares, GPS, and in case of emergency, our VHF radios featuring a special frequency that enables us to reach significantly farther distances than the typical marine radios. All boats are maintained to the highest standards to ensure your total safety and enjoyment. The Aguila fleet uses only top-of-the-line fishing equipment, Penn internationals, Tiagra and Shimano reels with custom made rods in all weight classes.

The Philosophy

The Osa is our home and these waters are special to us all. With Caño Island is just 12 miles off Drake Bay, and to the south, the spectacular cobalt blue waters off the coast of Corcovado National Park, there is relatively little fishing pressure in these areas, and we’re keen to keep it that way. Our philosophy is simple — eats what you catch or let it go. We are the first charter operations on the Osa to commit to catch and release using circle hooks. On the flip side, hand-off your catch to Chef Dixon and you and your party will be feasting like King Neptune come dinnertime.

The Boats

The Reel Escape is a 35-foot CABO sport Fishing Yacht powered by Caterpillar twin 450 hp turbo diesel engines. The boat is fully equipped for your comfort and safety, with an air-conditioned salon, a full bathroom, and kitchenette.

Rates

• Half-day Inshore US $ 750.00
• Full-day Inshore or Offshore US $1,400.00
• Full-day G0 BIG Marlin Charter US $1.800.00

Albatross is a Palm Beach 31-foot cold-molded sport fishing boat, with a bathroom and plenty of shade. It’s powered by a Caterpillar 3116 turbo diesel.

Rates

• Half-day Inshore US $ 600.00
• Full-Day Inshore or Offshore US $1,050.00
• Full-Day GO BIG Marlin Charter US $1,200.00

Reel Time is another great boat for inshore fishing. A throaty 250hp, 4-stroke Yamaha powers this unique new 26 foot center console walk around.

Rates

• Half Day US $ 450.00
• Full Day US $ 750.00

Note to fly fisherman: We will gladly accommodate you on your fly fishing adventure. However, we ask you to bring your own rods and flies.

Marlin:

The thrill of catching Marlin is absolutely awe-inspiring. You have to be there and experience it for yourself. Some of these big boys get over 600 lbs., and the spectacle of their powerful running and jumping will stay with you forever. Here off the Osa, peak time for Marlin is November through April. But from June through August, there’s often a good bite for Black Marlin if the water temperature is up a bit. The “Go Big” Marlin Charter puts you where the monsters are biting. During the peak season, we take you out 50 to 60 miles where you’ll have an 80% chance of catching a Marlin. Closer in, 25 to 30 miles out on a regular full day charter, chances drop to about 10% during the season.

Sailfish:

There is always a good chance to catch a few Sailfish year round. Peak season runs November until May, when raising 15 to 20 a day is not unusual. Average sizes run about 100— 160 lbs. The thrill of landing one these babies on light tackle when they’re all lit up is pretty amazing. The Sailfish runs slow from May to early June, but start picking up again in August and September going into peak.

Note:

As a member of Greentique Hotels, Aguila de Osa is committed to sustainable hospitality in Costa Rica. We have a catch and release policy for all billfish, which are caught using circle hooks. We practice sustainable fishing methods on all our charters. Let us know if you have any questions, and how you can help.

Yellow Fin and Big Eye Tuna:

There’s definite excitement in hooking 100 to 300lbs of sheer muscle that is the Yellow Fin Tuna. These are incredibly game fish, and the fight to bring in one of these beasts is definitely a high-five accomplishment. Yellow Fin or Big Eye makes for a mouth-watering sashimi appetizer and an amazingly flavorful tuna steak later for dinner. Call from the boat to let Chef Dixon know you’ve got one coming and he’ll take care of everything. Best time for fishing the bigger ones corresponds with marlin and sailfish season, but the schools of footballs can nearly always be found year-round off Caño Island and farther out.

Dorado:

Also known as Mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish, the Dorado is the fastest growing fish in the ocean. As fast growers, they’re always hungry and run in large schools, making them fairly easy to catch on light tackle. A remarkably beautiful fish, you’ll see them all lit up in gold and blue when you get them up close to the boat. Impressive runners and jumpers, they are a terrific fish to land … and to eat. The best runs are traditionally from late November through May, but they can be caught year around. Dorado makes fantastic ceviche, and the hotel absolutely loves serving this delicious fish. Simply ask Chef Dixon to prepare it “just the way like you like it.”

Wahoo:

In Hawaii they call this fish Ono, meaning good to eat, and with good reason. Very fast and very tasty, the Wahoo is a prize game fish known for its long runs and immense fight. Hooking a Wahoo creates its own onboard soundtrack — hot reels and screaming lines, making for an incredibly intense experience whenever you hook one. Renowned for their firm white meat, the Wahoo is an absolutely delicious fish. Put a call into Dixon before you arrive at the dock and he’ll take care of the rest. Best times for Wahoo are May through December and can be caught while trolling for tuna and sailfish. Although not abundant in the off-season, an occasional Wahoo may be taken year-round.

Snappers:

We have several types of snappers, the most sought-after being the Cubera, or Dog Tooth Snapper. It’s the largest of the Pacific snapper group and is usually found around rock formations. These bruisers average 20 to 40 lbs. and are fun to catch with live bait or fresh cut bait, and the occasional trolling. When hooked up, be prepared for a great fight and watch out that these bad boys don’t pull you in as they dive for the rocks to cut you off. Put in a call to Dixon and he’ll cut up some fine snapper steaks, grilled up and topped off with one of his special sauces. Snapper is also one of Dixon’s favorites for his amazing ceviche appetizer.

Roosterfish:

Only found on the west coast of Central and South America, and parts of Mexico, these highly prized fish are a favorite of international sport-fishermen who come to the Osa from around the world. Known for the distinctive look of their dorsal fin and their tenacious fight, they can be caught here year around. The average size is 15 to 30 lbs., but we’ve pulled in a few that were closer to 100 lbs. here in the area. So with the world record at 114 lbs., we feel there’s a chance to break it right here off the Osa.

Other Species:

These are rich waters with an abundance of species, including Horse-eye Jacks, Albacore tuna, Jack Trevally, Amber Jack,Spanish Mackerel, Broomtail Grouper, Rainbow runners, Barracuda, Blue Trevally, and Pompano. You can catch all of these off the Osa, year around.