Rooster Fishing In Gulf Of Papagayo

Aside from sail and marlin fishing in the Gulf of Papagayo in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, rooster fishing is the most appreciated target for sport fishermen who come to this region in search of a Guanacaste fishing adventure. With an average weight between 50 and 80 pounds, the roosterfish is a great opponent for any professional or hobbyist angler. An 80 pound roosterfish is a better fighter than an 80 pound sailfish.

The roosterfish is not a migratory species, it is rather territorial and is present all year round. However, more fish are caught when the water conditions are especially good, regardless of the time of year. One of the main reasons for the abundance of this species is the fishing technique used to catch it (circular hook to catch this variety of fish) plus the catch and release technique that all fishermen in the Gulf of Papagayo share. Another reason for the abundance of this fish is that there is a large area of ​​good fertile land where roosterfish live in Papagayo (Bat Islands) and this area has been incorporated into a protected area called Santa Rosa National Park.

We can fish for rooster fish just offshore near beaches like Playa Coco, Playa Panama, Playa Potrero, Playa Tamarindo and several others in the Gulf of Papagayo roosterfish . However, there are several areas known only to local fishermen where this species is abundant, such as the Catalina Islands located on the southern side of the gulf and near the Murciélago and Playa Blanca Islands on the north side. Roosterfish in the Gulf of Papagayo can be found in waters no deeper than 100 to 200 feet and as shallow as 10 to 15 feet near shore. Their habitat in the tropics is neither too cold nor too warm water, which makes fishing conditions especially favorable when the water is a bit cloudy, where they can see the bait and sting instead of very clear or dirty water. You can catch a lot of roosterfish when day conditions are favorable.

Catching roosterfish in the Gulf of Papagayo with lures is difficult, so it is necessary to use baits, especially live baits such as Bonito, Lady Fish or Rainbow Runner. If live bait is not available, a special technique in the area can be used, which consists of cutting the bonito from the tail to the side of the head, trying to remove all the bone. The smell of tuna and the way it moves make this bait very attractive to the rooster; it is used with a downrigger.