Giant Tuna, Roosterfish & Nonstop Action in the Osa Peninsula
If there’s one word that defined April at Crocodile Bay, it’s variety.
The transition season has the fishery absolutely alive right now, bringing together some of the best offshore and inshore fishing we’ve seen in years. One day it’s giant yellowfin tuna crashing topwater baits offshore, the next it’s explosive roosterfish strikes tight to the rocks. Add in blue marlin, sailfish, mahi, Cubera snapper, and even Pacific tarpon — and every day on the water feels different.
And that’s exactly what makes fishing the Osa Peninsula so special.
Offshore Action Heating Up
The offshore bite continues to fire on all cylinders.
Sailfish numbers remain strong, with multiple double hookups throughout the month, while blue marlin encounters have added even more excitement offshore. The bull mahi have officially arrived too, giving anglers nonstop action and incredible variety every time the boats leave the dock.
But the biggest story this month has been the yellowfin tuna bite.
Massive tuna have been blowing up on bait offshore, creating pure chaos from the first cast — screaming drags, multiple hookups, and fish hitting the deck before the spray even settles.
Several groups experienced unforgettable tuna action this month, including epic triple hookups, 100-pound-plus fish, and fresh sushi dinners every night.
This is the kind of offshore fishing Costa Rica is known for.
The Roosters Have Arrived
Inshore, the roosterfish bite has reached another level.
Big fish are pushing up along the rocky coastline of the Osa Peninsula, delivering explosive strikes and drag-burning runs anglers never forget. Roosterfish and Cubera snapper are both showing up in a BIG way right now, especially as cooler water settles into the region.
One standout catch this month included a rare black snapper estimated at 35–40 pounds — only the second one Captain Oldemar has seen in 25 years on these waters.
As always, all roosterfish and Cubera snapper are carefully released to help preserve this incredible fishery for future generations.
Tarpon Trail with FECOP
April also brought the opportunity for Crocodile Bay to host anglers participating in the Tarpon Trail with FECOP, highlighting Costa Rica’s unique Pacific tarpon fishery and ongoing conservation efforts throughout the region.
As part of the event, we were proud to host four experienced captains from Costa Rica’s East Coast who joined our team to share and improve techniques for successfully catching and safely releasing tarpon in the Osa Peninsula. The collaboration was an incredible opportunity to continue developing this exciting fishery while promoting responsible handling practices for these powerful fish.
Combined with sailfish on the fly, giant tuna, marlin, roosterfish, Cubera, and mahi, this month once again showcased the incredible diversity these waters are known for.
Historic Cubera Snapper Satellite Tagging at Crocodile Bay
Crocodile Bay recently partnered with Gray FishTag Research for a groundbreaking fisheries conservation project — the first-ever satellite tagging of a Cubera Snapper in Costa Rica.
After a full day of teamwork offshore at Sirena Reef, researchers successfully tagged and released a healthy 35-inch Cubera Snapper fitted with a satellite tag that will track its movements over the next five months.
The historic expedition brought together scientists, captains, and mates in a collaborative effort to better understand one of the Pacific’s most iconic reef predators and help support the future of sustainable sportfishing in Costa Rica.
See the full story here
Experience the Best of the Osa Peninsula
Beyond the incredible fishing, April also delivered unforgettable moments on the water, including humpback whale sightings near Matapalo Point with mothers and calves cruising the calm Pacific seas.
It’s all part of what makes this place so special. One moment you’re watching whales surface from the boat, the next you’re hooked into a screaming yellowfin tuna or battling a giant roosterfish tight to the rocks.
And right now, the bite is heating up in every direction.
Giant yellowfin tuna, strong sailfish numbers, blue marlin, bull mahi, roosterfish, Cubera snapper, and Pacific tarpon — it’s all happening right now at Crocodile Bay, and May is already shaping up to be even hotter.
We can’t wait to share these incredible waters with you!
Tight lines,
The Crocodile Bay Team
