July Fishing Report: The Inshore Bite Steals the Show and Big Tuna Test the Rods and Backs
July delivered some outstanding fishing at Crocodile Bay, with the Osa Peninsula once again showing why it’s one of Central America’s premier fishing destinations.
Calm seas and plenty of sunny days gave our guests great conditions to take advantage of a red-hot inshore bite, while offshore, yellowfin tuna kept reels screaming throughout the month.
Video: Watch Nate W. from BD Outdoors and friends tackle roosterfish and monster yellowfin tuna at Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica!
And while the offshore action was strong, July belonged to the inshore fishery.
Roosterfish Put on a Show
The inshore bite has been on fire for the past few months, and July kept that streak rolling.
Roosterfish were the stars of the show, with several boats enjoying double-digit days. Anyone who has tangled with a big rooster knows the hookup is only the beginning. These iconic fish have speed, strength, blistering runs, and an attitude to match that unmistakable dorsal fin.
They’ll rip off line, change direction when you least expect it, and make you earn every inch before finally coming boatside. It’s exactly why roosterfish remain one of the bucket-list species anglers travel to Costa Rica to experience.
When you’re getting that kind of action day after day, you know the Osa Peninsula is showing off.
Cubera Snapper Bring the Muscle
Roosters weren’t the only reason to stay close to shore.
Cubera snapper made a strong showing throughout July, with several trips producing double-digit catches and fish ranging from around 15 pounds to bruisers pushing 50.
Fishing for Cubera around the Osa is about as close to hand-to-hand combat as you can get with a rod and reel. Once they eat, their first move is usually straight back toward the rocks and structure, so anglers need to be ready to put the pressure on immediately.
There isn’t much room for error with a big Cubera. Our captains and mates know these reefs and rocky structures inside and out, and that local knowledge gave our guests some fantastic opportunities to battle these powerful predators and get some impressive fish boatside before release.
Yellowfin Keep Reels Screaming Offshore
Offshore, the yellowfin tuna bite remained phenomenal.
Our crews consistently located multiple schools of feeding tuna, giving anglers plenty of opportunities throughout the month. The fish ranged from around 30 pounds all the way up to 150-pound-class bruisers, with some serious muscle mixed into those schools.
There’s nothing subtle about hooking a big yellowfin. The reel starts screaming, line disappears, and suddenly everyone aboard knows exactly what’s happening.
Then comes the work.
Yellowfin are built for speed and endurance, and the bigger fish can turn a hookup into a serious test of angler and tackle. After finally getting one boatside, you might wonder whether you’re ready to do it all over again—right up until the next reel starts screaming.
Fishing for a Great Cause
July was also a very special month for everyone at Crocodile Bay as we welcomed back Misty Wells, host of Let’s Take It Outside, for a two-day charity fishing tournament benefiting the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, A Reel Future, and Burky’s Believe Foundation.
The tournament brought anglers together for two days of inshore and offshore competition, and the fish cooperated. Roosterfish and snapper provided plenty of action along the coastline, while offshore, yellowfin tuna added another level of excitement.
But the event was about much more than what was caught. It was an opportunity to bring people together through a shared love of fishing while supporting three organizations doing meaningful work in their communities. Between the competition on the water and the camaraderie back at the marina, it was an event we were proud to be part of. We’re grateful to Misty, the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, A Reel Future, Burky’s Believe Foundation, and everyone who helped make the tournament possible. And we’re excited to say the 2027 dates are already set—we can’t wait to do it all again next year.
The Bite Rolls On
As July comes to a close, both our inshore and offshore fisheries continue to produce outstanding action. Roosterfish and Cubera are keeping anglers busy along the rocky coastline and reefs, while offshore schools of yellowfin continue to provide plenty of opportunities.
July also gave us calm seas, sunshine, and some beautiful days on the Pacific. Yes, we’re in Costa Rica’s green season, so packing rain gear is always a good idea—but don’t forget the sunscreen.
Whether you’re chasing a trophy rooster along the coastline, trying to stop a cubera before it reaches the rocks, or watching line disappear behind a big yellowfin offshore, there’s plenty happening right now at Crocodile Bay.
The fish are biting, the boats are ready, and our crews are excited to show you what the Osa Peninsula has to offer.
We’ll see you in paradise!
Diego Camacho
Fishing Director
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