Machaca Fishing Tours Costa Rica — 506 Outdoors (2024)

Machaca Fishing Tours Costa Rica — 506 Outdoors (1)

Wondering what a machaca is?

The machaca is a cousin of the piranha that lives in many of Costa Rica’s lowland rivers. Our tours are done from a whitewater raft that is outfitted with a frame just for fly fishing. The fish eats a variety of fruits, nuts, insects, and baitfish…so pretty much everything. However, their favorite thing by far is a fruit called a chilamate. This is how we like to target them. To give you a better understanding of just how cool this fish is, watch the video below!

- TOUR INFO -

  • The closest town to our Machaca fishing tours is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. This is where you will likely meet us for the day of fishing.

  • Only Full Day Option is available. Tour meets at 7:30am and typically ends around 2:30-3pm. *Times can very due to season and water conditions.

  • An 8wt fast action fly rod and floating line is recommended.

  • Average fish size is from 2-5lbs, but fish in the 8lb range have been caught.

  • Flies and leader will be provided by your guide.

  • Breakfast and lunch is included.

  • Typical fishing clothing like a hat, facemask, long sleeve fishing shirt, and long pants are suggested.

  • Since we will be on the water and around the rivers edge at times, we suggest bringing light sneakers or water sandals.

    FOR PRICING - PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL

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Have a question about MACHACA Fishing?

If you have any questions regarding our machaca fishing tours, please feel free to shoot us an email and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.

Machaca Fishing Tours Costa Rica — 506 Outdoors (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go deep sea fishing in Costa Rica? ›

Costa Rica Deep Sea Fishing Spots

It's best to avoid here from October through April due to the weather, but come June there are pelagics all over! The Central Pacific. Unlike the north, fishing here actually peaks over the winter, with November through April offering the best chances.

How far offshore do you fish in Costa Rica? ›

Offshore trips are generally are done 25 miles or more offshore from the marina. They target marlin, sailfish, dorado, tunas, wahoo usually by trolling teasers, baits, and lures.

What is the machaca fish in Costa Rica? ›

The machaca fish is one of the most exciting freshwater game fish found in Central America. Actually a relative of the piranha, Machaca put up such a good fight and aerial display they have earned the nickname “mini tarpon.” Once hooked they'll leap into the air several times in an attempt to throw your hook.

Can tourists fish in Costa Rica? ›

Tourist charter operations often include the appropriate license in packages for marlin, tarpon, roosterfish etc. It is also possible to go online at INCOPESCA licenses to purchase a sport license for fishing from a charter or private boat (Carné Pesca Deportiva desde embarcación).

What is the best fishing month in Costa Rica? ›

Off Shore Sport Fishing in Costa Rica. Billfish (Pacific Sailfish, Blue, Black and Striped Marlin) are caught here year round in strong numbers. The peak season for Bill fishing here is December through May.

What is the fishing capital of Costa Rica? ›

Known as the fishing capital of Costa Rica, Quepos offer direct access to the most fertile fishing grounds in the country, making fishing Quepos Costa Rica a hotspot like no other.

How much does it cost to fish in Costa Rica? ›

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Costa Rica are: 3-hour fishing trips – US $175. 4-hour fishing trips – US $408. 5-hour fishing trips – US $653.

What is the best fish in Costa Rica? ›

If you are looking for dinner, Grouper, Snapper, Mahi-Mahi, and Tuna are always a fan favorite. Freshwater enthusiasts also get their chance at Rainbow Bass, Machaca or Roncadora. Whatever your interests are, Costa Rica has plenty of opportunities for fishing action.

Do I need a license to fish from shore in Costa Rica? ›

In Costa Rica, a fishing license is required to engage in fishing activities. Whether you're fishing on a charter boat or on the shore, this license may be requested by local authorities at any time.

How far offshore to catch marlin in Costa Rica? ›

Fish Costa Rica's FADs on overnighters for Marlin

These are buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor, and float either on the surface, or just below it. Marlin especially seem to congregate around these FADs, placed at distances of 40 to 120 miles off the coast.

Is it safe to go offshore fishing? ›

Deep Sea Fishing Safety Tips

Check frequently for weather updates. Offshore conditions can change quickly. Stay alert and aware by monitoring weather data on your marine radio or through satellite data that is transmitted to your boat electronics. File a float plan with a marina or responsible family member.

How big are machaca fish? ›

Machaca vary in size, based on location. The machaca found in the tropical rivers along the Pacific Ocean are often much smaller those in the inland waters of northern Costa Rica. Most machaca are 2-6 pounds, but large ones can reach 10-15 pounds.

Why is it called machaca? ›

Its name means "shredded with eggs" in Spanish. The shredded dry beef, carne seca or "machaca", is said to have originated in the town of Ciénega de Flores, about an hour's drive north of Monterrey, Mexico. The early settlers in the area air-cured beef so that it would be preserved.

Is machaca good? ›

Machaca is a Northern Mexican type of dried meat, often made from beef. This preservation technique is a boon when access to fresh beef is sporadic or otherwise difficult, but it also concentrates the beef's flavor, meaning you can do much more with less.

Which ocean is best in Costa Rica? ›

If you go by what the locals say, the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo.

What is the wet season in Costa Rica? ›

Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Although there aren't the four seasons in Costa Rica, rainy season is considered Costa Rica's “winter.” The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October.

Is there a fishing season in Costa Rica? ›

With a warm climate and some of the most bountiful waters in the world, Costa Rica enjoys year-round fishing. There's fantastic freshwater action in its rivers and lakes but it gets even wilder once you hit the saltwater. In the ocean, there are fish biting both shallow and deep.

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