Considering a fishing vacation with my wife and daughter, and thinking about Costa Rica or Panama. They may not be as committed to the fishing as I am, so a decent resort with other activities would be a plus. Probably the Pacific side - more interested in rooster fish, tuna, snapper and billfish. Anyone have a recommendation, or a preference of one destination over the other?

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Originally posted by nhoro:
Considering a fishing vacation with my wife and daughter, and thinking about Costa Rica or Panama. They may not be as committed to the fishing as I am, so a decent resort with other activities would be a plus. Probably the Pacific side - more interested in rooster fish, tuna, snapper and billfish. Anyone have a recommendation, or a preference of one destination over the other?

In Panama - tropic star. Expensive but worth it. I have never fished there but heard universally good things.

Costa Rica Los Suenos - heard good things about resort. High end.


Mike

We fished Costa Rica in 2013 for marlin and sailfish. Had a blast and caught a lot of fish. We booked the entire boat so we didn’t have to share. We also booked the boat, skipped a day, repeat, and repeat again. It’s nice to enjoy a day off after being off shore all day.
If your not a member join the Hull Truth boat forum. It is where we got all our info for Costa Rica.
Made the trip in Feb, weather was beautiful and we rented a car and drove all over. Country is very America friendly.

Thanks both of you. Appreciate the feedback.

I have yet to fish Panama, but when I do it will be with Tropic Star. First class outfit, but very limited activities for the family.

Costa Rica has great fishing. I'll return for my fourth trip in February. There are tons of activities other than fishing, white water rafting, zip lines, butterfly farms, surfing, volcanoes, national parks with monkeys & toucans etc. Los Suenos is a five star resort and can arrange everything you need. If their prices are out of reach, give serious consideration staying in Quepos and fishing out of Marina Pez Vela. Fishing is just as good and is home to the Offshore World Championships.

Costa Rica is great for the whole family. I went fishing in Jaco on the pacific side. Caught a Marlin but shook the hook. lots of sailfish and big dorado were caught. Best fishing trip I ever took.

Another vote for Costa Rica for family/fishing oriented vacations. However, from a purely fishing point of view, Belize is difficult to beat especially if you're into salt water fly fishing.