Sport Fishing Tactics in the Papagayo Gulf

Trolling

Our typical trolling spread consists of 2-4 teasers (larger hook-less lures) and 4-5 ballyhoo on circle hooks. This is the standard spread, and we will target sail, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo this way.

If you request to target sail or marlin, the crew will set up a large teaser, baits and lures or use all lures. With this type of fishing, you will troll faster than normal to cover more seas to get that epic bite.

Teaser fishing is the most exciting part of trolling. This type of fishing involves hook-less lures called teasers which attract the fish into the spread behind the boat.

Live-bait fishing

Live bait cannot be bought in this area, so the crew will fish beforehand and have them in the live bait tank/tuna tubes. In the case they have no luck, some bait fishing may be required while you’re on board.

Live Bait Fishing is the use of a live fish as bait– a live tuna (yellowfin, skipjack, bonito), blue runner, goggle-eye or sardine etc. – that sail or other sizeable predatory game fish would eat as a food source. Tunas must constantly be moving forward to breathe, and we have specialized tuna tubes to keep a few live ones ready.

Live bait is “bridled” with a floss or Dacron loop, being fed through its eyes socket above the eyeballs, which is used for the secure connection to the circle hook.

Casting – Popper fishing

Popper fishing, a floating topwater lure, is an active approach in fishing which involves the use of specialized spinning gear capable of long casts and heavy drag. It is also one of the most visual and interactive ways to fish. There are many fishing spots in the Papagayo Gulf where you can spend part of the day casting poppers and catching several different species as long as the weather conditions permit.

Bottom fishing – jigging

Bottom fishing – jigging is a very popular fishing tactic in the Papagayo Gulf due to the many underwater rock formations. This type of fishing is another active, hands-on approach, which involves lures called Jigs, made of heavy metal and great for kids and anglers who enjoy staying busy all day.

You generally try to target bottom structures, rocks, reef wrecks, or ledges when bottom fishing. Inshore, bottom fishing (vertical jigging) will target snappers, groupers, amberjacks and more.

Sport Fishing Tactics in the Papagayo Gulf

Trolling

Live-bait fishing

Casting – Popper fishing

Bottom fishing – jigging

North Pacific Tours

Connect with Us!

Get your fishing license here