Fish Costa Rica · The complete FAD guide
FAD Fishing
in Costa Rica
Multi-day expeditions far offshore to the FADs and seamounts, built around one fish: the blue marlin. What FAD fishing is, how the trips work, when to go, which boats run them, and whether it’s the right trip for you.
The basics
What is FAD fishing?
A FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) is a floating or anchored structure that attracts baitfish and other open-ocean life. In Costa Rica, FADs sit around the deep offshore seamount zones, underwater mountains where currents push up food and bait gathers.
Where the bait concentrates, the predators follow, above all blue marlin. A FAD trip takes you far out to these grounds and keeps you there for days, so you spend your time fishing instead of running back and forth.
- Dedicated offshore marlin fishing
- Remote Pacific seamount and FAD zones
- Multi-day trips on long-range boats
- Teaser-and-switch-bait fishing
Short version: What are FADs? · Deep dive: Seamounts of Costa Rica
How a FAD trip works
Run out, fish, sleep
offshore, fish again.
The long run
An early departure and a long run toward the seamount and FAD zone. Exact distance depends on your marina and the grounds you fish.
Lines in
Teasers, dredges and pitch baits go out as the crew starts hunting marlin.
Stay offshore
Dinner, showers and bunks aboard instead of the long ride back to shore.
Wake up on the grounds
The spread goes back out at first light. Repeat for 2–4 days or more.
What it really feels like: running 120 miles offshore on a FAD trip.
What you’ll catch
Blue marlin first.
Plenty more besides.
Main targetBlue marlinThe reason for the trip →
Yellowfin tunaPowerful fights →
DoradoLoves floating structure →
SailfishA bonus billfish →
WahooFast with razor teeth →
Also possible: black marlin. Tuna fan? Read big tuna on FAD & overnight trips.
How it works
Tease them up.
Pitch the bait. Hang on.
- Raise the fish. Hookless teasers and dredges, which look like a school of bait, pull marlin up into the spread.
- Switch. When a lit-up marlin chases a teaser, the crew pulls it away and the angler pitches a rigged or live bait (ballyhoo, bonito, mackerel).
- Hook-up. Captain, mate and angler work as a team. Timing is everything.
- Release. Billfish are released quickly and in good condition.
What to pack for the trip: FAD gear guide · How crews rig: pro marlin rigging
When to go
The FAD season.
May through October is the main FAD season. June to early September is the prime window for a trip built around blue marlin. From November to April most anglers fish day trips, and it’s sailfish season on the Central Pacific.
More detail: FAD fishing season · full fishing calendar
Built for long range
The boats.
FAD trips need boats made to live offshore for days. Typical long-range FAD boats have:
- Diesel engines with long offshore range
- Air-conditioned cabin and sleeping berths
- A private restroom, essential on multi-day trips
- Radar, sonar and long-range navigation
- Heavy tackle, teasers, dredges and pitch-bait systems
Life aboard
Sunsets offshore,
marlin at dawn.
After fishing, the crew resets the boat, dinner is cooked aboard and you relax in the salon or your bunk before starting again at first light.
- Meals prepared aboard and cold drinks
- Air-conditioned cabin and berths
- Sunsets with no land in sight
Departure points
Where FAD trips leave from.
What to bring
Pack for days at sea.
Bring with you
- Soft duffel or waterproof bag
- Light fishing clothes and a long-sleeve UV shirt
- Hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Toiletries and any medication
- Motion-sickness medicine, if you need it
- Camera or GoPro
- Fishing license and ID
Confirm with us before you go
- Tackle and bait
- Meals, snacks, water and drinks (including alcohol)
- Bed linens and towels
- Ground transportation
- Dietary needs and tackle preferences
Quick check
Is a FAD trip
right for you?
Tick what’s true for you.
We’ll suggest the right kind of trip.
FAD library
Everything about FAD & offshore trips.
FAD questions
Quick answers.
Planning a marlin expedition? Ask us anything.
What is FAD fishing?
FAD stands for Fish Aggregating Device: a floating or anchored structure that attracts bait and open-ocean fish. Costa Rica crews fish around offshore FAD and seamount zones mainly for blue marlin.
How far offshore are the FADs in Costa Rica?
Many of the main long-range grounds are roughly 100 to 150 miles offshore. The exact distance depends on the FAD, the seamount and your departure marina.
How long is a FAD fishing trip?
Most are multi-day trips of about two to four days, and longer trips are possible if you want more fishing time.
What fish do you catch on a FAD trip?
Blue marlin is the main target. You may also catch black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado) and wahoo.
When is FAD season in Costa Rica?
May through October is the main FAD season. June to early September is the prime window for trips built around blue marlin.
Do you sleep on the boat?
Yes. FAD boats have sleeping berths, air conditioning, a restroom and meals aboard for multi-day trips.
Where do FAD trips leave from?
Los Sueños Marina and Marina Pez Vela (Quepos) on the Central Pacific, and Golfito or Puerto Jiménez in the South Pacific.
Is FAD fishing good for first-time anglers?
It can be, but the long run and days offshore are a big commitment. First-timers who want a shorter introduction may prefer an offshore day charter or a single overnight trip first.
Are marlin released on FAD trips?
Yes. Marlin and other billfish are released quickly and in good condition.
Plan your expedition
Ready to go
marlin hunting?
Tell us your dates, number of anglers, how many days you’d like offshore, where you’re staying and any dietary needs. We’ll match you with the right boat and departure point.