Los Sueños, Jacó & Quepos
Rocky points, reefs and river mouths, on inshore charters or even from the beach.
Fish Costa Rica · Species guide
Jack Fishing
in Costa Rica
Jack crevalle, amberjack, African pompano and more: tough, hard-pulling fish on both coasts, all year round. The perfect light-tackle action between billfish, or the star of an inshore day.
Crevalle 5–30 lbThe classic Costa Rica jack
Amberjack 100 lb+The heavyweight
All yearInshore on both coasts
Light tackleWhere jacks shine
Why anglers love jacks
Pound for pound,
pure muscle.
Jacks don’t jump like a sailfish, but few fish pull harder. A jack crevalle on light tackle will test your drag and your arms, and they’re in Costa Rica’s inshore waters all year, on the Pacific and the Caribbean.
They often show up when you least expect them, crashing bait on the surface or grabbing a bait meant for roosterfish. That’s why so many charters end with a jack story.
The jack family
Which jacks can you catch?
| Species | Size | Where & how | On the table |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack crevalle | 5–30 lb | Inshore on both coasts, all year. Tough fighters, especially on light tackle. | Not usually eaten. Locals use it in soups. |
| Amberjack | Can top 100 lb | Torpedo-shaped. Runs for cover when hooked. Caught by jigging or with dead bait. | Can taste fishy, but often served grilled in restaurants. |
| African pompano | Varies | Mostly in the South Pacific: Golfito, Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay. Juveniles have long, trailing fin filaments that disappear with age. | Rather tasty. |
You may also catch horse-eye jack, almaco jack and trevally. Going after the big ones? Read our amberjack fishing guide.
Where to catch them
Every coast
has jacks.
Golfito, Puerto Jiménez & Drake
Big jacks inshore, plus the best chance in Costa Rica for African pompano.
River mouths & lagoons
Jack crevalle crash bait at the river mouths, often while you’re fishing for tarpon and snook.
From shore? See our Jacó shore fishing guide.
How to catch them
Live bait, jigs
and poppers.
- Live bait: the most reliable way to hook jacks inshore.
- Poppers and surface lures: the most exciting. Jacks smash them when they’re chasing bait.
- Jigs: work well around reefs and drop-offs.
- For amberjack: jigging deep or dead bait near structure.
Tip for amberjack
Amberjack head straight for the rocks when hooked. Keep heavy pressure early to turn them before they reach cover.
Fish for jacks
Book an inshore day.
Jacks are caught on most inshore trips, alongside roosterfish and snapper. A half day is plenty for non-stop action, and it’s great with kids.
Same waters
Other inshore species.
Jack questions
Quick answers.
Want a jack-filled inshore day? Ask us.
What kinds of jacks are in Costa Rica?
Mainly jack crevalle, plus amberjack, African pompano, horse-eye jack, almaco jack and trevally.
How big are jack crevalle in Costa Rica?
Usually 5 to 30 lb. Amberjack grow much bigger and can top 100 lb.
When can you catch jacks in Costa Rica?
All year. Jacks live in the inshore waters on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
What is the best bait for jacks?
Live bait is the most reliable, but jacks also hit jigs, poppers and other lures. For amberjack, jigging and dead bait work best.
Are jacks good to eat?
Jack crevalle aren’t usually eaten, though locals use them in soups. Amberjack can taste fishy but are often grilled, and African pompano are quite tasty.
Plan your trip
Light tackle.
Heavy pull.
Tell us your dates, where you’re staying and how many anglers. We’ll set up an inshore day full of jacks, roosters and snapper.
USA & Canada: 1-800-986-6980
Costa Rica / WhatsApp: +506 8888 4723