# Bait and Tackle in Costa Rica: Shops, Live Bait, Ice and What to Pack

> Most Costa Rica charters supply rods, reels, bait and ice, so the average angler needs very little. If you fish on your own or bring your own gear, there are real tackle shops near every coast and a cluster in the Central Valley, with CR Primo at Los Sueños the biggest name, but there's no dedicated fly shop anywhere in the country.

Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/costa-rica-bait-and-tackle/
Last checked: 2026-11-14
Biggest distributor: CR Primo, Playa Herradura (El Mundo CR, 2026)
Marina chain: CR Marine Supply at Los Sueños, Pez Vela, Flamingo, Ocean Marina and Golfito
Online stores: Full Pesca (Heredia), Angler.cr (Cartago), Kraken (Guácimo)
Local lures: Coope Brujas del Mar, Puntarenas (handmade wooden lures)
Fly shops: none found; bring your own fly gear
Live bait: usually caught or bought by your crew before dawn
Circle hooks: required with natural bait for billfish
Ice: from the marina, a fish buyer (recibidor) or a supermarket

## The short answer

If you're booking a charter, you probably don't need to buy anything. Almost every Costa Rican sportfishing boat comes with rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait and ice, and the crew rigs it all before you step aboard. The FECOP billfish guide lists the tackle each major operator carries, from 20 lb spinning outfits to 80 lb trolling reels, and that's the normal standard here.

Tackle shops matter when you fish on your own (from the beach, a river or a rented kayak), when you bring your own outfits and need to top up, or when you want something specific: a certain popper, fresh fluorocarbon, a spare spool of braid. Costa Rica has more of them than most visitors expect. We found 106 shops, distributors and bait sellers across the country, checked each one's listing and newest reviews on 14 November 2026, and kept only those that looked to be trading in 2025 or 2026.

This guide goes zone by zone, then covers the wholesalers, the local lure makers, live bait, ice, fly gear and getting your own rods here. Shops are listed because they looked open when we checked; nobody pays to be on this page.

## How tackle works on a Costa Rica charter

On a typical day trip the boat provides everything. Mates spend the early morning catching or buying bait, rigging ballyhoo, checking leaders and filling the fish box with ice. Your part is to show up with sunglasses, sun protection, a hat and something to drink.

A few things are worth asking when you book:

- **Spinning or conventional?** If you'd rather use a spinning rod for roosterfish or a fly rod for sailfish, say so in advance. Not every boat carries fly tackle.
- **What's the bait plan?** Inshore trips often start by catching live bait. Offshore trips usually troll rigged ballyhoo and teasers. Our [fishing techniques guide](/costa-rica-fishing-techniques/) explains both.
- **Is the licence included?** Everyone fishing from a boat needs an INCOPESCA sport fishing licence. See [Costa Rica fishing rules](/costa-rica-fishing-rules/).
- **Can you keep a fish?** The regulation allows up to 5 fish per trip to be landed for eating, and billfish, roosterfish and tarpon go back. Ask about ice for anything you keep.

If you're still choosing a boat, our guide to [planning a Costa Rica fishing trip](/planning-a-costa-rica-fishing-trip/) walks through it.

![A tray of rigged ballyhoo baits on crushed ice, ready for a day of offshore trolling](/static/img/tac-ballyhoo-on-ice-800.webp)

## Shops in Guanacaste

Guanacaste has the most tackle shops of any coast, partly because so many locals fish from the beach and the rocks. Playas del Coco has 2 dedicated shops a short walk from the beach, and the Flamingo and Tamarindo area has a handful within a 20-minute drive. There's no tackle shop in Tamarindo town itself; the nearest are in Huacas, Flamingo and Brasilito.

Inland, Liberia has several shops, which is handy if you're flying in and want to pick up a few things on the way to the coast. For the boats, marinas and towns of this coast, see our [Guanacaste fishing guide](/guanacaste-fishing-guide/).

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco's Fishing Shop | Playas del Coco (Plaza del Coco) | Rods, reels, tackle and bait; the owner sets up rods for visitors | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/COCO%27S+FISHING+SHOP/@10.54958,-85.69681,17z) |
| Coco's Fishing Supply | Playas del Coco | Tackle and local advice | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coco%27s+Fishing+Supply/@10.54632,-85.69438,17z) |
| El Jobo | Playas del Coco | Big general and hardware store with a fishing section | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cotecpeseljobo/) |
| Ferremar | Playa Hermosa | Hardware and tackle, and now bait | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ferremar+-+Fishing+and+tools/@10.56884,-85.67479,17z) |
| Tienda La Bahía | Brasilito | Rods, lures and shore-fishing setups | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tienda+La+Bah%C3%ADa+Brasilito/@10.40896,-85.79285,17z) |
| Pura Pesca CR | Flamingo | Tackle; also books fishing trips | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pura+Pesca+CR/@10.42813,-85.78337,17z) |
| Via Playa Sport | Huacas | Rods, reels, lures and jigs | [Website](https://viaplayasport.web.app/) |
| Snook Fishing Store | Jocote, near Filadelfia | Fresh and saltwater reels and tackle | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvDooLHJm/) |
| Tienda Kevin Pesca | Santa Cruz | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tienda+Kevin+Pesca/@10.25824,-85.58640,17z) |
| Artículos para Pescar Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | A specialist shop with a wide range | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Art%C3%ADculos+para+Pescar+Santa+Cruz/@10.26648,-85.58506,17z) |
| Tienda El Pique | Liberia | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tienda+El+Pique/@10.63361,-85.43944,17z) |
| Tienda de Pesca Silver King | Liberia | Lures and advice | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560264536556) |
| Topfishing | Liberia | A wide range of tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Topfishing+%28Liberia%29/@10.63351,-85.44101,17z) |
| RS Pesca | Liberia (El Capulín) | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/RS+Pesca+Tienda+de+Pesca/@10.62579,-85.45805,17z) |
| JM Lure's | La Cruz | Lures and tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/JM+Lure%27s+Tienda+de+Pesca+La+Cruz/@11.07269,-85.63544,17z) |
| Jova Lure | Bagaces | Handmade lures and a well-stocked shop | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jova+Lure/@10.70387,-85.22564,17z) |
| Freedom Fishing Shop | Cañas | A wide range of gear | [Facebook](https://facebook.com/freedomfishingshop.cr/) |

CR Marine Supply also has stores at Marina Flamingo and Ocean Marina in Playas del Coco (more on them below). Boats out of [Marina Papagayo](/marina-papagayo-a-grand-retreat/) generally bring everything aboard, so there's no need to shop before a trip there.

## Shops on the Nicoya Peninsula and the Gulf of Nicoya

The peninsula is lightly served, which makes the shops it does have more useful. Nosara has one dedicated shop. On the southern tip, Santa Teresa and Cóbano each have one, and the Santa Teresa shop's owner also guides trips. Across the gulf, Punta Morales is a good place for bait. Our [Nicoya Peninsula fishing guide](/nicoya-peninsula-fishing-guide/) covers the towns and launches.

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pablo's Fishing Tackle | Nosara | Fresh and saltwater gear, rod and reel setups, local advice | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pablo%27s+Fishing+Tackle/@9.97099,-85.65881,17z) |
| Rusty Hook Tackle Shop | Santa Teresa (near Mega Super) | Tackle shop; the owner runs guided trips too | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rusty+Hook+Tackle+Shop/@9.62915,-85.15202,17z) |
| PenínsulaCR Lures and Tackle | Cóbano | Lures and tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pen%C3%ADnsulaCR+Lures+%26+Tackle/@9.68769,-85.10417,17z) |
| Carnadas del Golfo | Punta Morales | Bait; the owner gives good advice | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567173274236) |

![Hand-painted wooden trolling lures in bright colours lined up on a weathered plank](/static/img/tac-wooden-lures-800.webp)

## Shops around Puntarenas and the Central Pacific

The Central Pacific is where the serious tackle lives. CR Primo, at Ocean Plaza outside the Los Sueños marina entrance in Playa Herradura, is the shop most traveling anglers end up in. El Mundo CR (May 2026) describes it as having grown from a small shop into the largest distributor of sportfishing gear in the country, and Shimano lists it as a Costa Rica distributor. Reviewers describe a full range of inshore and offshore tackle: rods, reels, line, jigs, poppers and bait-catching gear. An older forum post says it doesn't sell frozen or natural bait, so ask your crew about bait.

In Quepos, the shops cater more to local fishermen than to visitors. Asoproquepos, the fishermen's association, runs a supply store, and there's a tour desk in Manuel Antonio that also sells spearfishing gear. Pelagic lists a branded store at [Marina Pez Vela](/marina-pez-vela-a-luxurious-getaway/), but we couldn't confirm it's open, so check before you go. For the fleets, see our [Central Pacific fishing guide](/central-pacific-fishing-guide/).

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Primo Tackle | Playa Herradura (Ocean Plaza, Los Sueños) | Full inshore and offshore tackle; national distributor | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/crprimotackle) |
| CR Marine Supply | Los Sueños marina, Playa Herradura | Marine supplies including fishing items | [Website](http://www.crmarinesupply.com/) |
| Bristol Marine Supply | Playa Herradura (Plaza Herradura) | Boat paints, electrical, deck hardware and anchoring for charter fleets | [Website](https://bristolmarinesupply.com/) |
| White Shore Marine | Jacó | Marine supplies | [Website](http://whiteshoremarine.com/) |
| Ciclo Cabécar | Puntarenas city | Bikes plus fishing gear and safety items | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ciclo+Cab%C3%A9car/@9.97856,-84.83001,17z) |
| Amigos de la Pesca | Mata de Limón, near Caldera | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Amigos+de+la+Pesca+Mata+Lim%C3%B3n/@9.92655,-84.71000,17z) |
| FishingWar | Barranca (San Miguelito) | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/FishingWar/@9.99898,-84.70587,17z) |
| Barracuda Fishing | Orotina | A wide range of tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Barracuda+Fishing/@9.91103,-84.52719,17z) |
| Venta de carnada Leo Ramos | Cerro Bajo, Orotina | Bait | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Venta+de+carnada+Leo+Ramos/@9.88356,-84.57553,17z) |
| Asoproquepos | Quepos | Fishing supplies for local fishermen | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Fishing-Store/Asopro) |
| Quepoa Tour Information and Fishing Store | Manuel Antonio | Spearfishing gear and tour bookings | [Website](https://quepoaspearfishing.com/) |

[Los Sueños](/los-suenos-marina-and-resort/) is the closest big marina to San José, so a stop at CR Primo on the drive to the coast is the easiest way to pick up anything you forgot.

## Shops on the Southern Pacific

Down south the shops are small and spread out, but they cover what a local angler needs, and a few sell live bait. Golfito has a bait and tackle shop near the water, and Puerto Jiménez has one that reviewers call the best in town. The lodges here, such as [Crocodile Bay](/crocodile-bay-resort/) and the [Zancudo Lodge](/zancudo-fishing-lodge/), run their own tackle rooms for guests. See our [Southern Pacific fishing guide](/southern-pacific-fishing-guide/) for the towns.

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tienda de Pesca JYJ | Dominical | A wide range of equipment and accessories | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575619906522) |
| Happy Fisher Uvita | Uvita (Bahía Ballena) | Inshore gear, hard baits, lures and live bait | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/happyfisheruvita) |
| Importaciones Valle Azul | San Isidro de El General | A one-stop fishing shop for Pérez Zeledón | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Importaciones-Valle-Azul-1004874847) |
| Tienda Pesca José | El Hoyón, Pérez Zeledón | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tienda+Pesca+Jos%C3%A9/@9.35136,-83.72617,17z) |
| Tienda Pesca WÀTAK | Santa Marta, Buenos Aires | Fishing supplies | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tienda+Pesca+W%C3%80TAK/@9.16798,-83.40540,17z) |
| Tienda de Pesca Fybalure's | Palmar Norte | Tackle | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079577628129) |
| Carnada viva Los Quesadas | Sierpe (Pueblo Nuevo) | Live bait | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carnada+viva+Los+Quesadas/@8.86939,-83.46966,17z) |
| Roosterfish tackle store | Puerto Jiménez | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Roosterfish+%28tackle+store%29/@8.54003,-83.30604,17z) |
| Golfito Bait and Tackle | Golfito | Bait and tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Golfito+Bait+and+Tackle/@8.63587,-83.16363,17z) |
| Circlehook Golfito | Golfito (Pueblo Civil) | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Circlehook+Golfito/@8.62653,-83.15489,17z) |

CR Marine Supply's fifth store opened at Marina Bahía Golfito in 2024, and the [Banana Bay Marina](/banana-bay-marina-in-golfito/) is nearby for boat services.

![An open white cooler packed with crushed ice holding a freshly caught yellowfin tuna on a boat deck](/static/img/tac-cooler-of-ice-800.webp)

## Shops on the Caribbean coast

The Caribbean has a lively local fishing scene, with river, lagoon and sea tackle sold in Limón, Guápiles and Guácimo. Kraken in Guácimo stands out: it makes its own Kraken lures, stocks sea, river and mangrove patterns, and ships across the country. If you're heading to the tarpon lodges at Barra del Colorado or Tortuguero, the lodges supply tackle; buy anything extra on the drive through Guápiles. Our [Caribbean fishing guide](/caribbean-fishing-guide/) covers the coast.

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken Lure's Tienda de Pesca | Guácimo | Own-brand lures plus sea, river and mangrove tackle; ships nationwide | [Website](https://krakentiendacr.com/) |
| Pesca San Miguel | Guápiles | Quality tackle; helpful with beginners | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pesca+San+Miguel/@10.21224,-83.78720,17z) |
| Fishing Tackle 506 Mar y Río | San Rafael, Guápiles | Sea and river tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fishing+Tackle+506+Mar+y+R%C3%ADo/@10.24052,-83.79508,17z) |
| Corsal Pesca | Cariari | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Corsal+Pesca/@10.36020,-83.73348,17z) |
| Feliz Pesca | Limón centro | A wide range; also services fishing gear | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Feliz+Pesca/@9.99356,-83.03341,17z) |
| Familia de Pesca | Limón (Villa del Mar 1) | Tackle | [Website](https://familia-de-pesca.kyte.site/) |
| Beraca Sport | Limón (Las Brisas) | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beraca+Sport/@9.99428,-83.05505,17z) |
| Tarpon Rock Fishing Store | Limón | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tarpon+Rock+Fishing+Store/@10.00190,-83.04194,17z) |
| Tienda de pesca MCN | Matama, Limón | Tackle, with convenient hours | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@tiendadepescamcn) |
| DMK Fishing Store | Limón centro | Tackle | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088141376869) |
| Talamanca De Pesca | Talamanca | Well stocked, including ready-to-fish kits | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Talamanca+De+Pesca/@9.56244,-82.70150,17z) |
| God's Plan barber shop and tackle | Cruce de Penshurt | A small tackle counter inside a barber shop | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Barber%C3%ADa+God%27s+Plan+y+tienda+de+pesca/@9.77279,-82.90877,17z) |

## Shops in the Central Valley and the north

Most visitors land in San José, and the Central Valley has the country's best spread of shops. If you need something specific before heading to the coast, this is where to look.

| Shop | Town | What they sell | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilca | San José centro | Rods, reels and a wide selection | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gilca/@9.92686,-84.08043,17z) |
| El Pescador Tackle Shop | Barrio México, San José | All kinds of gear in a big store, with advice | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/El+Pescador+Tackle+Shop/@9.94047,-84.08706,17z) |
| Borbón Marino | Tibás | Marine dealer with Berkley, Rapala, Shimano, Mustad and other tackle, plus kayaks | [Website](http://www.borbonmarino.com/) |
| Stone Mountain Outdoors | Santa Ana | Outdoor store with a fishing department (Penn, Mustad, Berkley); ships nationwide | [Website](https://stonemountainoutdoors.com/pesca/) |
| Star Archery and Outdoor | Santa Ana (Vía Lindora) | Archery, camping and fishing gear | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564925664006) |
| Mi Pesca en Línea | La Bomba, Heredia | Tackle and repairs, in store and online | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mipescaenlinea) |
| Topfishingcr | San Rafael de Heredia | Tackle | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TopFishingCR) |
| Fishingdaycr | Santo Domingo de Heredia | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fishingdaycr/@9.98407,-84.08408,17z) |
| Full Pesca S.A. | Lagunilla, Heredia | Online store and Shimano-listed distributor | [Website](https://www.fullpescasa.com/) |
| Mi Pesca Alajuela | Alajuela centro | Rods, reels, tackle and repairs (same owners as Mi Pesca en Línea) | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mi+Pesca+Alajuela/@10.01739,-84.21374,17z) |
| Megalodox | Alajuela | Complete tackle including jigging rods | [Website](https://vercatalogo.com/megalodox_articulos_de_pesca) |
| Buena Pesca CR | El Roble, Alajuela | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buena+Pesca+CR/@9.98651,-84.23589,17z) |
| Distribuidora Hermanos Alpízar | El Carmen, Alajuela | Listed as a fishing store | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Distribuidora-Hnos-Alpizar-10073142) |
| Fishing Jurel CR | Sabana Larga, Atenas | Tackle | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Art%C3%ADculos+de+pesca+Fishing+Jurel+CR/@9.97860,-84.39275,17z) |
| Mi Pesca Occidente | San Ramón | A wide range of quality products | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mi+Pesca+Occidente/@10.08590,-84.46893,17z) |
| Edge Fishing Shop | Palmares | Tackle | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@edge.fishing.shop) |
| Angler.cr | La Lima, Cartago | Online store with pickup: combos, lures, kayaks, fish finders | [Website](https://angler.cr/) |
| Total Fishing Store | Cartago | Rods, line, jigs and crankbaits, with a knowledgeable owner | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Total+Fishing+Store/@9.84901,-83.92736,17z) |
| Bucaneros Fishing Store | Turrialba | A wide range | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bucaneros+Fishing+Store/@9.90691,-83.68386,17z) |
| Sios Fishing Store | Valle Bonito, Monteverde | River, shore and estuary basics | [Map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sios+Fishing+Store/@10.31561,-84.83283,17z) |

In the Northern Zone, near Lake Arenal and Caño Negro, there's a separate cluster of shops that serve freshwater anglers: Tienda de Pesca Santa Clara in San Carlos (with its own [website](https://www.tiendapesca-santaclara.com/) and nationwide shipping), Tierra de Pescadores in Chachagua near La Fortuna, Pargos de Altamar in La Fortuna, D'Pesca Shop in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Neo Fish in Aguas Zarcas and FishingCraftCR in Upala. Our [freshwater fishing guide](/freshwater-fishing-costa-rica/) covers guapote, machaca and trout.

![A saltwater spinning reel and a white popper lure resting on the bow of a small boat over turquoise water](/static/img/tac-spinning-reel-popper-800.webp)

## Wholesalers and distributors

Behind the shops sits a small group of importers and distributors. Most aren't set up for walk-in visitors, but it helps to know who they are if you're stocking a boat, running a lodge or looking for a particular brand.

- **CR Primo** (Playa Herradura): the biggest name in sportfishing tackle in the country, per El Mundo CR in 2026, and listed by Shimano as a Costa Rica distributor. It's both a public shop and a supplier to the trade. El Mundo notes that big tackle houses like this often sponsor the national tournaments.
- **Full Pesca S.A.** (Lagunilla, Heredia): also on Shimano's Latin America distributor list. Its online store carries Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Yo-Zuri, Williamson, Power Pro and many more, for both fresh and salt water.
- **CR Marine Supply** (Grupo Montecristo): a marine supply chain that La República reported in March 2024 had become the only company with stores in the country's 5 main marinas: Los Sueños, Pez Vela, Flamingo, Ocean Marina and Marina Bahía Golfito. It stocks around 5,000 products from 40 brands, including fishing, cleaning and maintenance gear, and holds exclusive brand agencies. Its website wasn't loading when we checked in November 2026, so call ahead.
- **Borbón Marino** (Tibás): a long-running marine dealer that also sells tackle from the big American and Scandinavian brands.
- **Rather Outdoors / Productos Deportivos KF** (Cartago free zone): a factory that makes lures for Rather Outdoors brands, Strike King among them, and exports them. It isn't a shop, but it's a reminder that some well-known lures sold in the US are made in Costa Rica.
- **Maxindustrias** (Jardines, San José): the Costa Rica branch of a Panamanian industrial supplier whose parent catalog includes a marine and fishing range. We couldn't confirm what fishing stock the Costa Rica branch carries.

## Lure makers: Coope Brujas del Mar and the local craft

The best tackle story in Costa Rica comes from Puntarenas. Coope Brujas del Mar is a cooperative of women from Bellavista de Puntarenas who used to peel shrimp. When shrimp trawling ended in Costa Rica in 2018 and 2019, they lost that work. INCOPESCA and FECOP, the sport fishing federation, trained them to make lures instead.

According to FECOP's 2023 report, the cooperative turns driftwood collected on the beach and offcuts from cabinet makers into hand-sanded, hand-painted wooden lures, made to the weight and size each client asks for. It employed 14 people at the time, 12 of them women. An American tackle company, El Jefe Tackle Co, began exporting their lures that year, carrying the Costa Rican Tourism Institute's artisan seal. Our research found their lures sold in the marina shops at Pez Vela, Herradura and Los Sueños, and El Mundo CR named the cooperative again in May 2026 as an exporter whose work is valued abroad.

If you want a souvenir that will actually catch fish, ask for their lures in the marina shops. Other local makers worth knowing are Kraken in Guácimo (sea and river patterns), Jova Lure in Bagaces and JM Lure's in La Cruz.

::: triptych "Tackle for three kinds of day: offshore, inshore and fly"
![A rigged ballyhoo bait with a bright skirt on a circle hook, lying on a wet white deck](/static/img/tac-rigged-ballyhoo-800.webp)
![A row of metal jigs and circle hooks laid out on a wooden dock table](/static/img/tac-jigs-and-hooks-800.webp)
![A large saltwater fly reel with backing and a big pink and white billfish fly](/static/img/tac-fly-reel-800.webp)
:::

## Live bait: where it comes from

Live bait is the backbone of inshore fishing in Costa Rica. For roosterfish, snapper and many offshore sailfish trips, crews want live sardines, blue runners, small bonito or other small jacks. Most of it is caught at first light with sabiki rigs or cast nets near the harbour or around buoys and rocks, which is why inshore trips often start early.

You'll rarely need to buy it yourself, but these sellers came up in our research:

- **Carnadas del Golfo**, Punta Morales, on the Gulf of Nicoya
- **Venta de carnada Leo Ramos**, Cerro Bajo near Orotina
- **Carnada viva Los Quesadas**, Sierpe, for trips toward Drake Bay and Caño Island
- **Happy Fisher Uvita**, which sells live bait as well as lures
- **Golfito Bait and Tackle**, on the Golfo Dulce
- **Ferremar** in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, which reviewers say now sells bait

At the big marinas, the charters handle their own bait. An older forum post says the Los Sueños fuel dock sells ballyhoo; ask at the marina office, as that may have changed.

Two rules matter here. Under INCOPESCA's regulation, sport fishing for big pelagic fish uses live or dead natural bait on circle hooks, and the circle-hook rule doesn't apply to fly fishing or trolling artificial lures as long as no natural bait is on them. INCOPESCA's agreement AJDIP/280-2014 also sets rules on catching and using live bait, including limits on using commercially important species as bait. Good crews know all this; just don't bring a box of J hooks expecting to fish live bait for sailfish.

![A swirl of small silver sardines in a blue live-bait well, seen from above](/static/img/tac-live-bait-well-800.webp)

## No dedicated fly shop

We searched every coast and the Central Valley and found no shop in Costa Rica that specialises in fly fishing. Fly anglers bring their own gear. That makes sense when you see what the boats use: the FECOP guide lists 14 to 18 weight rods with heavy saltwater reels on one fly-focused Flamingo and Quepos operator, and 10 and 14 weight rods at Crocodile Bay.

For local help, Fly Fish In Costa Rica in Pozos de Santa Ana is a guide service rather than a shop, and Stone Mountain Outdoors in Santa Ana has a fishing department with some freshwater gear. A few general tackle shops carry fly line or the odd fly, but don't count on finding a 15 weight or a box of billfish flies in the country. Pack them.

## What to bring from home and what to buy here

If you're on charters only, bring your personal kit and leave the tackle to the crew. If you fish on your own or have favourite gear, here's how we'd split it.

**Bring from home:**

- Polarised sunglasses, a long-sleeved sun shirt, a hat or buff and reef-safe sunscreen
- Any fly tackle, including spare fly line, leaders and flies
- Your favourite reels, packed in carry-on
- Fluorocarbon leader in the strengths you like (shops have some, but sizes vary)
- Good pliers, a dehooker and a small knife (in checked luggage)
- Your own circle hooks in your preferred pattern if you'll fish bait on your own
- A soft cooler bag if you plan to take fish to a restaurant

**Buy here:**

- Terminal tackle, swivels, sinkers and basic hooks (every shop has them)
- Lures that suit local water: wooden poppers and plugs from Coope Brujas del Mar, mangrove and river patterns from Kraken
- Jigs and poppers in local sizes from CR Primo or Full Pesca
- Live bait (through your crew, or one of the sellers above)
- Ice, every day you fish

## Bringing your own rods through the airport

Plenty of anglers fly in with their own rods. A few tips keep it painless:

- **Use a hard rod tube.** Travel rods that break down into 3 or 4 pieces fit in shorter tubes and are far easier to handle. Many airlines count a rod tube as one checked bag, but rules and fees vary, so check with yours.
- **Carry-on rules.** The US TSA allows rods in carry-on or checked bags but leaves the size limit to the airline. It says large hooks and other sharp tackle should be sheathed and packed in checked bags, and suggests keeping valuable reels and small flies in your carry-on.
- **Reels in carry-on.** A lost bag with your rods is annoying. A lost bag with your reels can end the trip.
- **Small planes inside Costa Rica.** If you're connecting to Golfito, Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay or Tortuguero on a domestic flight, the planes are small and baggage limits are tight. Ask the airline about long items before you book.
- **Label everything.** Put your name and phone number inside and outside the tube.

Your gear is for your own use, so it travels as ordinary luggage. Leave any fish, bait or plant material at home; those face separate import rules. Our [planning guide](/planning-a-costa-rica-fishing-trip/) has more on flights and transfers.

![A hard travel rod tube and a padded reel case lying on a wooden dock in early morning light](/static/img/tac-rod-tube-800.webp)

## Ice and cooler tips

Ice is easy to find on the coasts: every marina has it, supermarkets in fishing towns sell bags of hielo, and fish receivers (recibidores) that buy from local boats usually sell it too. Recibidor Gómez in El Jobo near La Cruz is one example. Your charter will normally fill its own fish box.

If you're keeping a fish for dinner:

- **Bleed it and ice it straight away.** Ask the mate to bleed the fish and put it on ice right after it's landed.
- **Use slurry ice.** A mix of crushed ice and a little seawater chills a fish much faster than cubes alone.
- **Keep the cooler shut and shaded.** Tropical sun warms a cooler fast.
- **Have it cleaned at the dock.** Most crews will fillet your fish at the end of the day. Bring a sealable bag or soft cooler to carry the fillets.
- **Remember the limit.** No more than 5 fish per trip can be landed for eating, and sport-caught fish can't be sold.

Many beach restaurants will cook your catch; each zone guide explains how it works locally. For the bigger picture on keeping fish and letting them go, see our [conservation guide](/costa-rica-fishing-conservation/).

::: gallery "What the boats carry, from Pacific sportfishers to Caribbean river boats"
![A pair of gold lever-drag trolling reels mounted on heavy rods in a boat's rod holders](/static/img/tac-trolling-reels-800.webp)
![Small river boats tied up at the village dock in Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast](/static/img/tac-tortuguero-boats-800.webp "Photo: [Boats at Tortuguero](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tourism_in_Costa_Rica_(8440069440).jpg) by rob Stoeltje, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons")
![A coiled bait cast net with lead weights lying on weathered dock planks at sunrise](/static/img/tac-cast-net-800.webp)
:::

## Which species need what

A quick guide to the tackle Costa Rican crews reach for. Each species page has more detail.

| Species | Typical tackle | Bait or lure |
|---|---|---|
| [Sailfish](/the-pacific-sailfish/) | 20 to 30 lb conventional or spinning | Rigged ballyhoo or live bait on circle hooks, behind teasers |
| [Marlin](/marlin-the-tropical-sporting-fish/) | 50 to 80 lb trolling outfits | Lures and large natural baits |
| [Roosterfish](/roosterfish-the-majestic-fish-of-costa-rica/) | Medium spinning or conventional | Live bait, poppers |
| [Dorado](/the-dolphin-fish-mahi-mahi/) | 20 to 30 lb spinning | Lures, ballyhoo, cut bait |
| [Yellowfin tuna](/yellowfin-tuna/) | 30 to 80 lb, depending on size | Live bait, jigs, poppers |
| [Snapper](/snappers-in-costa-rica/) | Heavy spinning or jigging rods | Live bait, jigs |
| [Snook](/snook-in-costa-rica/) | Medium spinning or baitcasting | Plugs, jigs, live bait |
| [Tarpon](/tarpon-in-costa-rica/) | Heavy spinning, baitcasting or 12 weight fly | Plugs, jigs, flies |

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to bring my own fishing gear to Costa Rica?

Not for a charter. Nearly every boat supplies rods, reels, bait and tackle. Bring your own only if you have favourite gear, want to fly fish, or plan to fish on your own.

### Where's the biggest tackle shop in Costa Rica?

CR Primo, at Ocean Plaza outside the Los Sueños marina in Playa Herradura, is described by El Mundo CR as the country's largest sportfishing tackle distributor. It sells to the public too.

### Is there a fly fishing shop in Costa Rica?

We couldn't find one anywhere in the country. Fly anglers bring their own rods, reels, lines and flies, and a few guide services help with trips.

### Can I buy live bait in Costa Rica?

Yes, from a handful of sellers such as Carnadas del Golfo in Punta Morales, Golfito Bait and Tackle and Happy Fisher Uvita. On a charter, though, the crew catches or buys bait for you, usually at dawn.

### Can I take fishing rods on the plane to Costa Rica?

Yes. Pack them in a hard tube as checked luggage, or ask your airline whether a short travel rod fits as carry-on. Keep reels in your carry-on and put large hooks in checked bags.

### Where do I get ice for my catch?

Your charter fills its own fish box. On your own, buy bags of ice at a supermarket, the marina or a local fish receiver (recibidor).

### Are local lures any good?

Yes. The handmade wooden lures from Coope Brujas del Mar in Puntarenas are sold in marina shops and exported to the US, and Kraken in Guácimo makes lures for Costa Rica's rivers, mangroves and sea.