Playa Flamingo · Sportfishing
Yellowfin Sportfishing
Fishing charters from Playa Flamingo
Yellowfin Sportfishing (once listed as Yellow Fin Charters) has run fishing charters on Costa Rica's Pacific coast since 2002, mainly out of Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste. It offers inshore half days and offshore full days on a fleet of sportfishing boats, and it suits everyone from first-timers to anglers chasing marlin.
What they offer
Yellowfin Sportfishing, which older guides list as Yellow Fin Charters, has been taking anglers out on Costa Rica's Pacific coast since 2002. Most of its trips run from Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, and it also books charters from Playa Carrillo, Los Sueños and Quepos. The crews post catches on social media through 2026, so this is an active fleet.
The choices are straightforward:
- Half-day charters, 7:30 am to noon, for inshore fishing around the nearby islands and rocks
- Full-day charters, 7 am to 3 pm, running offshore to deeper water
- Multi-day trips set up around what your group wants
Full days include lunch, and both trips include soft drinks, beer, water, fruit and snacks. A mate on every boat helps with the catch, release or cleaning. Conventional, fly fishing and catch and release are all on offer. The company can also arrange snorkeling, diving, sailing trips and land tours.
The boats
The fleet ranges from smaller center-cabin boats to large sportfishers. Boats listed on the company's site include:
- Seacario, a 48-foot Jarrett Bay custom with an air-conditioned salon and 2 cabins (up to 8 guests)
- Mamacita, a 48-foot Ocean Yacht with a flybridge and full kitchen (up to 8 guests)
- Rickdiculous, a 43-foot Riviera with a tower and flybridge (up to 8 guests)
- A 40-foot Out Islander, a 34-foot Pursuit and a 32-foot Topaz, each for up to 6 guests
Boats carry Penn and Shimano tackle, GPS, radios and fish-finding electronics. Captains and crew are bilingual.
Where you leave from
Flamingo trips head out from Playa Flamingo on the north Guanacaste coast. Transport from hotels in the Tamarindo and Flamingo area is included.
The fishing
- Inshore (half day): about 5 miles from Flamingo are the Catalina Islands and the rocks known as the Sombreros, with tuna, wahoo, mackerel, jacks, snapper and roosterfish.
- Offshore (full day): about 16 to 20 miles south of Flamingo the bottom drops off steeply, and that's where you look for sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi and bigger tuna.
Who it suits
- Families and first-timers, who usually do best on an inshore half day
- Serious anglers after billfish, who should book a full day offshore
- Groups staying around Flamingo, Potrero, Conchal or Tamarindo
Good to know before you book
- Roosterfish are around all year. Marlin show up in every month, with the company naming November to early March as peak.
- Sailfish are caught all year, and the company calls May to August their top months.
- The Papagayo winds (roughly December to March) can make the ride out choppy on windy days in northern Guanacaste.
- Ask about the boat and captain for your date and your group's size.
For more boats in this area, see the Guanacaste section.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Yellowfin Sportfishing leave from?
Mainly Playa Flamingo, with transport included from the Tamarindo and Flamingo area. The company also fishes from Playa Carrillo, Los Sueños and Quepos.
What's the difference between a half day and a full day?
A half day stays inshore around the islands for roosterfish, snapper and tuna. A full day goes offshore for billfish and mahi mahi.
Is catch and release offered?
Yes, along with conventional and fly fishing.
How many people fit on a boat?
From 6 on the smaller boats to 8 on the larger sportfishers.
