From Mahi-Mahi to a 120-Pound Sailfish: A Sportfishing Day in Guanacaste

Every fishing trip has a story, and this one was unforgettable. We welcomed a couple from Texas aboard Miller Time Tours for a private day of sportfishing in Guanacaste, along Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast. The day started with a bright mahi-mahi, went quiet for almost two hours, and ended with a 120-pound sailfish in the final minutes of the trip.

The first catch: a colorful mahi-mahi

The day began with a beautiful mahi-mahi (also called dorado), one of the most colorful fish in the Pacific, with its electric green, yellow and blue. It was a great start to the trip and the kind of fish that makes everyone on board reach for their phone.

Two quiet hours on the water

Then the action slowed down. For nearly two hours the lines stayed quiet. That's part of sportfishing: the sea doesn't follow a schedule, and patience is often what separates a good day from an unforgettable one.

Switching to live bait

Just when it felt like the day was winding down, Captain Steven decided to change tactics and switched to live bait. Reading the water and knowing when to try something different is what local experience is all about.

A 120-pound sailfish in the final minutes

In the last minutes of the trip, a powerful sailfish took the bait. After an exciting battle, our guests brought an incredible 120-pound sailfish alongside the boat.

In Costa Rica, sailfish are a catch-and-release species. After the photos, this one went straight back into the Pacific, ready to give another angler the fight of their life.

What to expect on a sportfishing charter in Guanacaste

All of our sport fishing tours leave from Playa Hermosa on a private boat, so the day is planned around your group and what you want to catch.

• Private charter: just your group, with a captain and crew who know these waters.

• Gear and live bait included: rods, tackle and bait are ready when you step on board.

• Two options: a half-day fishing trip (about 4 hours, close to shore) or a full-day fishing trip that can run further offshore.

• Species: depending on the season and conditions, guests catch roosterfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper and sailfish.

From mahi-mahi to sailfish, this adventure was a perfect reminder that in Costa Rica, you never know what's waiting beneath the surface.

Ready to create your own fishing story?

Join Miller Time Tours for a private sportfishing adventure in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Message Steven and his team on WhatsApp (+506 8654 8284) with your dates and they'll help you plan the day.

Great memories. Big fish. Miller Time!