Maverick Sportfishing’s May 2026 Fishing Report: The tale of a 900lb Black Marlin!
The catch: a black marlin few anglers ever see!
Some days Costa Rica just shows off. After working the offshore grounds out of Los Sueños, the crew of the Geaux Fly raised a giant — an estimated 900-pound black marlin that crashed the bait! What followed was a hard, drawn-out fight that pushed the angler, the crew and the gear to the limit. After a short battle on the leader, the hook pulled right next to the boat, but an official release was had and the fish swam of to fight another day. A huge congratulations to our anglers, Captain Simón González and the Geaux Fly crew for making it happen. Moments like these are exactly what sportfishing is about..
Of the four billfish species that frequent Costa Rican waters, black marlin are the most elusive. This fishery is world renowned for sailfish and blue marlin, but stripe marlin and black marlin also are caught reguarly. A fish of this class is the kind that defines a season and creates memories of a lifetime!
Why we release billfish
All billfish in Costa Rica are protected and strictly “Catch and Release”. The Maverick Sportfishing crews work tirelessly to ensure every fish is caught and handled correctly to ensure they live to fight another day. Billfish grow slowly and a healthy release means the same fish — and the fishery itself — is still there for the next angler and the next season. A 900-lb black marlin swimming away strong is a better story, and a better outcome, than one hanging on a dock.
Maverick Sportfishing catch report, Los Sueños — Year over Year Highlights
Sailfish led the way and then some, up roughly 68% over last May — classic Los Sueños sailfishing at its best.
Mahi-mahi (dorado) climbed too, a welcome sight for anglers who like to mix big-game days with something for the grill.
Yellowfin tuna came in lighter than 2025, but this was mainly due to increased sailfish action and customers wanting to take advantage of the bite.
Blue marlin held steady, but the season starts to pick up as the Mahi-mahi and Yellow Fin Tuna become more abundant.
Black marlin while only one, was the month maker for excitement and memoties.
What this means if you’re planning a Costa Rica fishing trip this summer
May - November are transition months. The numbers point to a fishery hitting its stride heading into summer. June through November is some of the most productive offshore fishing when you look at variety. Everything from Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna and Mahi are target species any given day. Lets not forget the inshore action either. If you are booking multiple days fishing, consider an inshore trip one day targeting Roostefish, Cubera Snapper and other fun fighting inshroe species.
For Travel, the marina is quieter and the green-season pace makes it an easy time to plan a serious offshore trip, a family getaway, or both. Not to mention, there are some great summer time deals for Costa Rica Fishing this time of year.
Costa Rica fishing FAQ
What fish are biting in Costa Rica in May?
In May 2026 off Los Sueños, sailfish led the catch by a wide margin (153 for the Maverick fleet), followed by mahi-mahi/dorado and yellowfin tuna, plus blue and black marlin. Sailfish numbers were up about 68% over May 2025.
Can you catch black marlin in Costa Rica?
Yes, though they’re the rarest of the billfish here. Costa Rica’s central Pacific is best known for sailfish and blue marlin, which makes a 900-lb black marlin like the one released aboard the Geaux Fly a genuine trophy.
Is marlin fishing in Costa Rica catch and release?
All billfish — sailfish, blue marlin, stripe marlin and black marlin — are caught and released to protect the fishery. The 900-lb black marlin in this report was safely released and healthy to fight another day.
When is the best time to fish Los Sueños, Costa Rica?
Fishing out of Los Suenos Costa Rica is great all year long. There are different seasons throughout the year that produce higher catch rates for certain species. Check with our concierge team as your dates get closer to see what action look like for your travel dates!