San Juan Del Sur, located off the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, is fast becoming one of the most popular fishing destinations in the world. Everything from deep sea trolling, spearfishing, inshore fishing, simple offshore fishing, or heck just sitting in the boat drinking beer is available there. The most common thing you can expect to be reeling in are: Black Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish, Rooster Fish, Barracudas, Jacks, Mackerels, Dorado and Wahoos.
The best time to go fishing in San Juan del Sur is usually between early May and late October or early November. After this time the water temperature drops sending the fish scampering away to find a warmer habitat for the duration. Ironic isn’t it? The water in a tropical setting can be too cold for the fish when we ourselves are looking to warm up from Northern climates by swimming in those very same waters ad sunning ourselves on the beach.
There are many ways you can get yourself out there and the hook in the water:
Go with a Local: The locals have a long history of fishing in San Juan del Sur. Fishing for the longest time was the backbone of the local economy, so fishing is in their blood. Ususally a little bit more economical than chartering a boat, you can expect to be riding in a panga (small boat, sometimes hand carved) rather than an expensive sport fishing boat. It will probably run you around $150 to $200 for a half day on the Panga with a full day being around $400 to $450. These are no frills rides though, don’t expect to have equipment, snacks, drinks or even licences to be included. Be sure to take your Spanish with you as well, as the locals you find to take you out may or my not speak English.
Charter a Fishing Boat: There are a few places to charter a boat in San Juan del Sur to go fishing. Prices vary greatly but you can expect to pay anywhere from $450 for a half day, to $650 or more for a full day. Usually these prices include all your drinks, staff, poles,
equipment, and licences. One of the more well known charters is Aquaholic. They use a 26 foot boat with flybridge and claim to be the only one in all of San Juan del Su to do so. The nice thing about the Aquaholic is they have a captain who speaks English.
Stand on the beach and cast a line: You don’t need to charter a boat or hire a local to go fishing with if you don’t want to. You can also in many cases just fish right off the beach by casting in your line. You may not catch much in some cases, but the feeling of the warm sand between your toes and the faint sea breeze make it a relaxing experience.
However you decide to go fishing in San Juan you will certainly have fun and are almost 100% guaranteed catch something.