Best Time of Year for Fishing in San Juan del Sur
If you're planning a fishing trip in San Juan del Sur, one of the most common questions is: When is the best time of year to go fishing?
The good news is that fishing is possible around San Juan del Sur through much of the year.
Nicaragua's Pacific coast supports both inshore and offshore fishing, which means there can be worthwhile opportunities at different times of year rather than one short fishing season.
At Jossi Tours, we operate fishing trips from San Juan del Sur using our own boats and local crew.
Is There a Fishing Season in San Juan del Sur?
Not in the sense of fishing completely stopping for part of the year.
Different species move through the area at different times, while changing currents, weather and water temperatures affect where fish are found.
Species associated with the area include:
Roosterfish
Mahi-mahi, also known as dorado
Yellowfin tuna
Sailfish
Marlin
Wahoo
Jacks
May to October: Strong Offshore Potential
The wetter part of the year can be an important period for offshore sport fishing along Nicaragua's Pacific coast.
Potential species can include sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna and wahoo, although no particular species is guaranteed.
November to April: Another Good Time to Fish
The drier months can also provide good fishing opportunities around San Juan del Sur.
Fishing seasons are not exact calendar boundaries, and conditions can vary from one year to another.
When Is the Best Time for Roosterfish?
Roosterfish are typically found closer to shore around beaches, rocky areas and coastal structure. They can be targeted across a broad part of the year.
What About Mahi-Mahi?
Mahi-mahi, or dorado, can be encountered across a relatively broad season, although exact numbers and locations depend heavily on currents and baitfish activity.
Sailfish and Marlin
The Pacific waters off Nicaragua can offer opportunities for sailfish and marlin, but these are wild fish in open water and no catch can be guaranteed.
Morning or Afternoon Fishing?
Jossi Tours' standard fishing times are:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Full-day trips begin at 8:00 AM.
Weather and Sea Conditions Matter
Fishing conditions can be affected by:
Wind
Currents
Water temperature
Rainfall
Sea state
Baitfish
Changes in water clarity
A day outside a supposed peak period can still produce excellent fishing.
Inshore or Offshore?
Inshore Fishing
Possible targets can include roosterfish, jacks and other coastal species.
Offshore Fishing
Possible species can include mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, marlin and wahoo.
Can You Fish Year-Round?
Fishing opportunities exist through much of the year around San Juan del Sur.
Rather than thinking in terms of a single good and bad season, it is more useful to think about what type of fishing you want to do.
Catch-and-Release Fishing
Jossi Tours operates catch-and-release fishing.
We never recommend booking a fishing trip on the assumption that a particular species will definitely be caught.
Planning Your Fishing Trip
You can also read our other fishing guides:
Book Fishing in San Juan del Sur
We operate our own boats from San Juan del Sur and offer morning, afternoon and full-day fishing options.
WhatsApp Jossi Tours: +505 8236 6228
Comments