Remote Pacific marlin expeditions
Costa Rica
FAD Fishing
Travel far offshore for a specialized multi-day blue marlin adventure around remote FADs and seamounts with experienced Costa Rica crews.
What is FAD fishing?
A very different Costa Rica fishing trip.
Fish Aggregating Devices are offshore structures placed in deep water. Currents collect bait around them, which can attract tuna, mahi-mahi and especially Pacific blue marlin. Costa Rica’s offshore FAD and seamount areas have become internationally known for concentrated billfish opportunities.
These grounds are too distant for a normal eight-hour charter. Trips require a capable boat, an experienced crew and at least two days offshore, with meals and sleeping arrangements aboard.
Compare conventional offshore fishing →How the expedition works
Built around time on the marlin grounds.
The exact itinerary changes with the departure port, weather, ocean conditions and the active FAD area.
Leave the coast
Depart early aboard a boat equipped for extended offshore travel and overnight comfort.
Reach remote water
Travel to selected FAD or seamount grounds based on current information and conditions.
Fish the bite
Use trolling, teasers, live bait and pitch-bait techniques to target blue marlin.
Stay offshore
Rest, eat and sleep aboard so the crew can resume fishing without returning to port each day.
Choose the right format
FAD trip options
These are customized private expeditions. Availability, departure point and exact inclusions must be confirmed for your dates.
Two-Day Trip
A focused overnight option for anglers who want to experience remote FAD fishing without committing to the longest itinerary.
- One night offshore
- Blue marlin priority
- Meals and berths aboard
Three-Day Trip
More time on location gives the captain greater flexibility around weather, bait movement and changing marlin activity.
- Two nights offshore
- Extended FAD fishing
- Best for dedicated marlin groups
Fishing Package
Combine the expedition with lodging, transfers or conventional fishing from Golfito, Jacó or Los Sueños.
- Trip-planning assistance
- Ground transportation
- Optional additional fishing days
Featured captain
Captain Bobby McGuinness
Bobby McGuinness is a second-generation sportfishing captain based in Golfito on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. He has spent more than four decades learning the Golfo Dulce, offshore Pacific waters and long-range marlin grounds.
His reputation is supported by decades of documented sportfishing achievement. Bobby was recognized as the IGFA World’s Top Captain in 2006 and again in 2010, and anglers fishing with him have accumulated more than 300 IGFA-approved world records.
For specialized multi-day marlin expeditions, Bobby fishes aboard the 60-foot Thumper when available. Boat, captain and itinerary are always reconfirmed for your dates before a deposit is requested.
Explore Golfito fishing →Offshore species
What can you encounter?
Blue marlin are the main objective, but the offshore ecosystem can produce several pelagic species.
Life aboard
What to expect offshore
This is an adventure, not a resort cruise. Space is shared, sea conditions change and the run can be long. In return, anglers get focused time around remote marlin grounds that cannot be reached comfortably on a normal day charter.
Planning window
Best time to go
Continue planning
Related Costa Rica fishing pages
Compare FAD fishing with conventional charters and the main departure regions.
Check FAD availability
Tell us about your marlin trip.
Send your preferred dates, number of anglers, fishing experience and whether you want two or three days offshore. We’ll check the right captain, boat and itinerary.
Plan your FAD expedition
We’ll reply with suitable options and confirmed availability.
Good to know
Costa Rica FAD fishing FAQ
Clear answers before committing to a multi-day offshore expedition.
What is a fishing FAD?+
A Fish Aggregating Device is an offshore structure that attracts bait and pelagic predators. Costa Rica trips may also fish productive underwater seamount areas.
How long is a FAD fishing trip?+
Most specialized expeditions last two or three days and include one or two nights aboard the boat.
Is blue marlin guaranteed?+
No ethical operator can guarantee a wild fish. FADs can create exceptional opportunities, but results still depend on weather, bait, currents and fish behavior.
Who is Captain Bobby McGuinness?+
Bobby is a second-generation Golfito captain with more than 40 years of Costa Rica experience. He was recognized as IGFA World’s Top Captain in 2006 and 2010 and has guided anglers to more than 300 IGFA-approved records.
What is included?+
Trips normally include the private boat and crew, fishing tackle, bait, meals, drinks and sleeping arrangements. Exact inclusions are confirmed with the specific boat.
How many anglers should go?+
Capacity depends on the boat and sleeping layout. Smaller groups are often more comfortable and allow anglers to rotate efficiently during marlin action.
Is this trip suitable for beginners?+
Motivated beginners can participate, but the long travel, overnight stay and intensive fishing make it best for anglers comfortable spending multiple days offshore.
Remote Pacific marlin fishing
Ready for the FADs?
Tell us your dates and let us build the right offshore expedition.
Check expedition dates →