Rainbow Bass Fishing in Costa Rica
For the angler looking for freshwater fun in Costa Rica, the chances to catch rainbow bass are abundant. While most anglers head to Costa Rica for the chance at some serious saltwater fishing, the rainbow bass fishing in this beautiful Central American country is sure to meet the standards of any angler, from the novice to the serious and experienced fisherman.
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About Rainbow Bass
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Rainbow bass are a freshwater fish. They are found in the freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams of Costa Rica. The average weight of the rainbow bass is from 5 to 10 lbs., although some have been as large as 15 lbs. As with all bass, rainbow bass are fierce fighters and can make for a fun and exciting catch. The same type of baits used when fishing any type of bass can be used when fishing for rainbow bass. Spinners and crankbaits are some of the best baits when concentrating on rainbow bass. Fly-fishing may also be used as a good method for pulling in rainbow bass.
Lake Arenal
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Much of the rainbow bass fishing is found in the northern areas of Costa Rica. The Arenal lake is stocked with fish and is a primary source of rainbow bass. It is also Costa Rica's largest inland body of water and is the primary source for freshwater fishing in Costa Rica. La Fortuna, Nuevo Arenal, and Tilaran are all places near Lake Arenal where anglers can find lodging and fishing guides. Many anglers believe that the rainbow bass fishing is not what it used to be in Lake Arenal, but the angler who is dedicated and determined, and willing to search for the proper guide and fishing conditions, is sure to find some rainbow bass.
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Cano Negro
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The Cano Negro lagoon and its subsequent river system is another prime spot for finding rainbow bass in Costa Rica. While this location is much harder to get to than Lake Arenal, for the dedicated fisherman, Cano Negro lagoon can lead to some prime rainbow bass fishing. Cano Negro Natural Lodge and Hotel de Campo Cano Negro are two places that provide excellent fishing guides for those interested in finding rainbow bass in the areas surrounding Cano Negro.
Lake Hule
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Lake Hule, or Laguna Hule as the locals call it, is another good spot when searching for excellent rainbow bass fishing in Costa Rica. The lake produces many big and fierce-fighting rainbow bass. The 1991 International Game Fishing Associaton rainbow bass record was taken from Lake Hule and weighed in at 12 lbs., 9 oz. At times it is necessary to fish at a greater depth on Lake Hule because the rainbow bass tend to stay at these greater depths.
The Angler's Needs
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Most of the angler's needs when fishing for rainbow bass can be taken care of on site. Most lodges and fishing guides provide the angler with proper boating and tackle needs. For the angler who wants to provide his own gear, basic bass fishing gear is the proper tackle for going after Costa Rica's rainbow bass. Fishing licenses are required, but it can be a difficult process. Many visiting anglers simply fish Costa Rica without a license and it is extremely rare to be checked for a fishing license.
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References
- Fodor's Costa Rica; Joanna G. Cantor, Adam Taplin; 2009.
- Costa Rica Fishing: Costa Rica Rainbow Bass Fishing
- Roy John Fuller: Fishing Lake Arenal Costa Rica
