March Forecast: Verano Conditions Fuel Yellowfin Bite off Jaco, Los Sueños

Adventure Tours Costa Rica’s March 1, 2026 forecast describes classic "Verano" (summer) conditions on the Pacific side - flat cal, and Fishcostarica’s March reports show yellowfin in the 40–80 lb range around Los Sueños and bait-packed waters off Jaco. Fishcostarica recorded yellowfin being located under birds and spinner dolphins in March 2025 and tied that presence to heavy bait density that produced steady offshore action.

Weather and ocean numbers back the forecasts: Roughguides lists ocean temperatures hovering around 82–84°F, BoatTripsClub notes Pacific daytime highs averaging 28–32°C (82–90°F) over the past five years, and Vacationscostarica lists beach daytime highs of 86–96°F while also publishing an "Avg. Temperature (F): 73" in its table. All sources agree March is peak dry season with clear skies and calm seas that favor sight fishing and topwater work.

Fishcostarica’s year-by-year results show how those conditions translate to tackle time. Its March 2023 summary called the month "a showcase of Costa Rica’s classic dry-season fishing. Light winds, blue water, and temperatures around 84°F set up consistent fishing for both offshore and inshore programs. Every week delivered solid results and repeatable patterns." In 2023 Fishcostarica lists average offshore full-day catch tallies as sailfish 5–10 releases per day, yellowfin tuna 2–4, marlin 0.2–0.5 and dorado/wahoo 0–3.

By contrast, Fishcostarica’s March 2025 coverage labeled the period "A Record Billfish Month" and reported that "The Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown wrapped up with over 1,000 billfish releases in just three days." That same 2025 reporting notes double-digit sailfish days of 10–15 sails on full-day trips, blue marlin between 150 and 300 pounds, and yellowfin 40–80 lb under scattered bait balls. Fishcostarica also recorded that "Anglers trolling teasers with ballyhoo found steady action, while those switching to lures or live bait around structure picked up marlin and wahoo."

Inshore opportunities remain productive off Jaco and nearby Herradura Bay, Playa Escondida and the rocky points south toward Esterillos. Fishcostarica’s March 2023 inshore snapshot lists roosterfish at 1–2 per half or full day and snapper/grouper 1–3, adding that "The combination of live bait and vertical jigging was deadly, especially on calm days when visibility was high." Early in the month Fishcostarica also noted wahoo and dorado showing near debris lines.

Beyond sportfishing, BoatTripsClub flags a seasonal change anglers and lodges need to respect: "March marks the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season on Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches, especially Ostional and Playa Nancite." Vacationscostarica adds practical travel details that matter for trip planning this month: daylight averages 12 hours, 20 minutes with sunrise and sunset roughly 5:30 AM to 5:50 PM, tourist crowds are high, and "There are no major safety concerns in Costa Rica in March, it’s a great month to visit." Vacationscostarica also advises anglers to "stay in the shade... pack sunscreen and a hat."

With Adventure Tours forecasting "Verano" conditions for Jaco and Los Sueños and Fishcostarica documenting both repeatable March patterns in 2023 and record billfish and bait-driven yellowfin in 2025, the operational picture for March is clear: expect calm seas, warm ocean temps in the low 80s°F, concentrated bait schools, and productive yellowfin and sailfish opportunities around Los Sueños and Jaco.