The Pacific waters off Potrero and the wider Gulf of Papagayo are among the most productive sport-fishing grounds in the world. The offshore canyon structure concentrates baitfish and draws sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi in numbers that attract anglers from across North America. Sailfish are the headline target and the waters off Guanacaste regularly produce exceptional catches, particularly December through April when the dry season winds and upwelling bring the fish to the surface. Yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, and snapper round out the inshore and nearshore options for those who want to keep lines in the water throughout a trip.
Charter boats range from small, locally-crewed pangas suitable for inshore work to fully equipped offshore sportfishers with fighting chairs and live-bait tanks. Most charters depart from the marina at Playa Flamingo, a short drive or walk from Potrero. Full-day offshore charters are the standard for billfish; half-day trips cover the inshore grounds closer to the coast.
Catch-and-release is widely practised and encouraged by the better operators, particularly for billfish. The fishing is managed under Costa Rican marine conservation rules and a licence is required — reputable charter companies handle the paperwork as part of the booking.