The ban
Before tackling the subject of fishing in Colombia, it's worth clarifying the ban on sport fishing, or rather, the old ban. Indeed, the good news is that the ban introduced in 2022, with the suggestion of banning sport fishing, has just, in April 2025, been completely abolished! In its place, a new category of sport fishing trip, with compulsory catch and release, has just been introduced, auguring great opportunities for the future and question-free travel.
Colombia
Sport fishing in Colombia is a relatively recent activity, or at least its opening and accessibility to international anglers is. Although the freshwater side of the sport, notably the famous peacock-bass, is popular and relatively well developed, the sea side is not to be outdone and deserves to be discovered!
Fresh water
Peacock-bass and payara are at the top of the list, but the variety of species is such that it's hard to make a list.
The country is home to a fine population of large peacock bass, one of the most coveted fish for freshwater anglers, and many rios are easily accessible thanks to various service providers.
The other star, well worth the trip, is the payara, with its vampire teeth.
For lovers of big catches, several Rio rivers are reputed to be home to large catfish, such as the Guayabero River and its Jaus.
Other species, such as red-tailed catfish and surubi, can also be found on other rivers.
Sea
Tuna, mahi mahi, red carp, sailfish, amberjack, wahoo and many other species can be found in abundance on Colombia's Pacific coast.
Until now, you had to go direct to Colombian organizations such as Pez-K fishing trips. For some time now, however, Swiss-based ONI Fishing has been offering a brand-new trip to Bahia Cupica.
This destination deserves to be considered by sea-fishing enthusiasts, because given its potential, it's likely to be the talk of the town in years to come!
On the Caribbean side, you'll find more or less the same species as in Venezuela or Florida: tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, snook and permit!
However
Fishing tourism has evolved faster than the country's fishing tackle distributors and importers. For each destination, you'll need to bring all the necessary equipment, as it's complicated, if not impossible, to find fishing tackle that meets our expectations as Western anglers.
How to fish?
A number of organizations offer guiding services. It's possible to deal directly with some of them, but if Spanish isn't your forte, in Europe or the USA, several agencies offer this destination in partnership with these local organizations.
The advantage of working with agencies located in English- or French-speaking countries is that they often offer a local support service and handle communications.
