Costa Rica Fishing - News, Reviews, & Reports

Sport Fishing more Valueable than Commercial Fishing to Costa Rica

At long last someone finally did their homework and put together a study that should spell ‘Victory’ in the epic battle between the Sport Fishing Industry and the Commercial Fishing Industry in Costa Rica.  Last year the University of Costa Rica, The Billfish Foundation, and Southwick Associates put together a socio-economic study showing the numerous ways that the sport fishing industry outperformed the commercial fishing industry in Costa Rica.  The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is the only non-profit organization in the world that is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of billfish (sailfish & marlin) populations around the world while Southwick Associates specialize in quantifying the business side of fishing and wildlife industries.  Taking into account money spent on sport fishing, taxable revenue, and jobs created - not to mention the obvious and drastic difference in conservation and sustainability - this should be a wake up call to everyone that Costa Rica needs to be much more proactive and vigilent in policing it’s precious marine life.

Based on statistics from 2008, the study shows that recreational sport fishing created $599 million in revenue - or 2% of Costa Rica’s GDP.  In comparison the commercial fishing industry created only $528 million in revenue.  The sport fishing industry can also be credited for generating 63,000 jobs in Costa Rica while the commercial sport fishing industry only 57,000.  Besides the clear economic victory, the conservation side of things can not be overlooked.  In Costa Rica all billfish are strictly catch and release while every billfish caught by the commercial fishing boats meets it’s end.  While it is true that sport fishing can cause physical and emotional stress on the game fish and that some fish die during the fight or by swallowing hooks, the vast majority are released and continue on with their normal life cycle.  In a study done a few years ago in Crocodile Bay it was found that roosterfish that were successfully released after being tagged would go to deep water and rest for 30-40 minutes and then would resume their normal feeding behaviors.  Meanwhile the commercial fishing industry can be blamed for rapidly declining populations of many game fish, unethical fishing practices (long line fishing), illegally fishing in zones like Coco Island which is Costa Rica’s prized national park, and killing thousands of by-catch species accidentally caught while fishing for game fish like sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins.  We’d like to thank the University of Costa Rica, TBF, and Southwick Associates for giving us a voice and hopefully bringing to light which industry is more important to our economy and our Earth.  Read the full article below.

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(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Tango Mar - Hotel Review

The Tango Mar Hotel is one of Costa Rica’s rare beach front beauties.  Located out on the Nicoya Peninsula near Playa Tambor, it offers the rare combination of easy access and seclusion.  After a quick 30 minute from San Jose to Tambor we were met and take another 15 minutes to the Tango Mar property.  Spanning 150 acres, the Tango Mar has something to offer all of their guests with a huge range of activities and facilities on the property.  These include a spa, gym, three pools, horse stables, walking trails, a 9-hole executive golf course, and of course a beautiful beach.  There are also two restaurants and three bars on the property, including a swim up bar in the largest of the three pools.  Perhaps my favorite spot of all is the hammock garden located amongst several large palm trees right on the beach.  There are about 10 hammocks in total, so whether you are there to read a book alone or get some QT with your loved one there is plenty of space for everyone.

The Tango Mar hotel itself is a very small, boutique hotel of just 18 rooms.  They also have five Tiki Suites, which are private hexagonal shaped bungalows featuring a king bed, flat screen TV, and in room jacuzzi.  Under construction are the Tropical Suites, which will offer guests the most privacy and luxury when finished.  Finally there are also a handful of private luxury villas on the property ranging from three to five bedrooms.  All that said, it still seems like the best bet for your money is the hotel and their Standard Beachfront rooms.  These are literally a stone’s throw to the beach and the sound of the pounding surf is so loud you need to talk over it at times.  All rooms feature AC, in room safe, private bathroom, cable TV, and a private balcony overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean.

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(2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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Quepos Fishing Report - May 2010

A couple weeks ago I headed down to my favorite beach in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio, to do some sport fishing with two friends of mine.  Our first day we headed out to do some in-shore fishing even though we were warned that the sea was “muy bravo” and that we could be in for a rough day.  Our guide and the owner of Pez Rey, Justin Krauss, was worried enough about it that he offered to give us a rain check and basically told us to expect to have a morning spent fighting waves instead of fish.  Unknowingly we were seeing the effects of the beginning of the first tropical storm of the year, Tropical Storm Agatha, that unfortunately went on to kill 74 people when she eventually struck land in Guatemala a few days later.  Out of courage or lack of common sense we decided to brave the mighty Pacific, so Justin picked us up at 8 AM and promptly offered us all dramamine.  After a dicey yet entertaining process of boarding the boat from the floating dock in Quepos we were aboard the Pez Rey I with our captain, Pepsi.

Pepsi’s real name is Leonardo, but his nickname was easy enough to remember and no one bothered to ask how he got the moniker.  Originally from Parismina on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Pepsi was used to nasty sea conditions so these big 10-12 ft swells didn’t phase him for a second.  Although the bait fish in our live well surely were wondering what they heck was going on, as soon as he turned on his iPod to some slow reggae and started effortlessly maneuvering the waves we all calmed down and became rather optimistic about our day.  It wasn’t long before the swells played havoc on my first-time-fisherman friend Jose’s stomach, and soon he was a pale as his white Hanes t-shirt.  Right at that time Pepsi’s reel started to scream and we handed Jose the rod, but after a 5 second fight he decided that releasing his sea sickness into the Pacific was more important that whatever was on the other end of the line.  It was a pretty funny scene, but our smiles were erased when the line went slack and our first fish got away.

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(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5)

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Los Altos Beach Resort - Luxury Condos in Manuel Antonio

Los Altos Beach Resort is newest hotel in Manuel Antonio’s collection of luxury properties.  Many of you may be thinking that Manuel Antonio already has enough, or too many, high end offerings and that this is the wrong economic climate to be opening a luxury hotel in, and you may be exactly right.  Another school of thought is that Los Altos Beach Resort is exactly what Manuel Antonio needed - more two, three, and four bedroom private condos.  In an area that features largely boutique hotels and private homes groups of couples, small families, and sports fishermen often had trouble finding a property that could accommodate everyone under one roof.  The Los Altos Beach Resort seems poised to fill that void.

Built on 21 acres of private rain forest, Los Altos combines first class luxury and service with the green environment and natural

Los Altos Beach Resort - 1,2,3,4 bedroom condos

beauty of Manuel Antonio.  The two eight story towers offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos along with two story, 4-bedroom penthouse suites.  Each condo features three bedrooms, identical furnishings and boasts all the top of the line amenities - air-conditioning, 42″ flat screen TVs, full kitchen, wireless high speed internet, security safe, telephone, laundry services, and beautiful views out to the Pacific Ocean over the surrounding rain forest.  Each unit comes with a master suite with a king bed and private balcony, a second room with a queen bed, and a third bedroom with two single beds.  Although every unit is the identical in size and decor, they can be rented to accommodate your specific group.  If there are just two of you you can rent out the condo and the master suite to make a spacious 1-bedroom suite and the other rooms will be closed off for you.  If you have a family or group of couples the condos can very easily sleep six people.

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(2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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The Osa Peninsula - Costa Rica’s Fishing & Diving Mecca

Last weekend I had a chance to revisit my favorite part of Costa Rica - the Osa Peninsula.  Located in the southwest corner of the country, this tropical peninsula is not only the most remote region of Costa Rica but also home to the world renowned Corcovado National Park.  Once referred to as “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic, this is the only place you need to go to see what makes Costa Rica, well, Costa Rica.  Scarlet macaws, jaguars, bats, snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, and sloths are just a few of the natives that call the Osa home - and we haven’t even gotten to the Pacific Ocean yet.

Largely underdeveloped and relatively unexplored, the Osa Peninsula has long been a paradise for backpackers,nature lovers, and

The Osa Peninsula's Fishing & Diving Headquarters

conservationists.  Due to it’s isolated location, the waters off the Osa Peninsula are home to some of the best fishing and diving in Costa Rica.  The untouched coastline, most of it protected by the Corcovado National Park, and crystal clear water make for perfect diving year round and some of the world’s best fishing.  Of course if you go down here you need a place to stay, and your first choice should always be the Aguila de Osa Inn.  This eco-luxury hotel opened 15 years ago because the owner himself was a long time fishing and diving enthusiast.  With the increased popularity of eco tourism and the Corcovado National Park itself the hotel now also attracts lots of birders and naturalists, and while they are certainly more than welcome, the real motivation behind the hotel was always clear - fishing, diving, and more fishing.

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(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Costa Rica Tarpon Fishing Report

Despite the ups and downs of sport fishing on the Pacific this high season, Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast has enjoyed a strong first season for tarpon fishing in 2010.  The first season, from January to early May, can be hit or miss with the

Tarpon Fishing in Tortuguero!

weather at times with Feb-April offering your best chance at calm seas and sunny skies.  Randy Hansen and friend Dennis Boyd came down from South Dakota and had great luck with beautiful weather and a strong bite.  In two days of tarpon fishing in Tortuguero they landed four tarpon and four snook, with many others that were able to throw their hooks and get away.

George Kimmel and his crew came down from Texas and got to experience not only Costa Rica’s world class tarpon fishing but also a little slice of history as well.  On their first night in Costa Rica they stayed here in San Jose at the new Crowne Plaza, and much to their delight they had a nice view of new president Laura Chinchilla’s acceptance speech right from their rooms.  They met our legendary tarpon guides Primo and Eddie, and boy did they ever live up to their expectations.    In just a day and half of fishing they managed to haul in 14 tarpon and two good sized snook.

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(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

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Los Suenos Fishing Report - Better Late Than Never!

In what has been a very up and down year for sport fishing by Costa Rica’s standards, we have finally seen a return to normalcy in the second half of the peak season.  Typically the best months for sport fishing along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast are December through April, but the start of this season proved to be very hit or miss.  Some days would yield double digit sailfish numbers and then a few days later captains would report nothing but bonitos.  Many blamed it on El Nino and the warmer waters as some days water temps were 85-90 degrees.  Whatever the case was, things seemed to get back to normal finally in March when the ship seemed to have righted itself as fishing reports began to come in with more consistent numbers.

Scott Grandbouche and his crew from New Orleans came down to the Los Suenos Resort for four nights in early March and had a very successful outing.  They landed several mahi, one wahoo, and two sailfish on their first day and then several more sailfish and mahi on the second day.  The third day was the real prize as they went out on the famous tandom of the Spanish Fly & Super Fly.  The guys on the Spanish Fly ended up with 14 sailfish while the Super Fly boat landed 8 sails.  Needless to say their Los Suenos experience was the stuff of legends and they enjoyed their fresh dorado dinners every night.

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(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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Reserva Conchal - The Pefect Mix of Luxury & Privacy

Earlier this month a few friends and I planned a diving weekend out in Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific Coast, known as Guanacaste.  Often referred to as the ‘Gold Coast’ of Costa Rica, this party of the country offers predictable and unbeatable weather in addition to some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches, one of which is the Playa Conchal.  Located between larger beach towns like Tamarindo and Flamingo, the pink sand Playa Conchal is one of Costa Rica’s finest coves and home to the gorgeous Reserva Conchal property.  The famous Paradisus Playa Conchal all-inclusive resort of course calls this piece of land home, but so do the surprisingly overlooked Reserva Conchal Condos.

There are five condo complexes on the property, each named after local Costa Rican trees.  The Bougainvillea Condos were the first condos to be built, followed by the Malinche, Carao, Melina, and Jobo complexes.  All the complexes offer fully furnished, private one, two, three, and four bedroom condos in addition to private villas.  Each condo complex has it’s own unique location and views, and while similarly designed they each offer their own separate atmosphere.  If all-inclusive resorts and large crowds are not your style don’t fret, the Reserva Conchal has the privacy and luxury you are looking for.

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(3 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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Punta Islita - Hotel Review

Last weekend I had the pleasure to spend a weekend at the amazing Punta Islita Hotel.  Located on the isolated Nicoya Peninsula, the 48 room hotel is the lone inhabitant of a beautiful Pacific cove.  Although the hotel was established in 1995 and has won numerous awards like being rated Conde Nast’s #1 resort in Central & South American in 2008 and being a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it remains fairly undiscovered.   I myself and been meaning to get there for the past 4.5 years and only just crossed it off my list, and it was well worth the wait.

From San Jose, Punta Islita is just a 4 hour drive away (with plenty of road signs along the way) or a quick 35 minute  flight.  Upon arrival we were given a welcome cocktail at the sunken bar overlooking the infinity edge pool and Pacific Ocean.  We were then shown the schedule of activities for the week while going through the check-in process,  which I thought was a great way to spend your first 15 minutes at the hotel.  After arriving at your luxury beach resort all you want to do is relax, and nothing helps you do that better than being greeted by a warm hotel staff, having a tropical welcome cocktail, and being informed of all of your hotel options before you reach the sanctuary of your own room.  Before arriving about all I knew was that the Punta Islita was a first class beach & spa resort, so it was a welcome surprise to learn that in addition to beach lounging and spa pampering we had the options to go horseback riding, do a canopy zip-line tour, surfing, play tennis, go golfing, and of course sport fishing.

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(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

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Costa Rica Fishing Report - March 2010

Costa Rica’s peak fishing season powers on with reports of the usual suspects - sailfish, roosterfish, mahi-mahi, lots of wahoo, and even a 350 lb marlin.  Our marlin came from the Parigi party from Houston, TX.  Down for long weekend/bachelor party at the beautiful Villa Buena Onda, the boys went out fishing for a day and reeled in two sailfish and a 350 lb blue marlin.  Right now is typically not the best fishing season up in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, but that just goes to show that any fish can be had any time of year down here.

A little further south in Manuel Antonio Bob Smouse and his son enjoyed an adventure filled father/son fishing trip.  In addition to two days of fishing they also tackled the ATV tour, white water rafting, and the canopy zip-line tour with reckless abandon.  On their fishing days on the Blue Pearl II they hauled in three sailfish and a 40 lb roosterfish.  The Robinson family went out for five straight days and totaled five sailfish, six dorados, and seven groupers.  Needless to say, they didn’t need to spend much on dinner all week.

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(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

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