We are planning a trip for five guys and we are all torn between going to Quepos for Fishing or going to Los Suenos. We have looked into alot of different things and talked to alot of different people. Most of the websites and books say Quepos is the better bet but there are alot of people that we know who have visited there an said that Los Suenos is better. We are looking for he BEST overall fishing experience. We will be heading out for two days for offshore billfish. Now we are looking for the best boats and the best captains and crew. The bigger the boat the better. The prices are not really too much of a concern and I think that is why we are leaning toward Los Suenos but I have a gut feeling about Quepos. We are also looking to do alot of the other adventure type activities while we are there like Canopy Tours , Waterfall repelling , ATV riding and so on. If you could give me some recomendations and more importantly help me find a great captian and a great crew on a first class boat.

Thanks.

Pat,
Although I ran my boat out of Quepos and its where I liked to go I think Los Suenos is more of what you are looking for as far as big boats are concerend. Los Suenos is a resort with a first class Marina. In fact its where we are having the 2007 Costa Rica Classic this March. Quepos is an old banana port town with a downtown area where locals and visitors mix. It has an old pier that the boats back up to rather than just walking up to a slip. The onshore activities are probably better in Quepos but you will fish the same general area no matter which place you go out of. One tip! Make sure to ask if you can take pictues of any released sailfish. With some of the nice big boats sporting paint jobs approaching six figures some do not like to pull the the rough fish over the side of the boat. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Rob

I am interested in fishing Costa Rica for billfish and tarpon. Are there any areas that would offer close access to both of these? I have a timeshare and would be staying for 7 days. There are several areas throughout Costa Rica that I can stay in my timeshare. I plan to charter for fishing and would like to experience a couple days of each. If this is possible, what month would be provide optimal opportunities?

Hi Chris,
The Tarpon fishing is done out of Barra Colorado on the Caribbean Coast. It is reachable by small plane and then a boat ride through the jungle. So unless you have a time share in a hut you will need to stay at one of the lodges. The place to go is Casa Mar. The late owner was my good friend of mine and I have probably spent more than a year of my life there. Let me know where on the Pacific your time shares are in and I will suggest a boat but make sure you let me know when you are traveling because that is very important.

Rob

A friend and I are in the initial stages of planning a 3-4 day billfishing trip to Costa Rica sometime between March and July. I was in Quepos with my wife in October 2005 and we got skunked. I was hoping you could provide me with some expert advice on when the best time would be (March-July),what area would be best to go, and what I could expect fishing wise. Thanks for your help.

Hi Rich,
September and October are the roughest months. Its part because of the currents and the lack of anglers too. Most of the boats work together when it comes to finding fish. With 40-50 boats out there is a good chance someone will come across some fish and let the other boats know. In October there are fewer fish and fewr boats out to find them but even still skunked is rarely heard of in Quepos. If you can go in March go. Followed by April and then May. Go back to Quepos too. Let me know if you have trouble finding a boat because it tough to find a good one then. I know a guy that only takes 70 trips a year but I may be able to talk him into a few more.

Rob

Rob, I am planning on a trip to Costa Rica in Late April and May and want to do both offshore fishing and snook fishing. Is it my best bet to book 2 days on the Pacific ( Southern, Central, or Northern) side for offshore and then travel across the country to the Rio Colorado for snook?

Gary,
I am sorry it took a while to get back with you but I was down in Drake's Bay for a few days.
The offshore dates are greta for the Central and South Pacfic but I can't assure you that the snook fishing on the Caribbean is worth the trip.
Some of the bet snook fishing is done the old fashion was..at river mouths from the beach.
When I had my charter boat there was only one rule. No snook fishing. The reason is that you have to get the boat as close to the shore break as possible and every year a rogue wave would take a boat, clients and all, up on the beach. The only exception would be with the guys at Crocodile Bay that can keep you in the Golfo Dulce.
The rivers on the Pacfic side hold alot of big snook so if you are willing to wade and and cast you may save yourself a ton of cash and hook a some nice fish.

Rob

Me and a buddy are coming to Costa Rica on March 11. We are staying in downtown San Jose that night, but wanted to fish on the 12th or 13th. What do you recommend for a one-day trip? We're flexible for either coast on Inland for Guapote, etc.

If you want to do a quick day of fishing then you can go to Los Suenos via helicopter or take a 20 minute flight to Quepos. They have a schedule that can get you there and back in one day.

Guapote is bit of a hike from San Jose (3 1/2/ hours).

Rob

I will be in San Jose in late November. What fish are best at that time and who would be a good charter to take?

Ray,
 
November is a long way off. We are moving off of a strong El Nino which has made me hold off on any traditional predictions so far in advance.
 
Since this is also a typical time of year when the fishing is good but there are not alot of clients we can hold off now and wait to see what is happening close to your dates...say three weeks or so out before you arrive.
The short answer. Hold on to your money, we will make a call later on.

Rob

I am wanting to go fishing during the first week of July. What is the best location for that time of year? Billfish preferred but is there any other fishing that is in season that week?

Thanks, Browne

Hi Browne,

I would suggest you try Tamarindo. The winds are usually way down and the fish tend to move up to Guanacaste at that time. You could also try Los Suenos and run around the Cabo to Gunacaste.

Rob

Rumor has it that the fishing (billfish) is really bad and that alot of charters have gone out of buissiness. That the long liners have ruined the fishing . We usually fish 3 -4 times a year there. How about an on the level report.

Thanks
 
J Moore

First of all everyone has been talking about El Nino and how strong it has been. The real answer answer is that Quepos was bad, very bad. Further sounth out of the Golfito area is has been prety good with a unheard of Marlin bite along with the southern Nicoya area.
At the tourney we help oraganize, the Costa Rica Classic there where lots of fish caught by a less than experienced group.
I do not think it is long liners at all. Most fish off of Ecuador and have actually been reduced by law.
About eight years ago we had the same drop in fishing on another super strong El Nino but it then rallied in April and May to high season levels into the summer.
I would not push the panic button, lets see how the rest of the year plays out.

Rob

Rob

If I were going to bring a teaser daisy chain to give to the captain what size ,color and type would you think is best far sails and marlin in Costa Rica

Thanks Jeff

Jeff,
You may want to bring some teasers, orange, purple, red and green all work. A couple of cedar plugs and a Rapala or two for tuna, dorado and wahoo may be fun too. Try to get to the Bat Islands (Murcielago) if the winds are low.
 
Rob