CARIBBEAN COAST 

One for the reason I first came to Costa Rica was because of what I heard about the outstanding fishing. I was very fortunate to be befriended by one of the pioneers in the fishing industry and a legendary fly fisherman, Bill Barnes. I owe everything I know and the many adventures I experienced in the water to him.

Bill introduced me to all of the great captains and the world class anglers that came from all over to fish and visit with him at his lodge, Casa Mar

I was totally corrupted and we would go on fishing binges bouncing between his lodge in the Caribbean and offshore fishing on Pacific coast, sometimes for weeks at a time. It costs boatloads of money and a couple of girlfriends that did not understand. I finally ended up getting hooked on fly fishing too and topped it all off by buying my own charter boat, the Swordfish just so we did not have to book in advance.

Rod and Reel manufactures would send Bill all over their prototypes for him (us) to try to wear out, which we sometimes did. If you put all the days together I have spent literally years fishing all over Costa Rica. When Bill passed away fishing was not quite the same and I sold the boat shortly after.

I still love to get out when I can and this service is meant as a tribute to my friend Bill and to help you take advantage of what I learned from him.

The Caribbean is quite simple to cover. In my opinion there are few lodges in the world like Casa Mar. It was chosen by Bill as the perfect spot for an angler looking for Tarpon and Snook action, no matter what the season. Built in 1969 of beautiful almond wood Casa Mar has the elegance and charm of what you imagine in a jungle lodge. The food is all homemade and simply delicious, the Tarpon Room, is a great place to get together after a long day on the water. Its sits on the Agua Dulce lagoon and is stocked with almost any drink you can imagine.

When to go to Casa Mar- The short answer is anytime you can. If you have time to plan though you should go with what historically has proven the best time. Keep in mind that a changing barometer (a front moving through) takes a couple of days to straighten out. Also some of my best days at Casa Mar have been in months I do not mention as "best".

End of November to the end of January- The cabla (Fat snook) make their runs at this time of the year. It is light tackle action at its best with the all tackle World Record being just over 8lbs, and was taken at Casa Mar.

August through October- This time of year the rains in the central valley send fills the Colorado river and downstream the logs and leaves make the conditions perfect for taling big snook in the river mouths and often from shore. The smaller ones come in around twenty pounds and its not uncommon to get a couple in the mid thirties. If the river is just to big then trolling or working structures in the river can be equally productive.

December through April, June This is Tarpon Time. In the rivers or in huge moving schools miles offshore, the tarpon love a steady barometer. If the weather is good it can just wear you out until you are afraid to put a plug in the water. I do not recommend anything less than three days, with a week being best.

When you consider what a charter boat, hotel room, transportation, meals and drinks cost in most fishing towns and resorts Casa Mar's all inclusive rates are a real bargain for the level of quality and service. On top of these great rates sometimes they offer specials from time to time.

They sell out fast so it is suggested that you join our mailing list in order to be kept abreast of any discounts.