Epic. Unheard of. Best fishing in 10 years. This, my friends is what has been happening in the sport fishing scene here lately. Boats going out and reporting 77, 55, 40, 34…… Sailfish IN ONE DAY! Impossible? Not so. I myself went out with some friends and we went 17 for 26, and that was only 5 hours with lines in the water. Man, was I glad that there were four of us fishing. It’s a whole new kind of workout, the kind that fishing dreams are made of….. My fishing dreams came true the moment I moved here. I can’t express enough how epic the fishing is here. The diversity, quantity, and quality of fish here are enough to make any angler think they’ve died and gone to fish heaven.
You’ve gotta be here for the fishing right? Well, that’s the reason I moved here. Well, one of them. For a lifetime fisherman this area is one of the best in the world, both onshore and offshore. Throw in some mangrove fishing and fly fishing in the mountainous rivers and well, you’ll move here too. The saturation of world class captains and crews, and anglers is like no other. Take one step on to the grounds of Marina Pez Vela, and you can see the results of it. Construction continues on the world class Marina, and the entire fishing community is buzzing about the upcoming Quepos Billfish Cup, February 5 – 8. This tournament is a charity fundraiser, and features some of the best of the local community, and some of the most FUN you’ll ever have listening to fish stories, seeing Captains and Owners strut their stuff. If you’re here over these dates, book yourself in with a local charter. You’ll cross one off your bucket list that you didn’t realize was ON your bucket list. Marina Pez Vela is hosting for the second year in a row, the IGFA Offshore World Championship April 6 – 11, which is the largest world-wide offshore fishing tournament series in the world.
If you’re a fisherman sitting reading this article, and it’s the first bit of January, you’re about to drop the magazine and run for the nearest boat. The fishing is WAILING this time of year, and you are definitely in one of the top 5 fishing destinations in the WORLD. Easily, bar none. The IGFA Offshore World Championships are held here, now two years in a row. And even better right now, the best eating fish, (according to me), snook are running right now. The best part for you, my friend is that the sport fishing fleet here in Quepos has specialists and boats for every kind of fishing in this area.
One word. ANGST. That’s right, that’s what happens when a sea-loving maven doesn’t get to stretch her legs on the water often enough. Especially when the fish are running. I managed one offshore trip this month, had to cancel three others. Funny how I work to fish but sometimes the work takes over and the fishing doesn’t happen. So, I have to be satisfied with only 11 Wahoo.
You must be thinking, this girl is out of her mind, and yes, you are right. For those of you who have fishing in your blood, it’s easy to understand. For those of you who don’t – sorry – but whatever.
Ohhhh yeah, it’s that time of year folks. The time of year when fishermen wring their hands, lick their lips and look to the sea for their adventure. That’s just what I’ve been doing too. It might be off-season for tourists, but the fishing season is ON!
The past month has brought lots of action both inshore and offshore. Tides and currents have been super strong with hurricanes further north in the Pacific, which can definitely change fishing. Another factor is moon cycles, which affect tides; and fishing. And, the Super-Moon just ended.
The fish are here, that’s for sure. I went out twice this past month with local captains. Inshore was in a traditional panga boat among the whipping waves of Palo Seco. We dropped lines in the water and within 3 minutes we had a fish on. Awesome. Got some snook, jack, a pair of catfish, and had a hell of a time with 3 fish that never made it to the boat. Not bad for just a half day out.
Top Angler: Craig John White (Whitey) representing the Shimano West Australian Open
By Sarah Munro
Marina Pez Vela just hosted the IGFA Offshore World Championship. In case you don’t know what that means – its the biggest billfish tournament series in the world, and Quepos rocked it. And the fish most definitely ROCKED IT.
So WHAT if it ended my last relationship, this one is working just fine……
I am so excited……… The OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE JUST ABOUT HERE. On the other hand, I’m soooo bummed out because the tourney happens after my deadline. Can’t win it all I guess. Otherwise, this chick is headed out for some onshore action and from what I hear – It is Totally hitting. I’ve talked to a few captains in town and apparently there’s been some massive sea bass and red snapper brought in by even rookie anglers…….That’s makin’ my day…….. how ‘bout yours????
This is world class fishing, and the season is HOT. Hitting inshore on a daily basis are Red Snapper, Roosterfish, and Snook. Offshore, double hook-ups seem to be the norm for sailfish. SWEET! The marlin are hitting, just a bit more elusive than earlier in the year. Wahoo and Dorado are also being boated on a regular basis. Boats were fishing between 14-20 miles out in December and January; the fish have moved off to cooler, deeper waters at around 25 miles. Make sure your cooler is full!
By Sarah Munro
