That’s Fishin’ – August, 2014

By Sarah Munro

Welcome to Quepolandia, where the fish outnumber the people. It doesn’t get better anywhere else. Maybe that’s why Costa Rica translated means Rich Coast. Either way, you are here, with access to some of the best fishing grounds on the planet.

This year the Offshore World Championships were hosted here for the second year in a row – and with a New World Record Catch!

Sailfish numbers are low right now due to rain, but get this – we are waiting to hear on a new Pending World Record for Blue Marlin Releases. The new record belongs to the 60’ Carol Libby. They released billfish number 430, tagging 310 for The Billfish Foundation. That breaks Captain Bobby McGuinness’ previous record of 422. Note that Bobby fishes out of Golfito, and the Carol Libby is out of Marina Los Suenos. Bobby is a world-wide fishing Legend. I believe he has been voted Captain of The Decade Twice, by IGFA. (International Gamefish Association) He’s what you call a true Salty, a gentleman, and holds us all to a standard. Big shout out to Bobby – can’t wait to fish with you.

All the fishing boats come to fish the grounds off of Quepos, including the Carol Libby. So, book your boat here, the sport-fishing fleet has something for everyone. Quepos is where its at. Whether you’d like to go mangrove fishing in a Panga, inshore for roosters, snapper, jack, snook and gar, or, offshore for marlin, sailfish or meat-fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo; there is something for every interest and taste-bud. From hand-lining to big tackle, old-school to yachts. Find your pick and price-range. The reward is GREAT friends. Crossing one off the bucket list is kind of GREAT.

Let me tell you one thing. You will regret it if you don’t go. You will wonder ‘Why didn’t I just spend the money?’ And if you go, it will be more like “My God. Fishing in Quepos changed my life.” And its not just the fishing, it’s the epic life around you the whole time. Whales, birds, dolphin pods reaching the tens of thousands, turtles – amazing just doesn’t even begin to describe it. And it doesn’t stop the whole time you’re out there.

This has been the most incredible year ‘EVER’, according to the record books and those of us who have fishing in our soul. The events have been great as well, the Offshore World Championship, brought here by Bonnier Corporation and hosted at Marina Pez Vela. It’s an event that gets better every year, and puts us on ‘The Map’.

There is nothing like feeling that first monster on the end of the line. Previous to fishing here, my largest fish was 30 pounds. Now, my largest is 350 lbs., a Black Marlin, and my skill level is way better. Also important to note that fishing is a disease. Once you’ve got it, it has no cure other than fishing. I’ve got it, but don’t worry, its mostly manageable.

Part of my love for fishing is enabling others to go, and have the same experience I get every time. Check out the accompanying photos to my article. All taken here and not hard at all to see the quality result. It really counts to have the right Captain and boat – and make sure to always ask about the equipment. There are lots of boats here, and lots of Captains but weeding through them to find the right fit can be difficult. Especially when you are under sales pressure. It always seems we meet or hear about that right person the day after.

So, instead, give me a call at 2777 5350 (ask for Sarah) and I will find you the experience you deserve.

If you’d like to find me in person, try The Hawg ‘n’ Bill, Beach Bar and Restaurant, located at the intersection of the Main Road and the road to Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla) You can’t miss it, there’s a sign out front with a Marlin on a Harley.

Looking for more of That’s Fishin’? Check out all of the articles on www.quepolandia.com.

Until then peeps, keep your sea legs swayin, and your rod hand ready!

Sarah Munro is an ex-pat Canadian living in the Manuel Antonio area; who has been fishing since infancy. Rumor has it; Sarah gutted her first fish before she could ride a bike. It’s quite likely, that yes, one day the fish will come for her.