That’s Fishin’ – August 2017

By Benn Gilmour

Welcome to the fishing promised land, a.k.a. Quepos, Costa Rica. If you’re new or just visiting, make sure to go down to Marina Pez Vela and check out all your fishing choices. There’s plenty there. We’ve got a world record bite, world record holding anglers and captains—the only thing missing is you, and unfortunately me. That’s why after 3 years of writing the fishing article for Quepolandia, I am stepping down and handing over my fishing article to Benn Gilmour. It’s one hard thing to do, but I feel happy that my readers will be entertained now by a close friend and very well respected fisherman in our community. I love you all and greatly miss the good friends that I’ve made while living in Quepos. Don’t get too upset though, because Sarah has big plans for the fish and otherwise. You’ll be seeing me sooner than you think! Until then, I leave you in Benn’s most capable hands. Tight lines friends. See you on the water! Sarah Munro

MARLIN, MARLIN, MARLIN!

If catching a Marlin is on your bucket list…do not stop reading! Some years ago around 100 miles Offshore from Quepos, the BEST BLUE MARLIN FISHING ON THE PLANET was discovered at the area known as the Seamounts/FADs. The area possesses an incredible series of underwater mountains where the Sport Fishing Industry has worked together to deploy FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) on top of these underwater Seamounts creating artificial structure to attract baitfish, which in turn attracts the big predators…namely, Blue Marlin!

I got to experience a FAD trip for myself just a few weeks ago aboard CARIBSEA, a 46’ Guthrie and a real classic Sportfisher based here at the Marina Pez Vela. We did a 2 night trip which included one full day (around 13 hours!) of fishing at the FADs, non-stop from the moment it was light, until the sun dipped over the horizon. And wow, those sunsets when you are bobbing around 100 miles off the coast, simply breath-taking!

In just 1 day of Fishing, we raised 5 Blue Marlin, yes 5 Blue Marlin. Some Anglers spend a lifetime trying to catch just 1 Blue Marlin and here we have a place where you can get multiple opportunities to catch a Marlin in just one day. We went on to release a lovely Blue Marlin & lost another of around 250lb close to the boat. We caught a Sailfish and a ton of Yellow Fin Tuna, saw a Humpback Whale, amazing Sea Birds, Turtles and hundreds of Dolphins. Our day was awesome but was considered pretty slow in terms of FAD fishing potential. The day after we returned, another boat went 5 for 9 on Blue Marlin in just a single day of Fishing! A Marlin FAD Trip is the holy grail of Sport Fishing and could easily turn into your Fishing trip of a lifetime. CARIBSEA offers 2, 3 or 4 night Fishing trips to the FADs and if you want to experience this for yourself you can drop me a line or contact Justin & Lucia of Caribsea directly at [email protected] or caribseasportfishing.com.

BIG SNOOK, ROOSTERFISH & MORE!

A little closer to land, we had some excellent Inshore Fishing out of Quepos during July with some real Trophy Roosterfish and Snook being caught. Angler Bobby fishing with Capt. Jeffrey Zapata landed a HUGE 59lb Snook whilst Capt. Ricardo aboard IDRA II has landed some good-sized Snook also. My Boat GOOD DAY released an 80-90lb Roosterfish, a fish 60 inches in length and surely one of the biggest Roosters to be caught off Quepos this year. The guys at JP Sportfishing released a similar sized Roosterfish earlier in June evidencing the ‘Fish of a Lifetime’ catch potential we possess here in Quepos.

So whilst our Fishery speaks for itself, it takes more than just great Fishing to provide bucket list Fishing experiences. We are so fortunate to have an excellent project such as the Marina Pez Vela in our community to provide us the platform to bring this all together to give you an amazing experience on the water. From grabbing an early morning Breakfast at the Mini Price store before your trip departs, to the excellent restaurants at the Marina where you can enjoy a great lunch, dinner or simply an evening sundowner. Sunrice, The Runaway Grill, Z Gastro Bar, The Double Hook Sports Bar, Gabriella’s, & Mercato Del Porto, offer a fantastic variety for every taste and each of these restaurants are well versed in cooking your ‘catch of the day’ when you return to the dock.

MOUTH WATERING ‘COOK YOUR CATCH’ SERVICES AT MARINA PEZ VELA

This month we feature Z Gastro Bar, a truly first class restaurant based in a stunning setting at the Marina. My advice when taking your catch to Z Gastro Bar, tell the waiter what you like/dislike and simply let the chef work his magic—you will not be disappointed! We recently took some freshly caught Wahoo, Amberjack and Yellow Fin Tuna to Z Gastro Bar and they put together a truly mouth-watering selection of dishes. Appetizers: Wahoo Ceviche, Tuna Sashimi, and Tuna Rice Paper rolls. Main Course: Fried Wahoo pan-crusted in almonds & Grilled Amberjack glazed in a sesame dressing served with sides of veggies, rice, yucca fries, & mashed potato. Wow! What better way to end a fantastic day on the water with friends & family than to have your catch cooked here right at the Marina.

I hope during your time here in Quepos & Manuel Antonio you get to experience some Fishing with one of our great Captains and if I can help you with anything at all, just let me know.

Tight Lines!
Benn Gilmour, Jackpot Sport Fishing
Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
Cell: 8458 4997
[email protected]
jackpotsportfishing.com