Coastal Angler Magazine - April / Costa Rica

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FELICIA SCOCOZZA VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 278

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F R A N C H I S E

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O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

APRIL/MAY 2018

W O R L D W I D E

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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.

PENNFISHING.COM

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© 2018 PENN is a registered trademark of Pure Fishing, Inc.

3/19/18 1:35 PM

Solar Shade™ ZERO Long Sleeve Shirt

Who needs shade when you have OMNI-SHADE™ SUN DEFLECTOR? Little sun-deflecting dots are applied to the outside of an Omni-Shade™ garment to deflect sunlight away from the body, so you feel cooler and stay protected.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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CEO / EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Derrick Oppelt • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com

WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Charlie Lamm • (252) 205-6472 • clamm@coastalanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

You guys are everywhere.

A

nglers share some very unique commonalities.

One trait that seems standard across the board is that whenever we find ourselves in a new destination, regardless of why we’re there, we always want to find out about “what’s biting.” Normally a quick trip to a local tackle shop gets us up to speed. I often hear from readers that they were in a different state or a different region and found a copy of our magazine at the tackle shop they went into. One such reader recently told me, “I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I read your Wilmington edition every month. I was in Mississippi recently on business and I saw a copy of your magazine at a local tackle shop. The next month I was in Key West, Florida and saw a copy of the magazine at a tackle shop there. I just landed in Connecticut today and can’t believe that I just picked up another copy of your magazine at a tackle shop here in Connecticut. You guys are everywhere.”

It is true; we are available for free in over 30 market areas, but we’re not everywhere yet. Our franchise publishing model is changing the way American anglers view a local fishing magazine, and we’re looking to further expand our footprint. If you think owning your own business as the publisher of your area’s local fishing magazine is something that would fit your career and lifestyle goals, give us a call for information on potential franchise opportunities in your area. Previous publishing experience is not required. We have a complete training program and ongoing support system that enables our co-publishing partners to quickly establish the magazine as a primary resource for the avid angler nearly everywhere.

Best regards,

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com

1-888-800-9794

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Honda

BLEED TRIM

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For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at ca.hondamarine.com.

GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! OFFER ENDS JUNE 4. $

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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2013 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2018 and June 4, 2018 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible.

Engines sold under special pricing / promotions are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice.

SAFETY COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL 2018 I NATIONAL 7 © 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

TRIM BLEED

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WHO CARES ABOUT PUTTING YOUR LURE RIGHT ON TOP OF FISH?

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

YOU SHOULD.

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CHIRP + CLEARVÜ + SIDEVÜ BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVÜ HD NETWORK CAPABLE & CONTROL KNOB WITH BUILT-IN WIFI®

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms.

Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting.

For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

The hero your boat deserves!

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Paddlesports Product Review CARIBE TIBURON INFLATABLE SUP You’ll be slithering through the waves with ease and gliding along in true mariner style when you hop on Caribe’s inflatable SUP. Decorated with a shark silhouette and further amplified by a cool camo print, this blue and black paddleboard is always a hit among water-lovers with a penchant for adventure.

The Tiburon Inflatable Paddleboard comes with 6 D-Rings on the softpad so you can attach a variety of accessories like a cooler, 2 Kayak Seats, dry bags, etc. it also comes with a D-Ring on the front bottom deck, excellent for anchoring or towing the board.

A very wide 34” design provides stability like no other board on the market. It’s ideal for fishing and long rides and has a smooth non-slip softpad that provides grip as well as comfort. Concerned about hooks on board or punctures from oyster beds? No worries! Double deck Tarpaulin layers protect the board from punctures while providing the most rigid inflatable experience out there.

All Caribe’s boards come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

WWW.CARIBESUP.COM

AIRHEAD SUP BONEFISH 1138 True to its name, the Airhead SUP Bonefish 1138 is a paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. This super-stable fishing SUP has two inflatable sponsons that give anglers the firm platform they need for fighting big fish and navigating rough water.

There are four strategically placed mount pads on deck to accommodate four rod racks, Airhead SUP Fishing Racks and Bucket Racks. Two smaller accessory mounts are perfect for small rod holders or other accessories, and two stainless D-ring cooler tie downs round out endless possibilities for equipment customization. A classic teak-look EVA decking provides sure footing.

At just 41 pounds, transport of the Bonefish 1138 is easy, and two molded handles fore and aft make carrying it to the water a breeze, even when it’s fully loaded. There is versatility built in with 10 stainless steel D-rings and two stretch tie downs.

The Bonefish 1138 comes with a mesh backpack for transport and storage, a Hi Pressure hand pump for quick and easy inflation, a pressure gauge, valve wrench, board strap and repair kit.

WWW.AIRHEADSUP.COM

KAKU WAHOO 10.5 The new Kaku Wahoo 10.5 may be the baddest little ’yak on the water. It is a compact version of the Wahoo 12.5, which has proven itself as a superb fishing kayak.

Kaku went and shaved a couple of feet and more than 10 pounds off of the original Wahoo to create a boat that is easier to transport and paddles very well in the tight environs kayak anglers often find themselves in. And while the Wahoo 10.5 gives up size, it does not sacrifice fishability or performance. It has all the features of the Wahoo 12.5.

By flattening the rocker and lowering the keel, Kaku has designed a boat that tracks well and is easy to stand on. A sick deck pad rounds out the look of a quick little ’yak that is stable, comfortable and easy to handle.

KAKUKAYAK.COM

MANTA RACKS Whether it’s a mother-ship expedition offshore, a day-cruise to some isolated islands or exploration deep into the mangroves, there are a lot of places paddle-sports enthusiasts want to be that are too distant to access under paddle power. SUPs and kayaks take up a lot of room on the deck of the boat, and Manta Racks has come up with the perfect solution.

The Manta Racks system stores your kayaks or SUPs securely to your boat, where they are out of the way, and it utilizes the boat’s rod holders, so there’s no need to drill any new holes for mounting.

With a patented 360-degree locking swivel feature, paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks, kiteboards, water skis and surfboards can be easily stored on the gunnel of the boat without drilling extra holes. All of your boards are out of the way of your passengers, securely fastened to your Manta Racks system. Go farther when you take your boards.

WWW.MANTARACKS.COM

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR SERIES With its new Radar Series, Wilderness Systems continues to build on its legacy of innovation, performance and quality in fishing kayaks.

The Radar Series is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, which means it has paddle, power and pedal capabilities. It features S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking throughout the entire design for ultimate

performance in multiple water environments.

In addition to a flat platform for standing and freedom of movement, the Radar boasts state-of-the-art outfitting including expansive SlideTrax rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD motor drive, Helix PD pedal drive and multiple options for electronics, including down-imaging, side-scanning or both.

With Helix PD, a built-in steering control system allows for easy navigation that leaves your hands free for fishing. The AirPro Max seat complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.

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Paddlesports Product Review NUCANOE FLINT NuCanoe made waves when it introduced its new Flint kayak at iCast. Here is a boat jam-packed with features for serious anglers, yet the price tag is way below what you’d expect for such a high-quality kayak.

At 11’3”, and less than 70 pounds, The Flint is the perfect boat for exploring creeks, rivers and backwater marshes. It is agile, responding nimbly to the paddle, and it also tracks very well despite its shorter length. Light enough for easy one-man transport, this boat is amazingly stable, and unique scupper hole design provides a firm deck.

The Flint cockpit is wide open and fishes like a much larger kayak. There’s plenty of room and stability for standing to fish on an uncluttered deck, and the new Hawg Trough channel keeps your measuring board handy but out of the way.

With five gear tracks, handy spaces for tackle boxes and angled flush-mount rod holders, NuCanoe has come up with a simple yet efficient and customizable layout for everything an angler needs. The side handle that doubles as a quick-clip paddle holder is a handy innovation someone should have come up with long ago.

Cap it all off with the comfy custom-height Pinnacle seat NuCanoe is known for, and this is a top-notch fishing platform for a reasonable price.

WWW.NUCANOE.COM

PERCEPTION PESCADOR PILOT 12.0 Perception’s pedal-powered Pescador Pilot is a fishing machine that is extremely comfortable and functional for anglers. It excels in flat water and is an excellent kayak for inshore and bay fishing as well as on freshwater lakes and ponds.

The Pilot Drive propeller system effortlessly propels the boat, even in reverse, while leaving both hands free. The spacious, sit-on-top design with generous storage and accessory mounts make the kayak easy to customize. Superior stability allows anglers to cast and fight fish while standing.

Comfort is absolutely necessary for serious anglers spending long hours on the water.

The Pescador Pilot is built for that. A roomy captain’s chair features zonal mesh to promote cooling airflow. On-the-fly seatback adjustment tilts back for relaxed pedaling or forward for sportier pedaling.

With performance, comfort, features, and storage that outdistance its price point, especially for a peddle-driven kayak, the Pescador Pilot is also a great value. This boat is proudly designed, molded and hand assembled in the USA and is backed by a 5-year warranty.

WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKS.COM

OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system.

It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallowwater docking. The Predator PDL’s specially-designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability.

The Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of useradjustable speeds easy and effective.

The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more.

WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM

SEA EAGLE 350FX FISHING EXPLORER For anglers who like to go it alone, Sea Eagle’s 350fx is a terrific choice. The most stable and rugged entry in Sea Eagle’s Explorer Series of inflatable kayaks, it’s a lightweight (51-lbs.) and easily portable one-person fishing machine.

Nearly indestructible, the 350fx features a double layer of 1000 Denier reinforced protective layers on the tubes and bottom, a 40-inch fish ruler, plus two spray skirts—each with three rod holders and accessory belts that hold tools, hooks and lures. A fully adjustable foot brace is easily positioned for maximum comfort and more power per stroke while a nifty anchor system quietly locks in advantageous casting positions.

Suitable for paddling in waters rated to Class IV, 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves make this entry ideal for fishing in moderate whitewater rivers up to Class III. Close the valves to remain high and dry on flat waters, and insert the removable skeg to improve flatwater tracking.

Fully inflated in seven minutes, the 350fx fits in a car trunk and handles electric motors up to 34-pound thrust. This inflatable fishing kayak is 11’6” long and has a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs.

WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM

FLYCRAFT STEALTH The Flycraft Stealth is one of the most versatile boats in the world. Its unique construction and shape give it the functionality of many boats in one. From motoring on the coast or lakes to rowing rocky streams and mild whitewater, the Flycraft Stealth is your one boat answer.

The boat’s lightweight and minimalistic design allow it to be easily carried on a roof or in a truck bed. No roof rack? No problem; this boat deflates and packs down to fit in a trunk or closet. At just 98 pounds, one person can easily transport or load this boat solo. For information, call 801-810-4022.

WWW.FLYCRAFTUSA.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Our Innovative, Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System 9” FILLET 7” FILLET 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED

KN IVES easy blade release 12

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rugged canvas roll pack

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FLY FISHING

Michelle Bowman with a Yucatan baby tarpon from an inflatable SUP.

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

GAME CHANGER Sea Eagle FishSUP Stand Up Paddleboard

Win th Sea Eagle e FishSUP Pro Moto r Fishing Rig Packa ge!

Fu

www.Coa ll details at stalAngle rContest.c om

Fits in a Bag! Paddle or Motor

Incredibly stable, the new inflatable FishSUP FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard is an angler’s dream. Lightweight, packable, portable and ready in moments. The FishSUP fits in any car trunk and inflates in just 7 minutes. Stand, sit, fish, motor, troll, fresh, salt or brackish water...the FishSUP goes everywhere.

800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept C2048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1

• 12’6” long x 40” wide for exceptional stability • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories

MSRP $1149!

Port Jefferson, NY 11777

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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NO 26

The best fishing stories start with you getting away.

F F

®

PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL

® ® ®

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Islandology is our way of life. It’s trying a new, secluded spot and finding no matter what you catch – you’re hooked.

®

Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com

®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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CoastalA

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2018 242CC

FISHING FOCUSED FAMILY FRIENDLY “Sailfish Boats are truly versatile. A great fishing boat and a great family boat all in one.”

2018 220CC ® Exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull for Performance, Safety & Stability ® 10 year Structural Warranty ® SailTech Construction: 100% Composite, Reinforced with Kevlar® & Carbon Fiber ® Lifetime No-Rot Guarantee ® Bow To Stern Intelligent Ergonomic Design with Premium Finishes ® Family Friendly Features for Fun, Comfort and Safety

www.SailfishBoats.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Take a

ROD BUILDING CLASS

Boston, MA

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Register at:

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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Center sp

For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models.

See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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ENTER TO WIN

Game ChangER FishSUP FS126

Win the Sea Eagle FishSUP Pro Motor Fishing Rig Package!

Full details at www.CoastalAnglerContest.com

800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1 Port Jefferson, NY 11777

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crisp March air was cold enough to have me bundled up tight in layers and a heavy coat. To make things a little more interesting, the previous week of heavy rainfall had the dam wide open, causing swift current and massive waves in high winds. After fishing for half the tournaBy Ryan Kennedy ment day with no success other than a few short fish, I was feeling a little discouraged. have dreamed of certain That’s when things took a turn for the better. As my partner and days that would come I approached a stretch of rocky bank, I reached for a Red Crawdad along for as long as I have Rapala DT-6 crankbait and started slinging casts toward the bank. A been fishing bass tourna- few casts in led us to a small transition area where the size of the rocks ments. Those dreams turn changed. The first cast at this transition started with a bang. into goals, and those goals My St. Croix Mojo Bass Cranking Rod, which is a glass rod, was are attainable with hard work bent heavily. I was in for the first good fight of the day. After what and perseverance. It’s beyond seemed like an eternity, I was holding a 4-pound, 8-ounce Lake Gunamazing to me looking back tersville spotted bass. If you are familiar with the lake, you know a on my most recent tourna- spot of that size is something to appreciate. It’s just 3 ounces shy of the ment to see how God’s plan 4-pound, 11-ounce lake record. came together down to the My demeanor quickly changed for the better. Back on deck, with very rock that I bumped my one cast behind me after landing Spotapotamus, I was laser focused. I crankbait into before catching slung my crankbait as far as I could cast toward a log just past the same the fish I had always dreamed transition area. Within three cranks of the reel, my dream was about about. to become a reality. Moments later, I was holding a 9-pound, 8-ounce The goal that had elud- donkey of a largemouth. ed me thus far in my tournaTo get this straight, let’s go over what just happened. In three casts, ment career was catching an a near-lake-record spotted bass was in the boat, my new personal best absolute giant in a tourna- largemouth bass was in the boat, and 14 pounds of fish were in the ment. Don’t get me wrong, I am always excited to catch a big bass, but livewell. My partner and I ended up with over a 20-pound limit with whenever it happens it always seems to be while fishing for fun on the only four fish and qualified for the 2019 FLW Collegiate National lake or while pond-hopping around my house. This all changed, as I Championship! will forever remember, during the situation I am about to describe.

Contact Ryan Kennedy at ryankfishing@gmail.com. Keep up with I was fishing at Lake Guntersville, Alabama, during the second his exploits on YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing, Instagram: @ryankstop of the FLW Collegiate Southeastern Tournament Trail. The fishing and Facebook: Ryan Kennedy Fishing.

I

By Chris Beardsley

Let's Go See

If We Can Find Some Reds!

www.

.com

CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER

252.235.2461

INSIDE: FISHING REPORTS • TIDE CHARTS • CHARTERS • AND MORE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL / MAY 2018 I COSTA RICA 1 Cover photo by Will Drost

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Welcome To Coastal Angler Magazine

Costa Rica

Welcome to the third issue of Costa Rica’s only magazine dedicated exclusively to the country’s Fishing and Watersports Tourism Industry. Coastal Angler Magazine Costa Rica is focused exclusively on the sportfishing and watersports of Costa Rica. This April–May issue is filled full of great information about fishing in Costa Rica. The magazine’s format consists of a United States National section on the outside pages, with a robust thirty-six-page Costa Rica Section in the center. Every two months look for the new issue as we bring the world class Costa Rican Fisheries to the forefront of tourism.

I truly believe our magazine has developed into the premiere vehicle for information and promotion of the Sport Fishing Tourism Industry of Costa Rica. We have lined up some excellent writers for this issue. Todd Staley’s article on the “Pacific” snook has me excited about the future potential for good snook fishing on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. I think you’ll also enjoy the article on rooster fishing in Costa Rica and the fish story about the “white” sailfish found in Costa Rica.

The inside of our Costa Rica issue is divided into seven regions, representing the seven major areas where fishing tourism exists in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for some fishing while you’re in Costa Rica, the Regional directories are filled with the best of the best charter operations for each area, and the contact information will put you directly with the operators rather than a tour desk operator who’s booking for a commission. The seven areas include: The Papagayo Peninsula, The Tamarindo/Flamingo area, The Nicoya Gulf and Peninsula area, the Los Suenos/Herradura area, the Quepos area, the Golfito and Osa Peninsula area, and the Caribbean area. The magazine also includes tournament calendars, tournament results, fishing club news along with tide charts, bait and tackle shops, marine service providers, resort destinations and much more. Don’t miss the tournament results and pictures from the February and March Tournaments held in Costa Rica.

Get involved with our brag board where you have the opportunity to show off your catch in print with all the bragging rights that come with it. Send your photos to mike@ coastalanglermagazine.com to get your catch in future issues. You can also see the digital side of the magazine at www.coastalanglermag.com/costa-rica. I hope you enjoy reading.

Tight Lines and Good Times Fishing Costa Rica!

Mike Erickson Publisher

Contact Us Mike Erickson • Publisher

Mike@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com Costa Rica Office 506.4700.6622 Costa Rica Cell 506.8444.8792 Costa Rica Office (US) 561.427.2137 US Cell 561.262.2242

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D R A O B G A R B Gayle Gordon loves to catch her fish with the lens of a camera.

As you can see, she is a pretty good angler

Tammy from Canada with her Dorado caught aboard “Good Day” Quepos

Alex enjoying his catch on “Dream On” in Papagayo Solid Wahoo for Dominical resident Jerry, caught aboard “Good Day” Quepos

Just plain showin’ off at Nicoya East

Beautiful Cubera Snapper caught aboard Captain Skeet Warren’s “Bushwacker”

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL / MAY 2018 I COSTA RICA Send us your catch photos: mike@coastalanglermagazine.com

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For information: Daniel@MaverickCostaRica.com 506 2637-6132 office 707-320-2459 voip

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On The Water with FECOP

By Todd Staley

FECOP to Study Tarpon in the Pacific

I

saw my first tarpon roll in the Golfo Dulce over 25 years ago. I thought I was going crazy. I had fished tarpon for years and was accustomed to seeing a tarpon roll on the surface or even take a gulp of air. But this was in the Pacific and tarpon are an Atlantic fish.

Eventually one of the Captains returned to the dock one day with a 40 lb tarpon and had no idea what it was. Since then clients have hooked 5 to 10 a year, occasionally landing and releasing a few. The largest tarpon taken was estimated around 130 lbs. It has always been assumed that the tarpon, which are not indigenous to Pacific waters, passed through the Panama Canal and set up shop in the Pacific Ocean.

Tarpon this size taken in the Pacific suggest that they may be breeding there.

for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 lbs but fish as large as 100 lbs have also been taken.

Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out most of the countries rivers.

Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific caught tarpon and tarpon taken on different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged.

Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out.

You can help in the study. If you happen to catch a tarpon while inshore fishing on the Pacific, you just need to pop off one scale before releasing the fish and put it in the freezer. This is enough to get a DNA sample. If by chance the fish dies, take a small sample of flesh and freeze it also. With that it can be determined what they have been feeding on. Then contact FECOP at 2291-9150 or 8826-9658 and arrangements will be made to pick it up.

Costa Rica Surprises Anglers in First PanAmerican Bass Tournament

Two Teams in Top Ten and Take Bronze Medal Overall

Photo Saul

The puzzle even got more interesting when Saul Porras caught a baby tarpon while snook fishing at the mouth of a creek on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. Chances that little guy passed through the canal and swam that far are extremely slim. So, are they now breeding in the Pacific? Tarpon have been caught all along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, especially in the southern zone. They have been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador. An increasing number have been taken in the Sierpe and Coto rivers in Costa Rica.

FECOP agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific.

I then contacted Didiher Chacon, who I had worked on a tarpon project almost 3 decades ago in Barra del Colorado and remained friends over the years. He agreed to work on the science part of the project. “The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat

When FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation Federation in Costa Rica sent three teams to compete in the first Panamerican Delegation bass tournament on Lake Okeechobee in Florida, it was akin to David meets Goliath, or Comedian John Candy’s last movie “Cool Running”, about the Jamaican bobsled team competing in the 1988 Winter Olympics. The FECOP teams were competing against Pro’s the likes of Roland Martin and his son Scott. The event was hosted by USA Bass and the Fishing League Worldwide. Teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica competed in the event. Costa Rica was the only country competing that did not have bass fishery back home and knew very little about them.

Henry Marin is project manager and sociologists for FECOP. He understands well sport fishing. Especially the socio-economic part and its value to Costa Rica and the men and women who work in the sport fishing industry.

In that he is an expert. What he didn’t really understand was what some of us describe as, a jerk at one end of the line waiting for a jerk at the other end of the line”, or actually fishing and why people are so in to the sport. He was quite surprised when last minute, he was asked to join the team.

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Photo Panam

Team Costa Rica

He teamed up with Carlos Cabero, FECOP president and an avid angler. The other two teams were from the National Fishing Club, who is a member of FECOP. Marin read up on bass and watch videos before heading to Florida. The team stopped off at Bass Pro and Marin bought his first fishing rod, so he could compete in the tournament. “When we were not fishing, I asked a lot of questions of the other anglers. They were extremely helpful about the habits of bass.”

The two practice days improved Marin’s casting but he was still not as accurate as he thought he needed to be. “I knew I could not hit the spots I wanted, so my strategy during the tournament was to cast beyond them and bring my lure to the spot.” It paid off. Marin out-fished his partner Cabero in numbers, but Cabero took the largest fish.

When it was all said and done, team Cabero and Marin finished 4th overall in the tournament and the team of Ronny Villalobos and Mauricio Monge finished 9th giving Costa Rica enough points to take the Bronze or third place overall in the completion. Roland and Scott Martin took first place and the gold

for the USA with Canada taking the silver medal.

There were no screaming fans flooding the streets when the team returned to Costa Rica as it would have been in a soccer match, but this little country is proud of its anglers. FECOP was asked to represent Costa Rica in the Panamerican delegation last November with the goal of getting sport fishing in the PanAmerican Games short term, and long term as an Olympic sport and FECOP’s Marin knows a little bit more about sport fishing now.

I have always thought there is a lot more to charter fishing than driving a boat and catching fish. A good charter operator is an Entertainer, Educator, and Communicator. What a horrible day on the water if fishing is slow and your crew hardly talks to you. A good and brief orientation before you leave the dock explaining to your customers, the position of safety equipment, types of fishing to be done that day and how, as well educating them on the law of removing fish from the water will go a long way in being considered a true professional with a concern in safe-guarding your catch and release fishery.

Your customers can still get a great photo at the side of the boat if you plan ahead. Tell them to have their camera ready and if someone is going to shoot a photo for them with their camera to make sure they know how to use it first. With the technology in cameras always changing it is easy to get great action shots these days.

Todd Staley has managed sportfishing operations in Costa Rica for 25 years.

He has been involved with FECOP since its inception and is former President of the group and was co-recipient of IGFA’s Chester H. Wolfe award in 2015 for his conservation efforts in Costa Rica. He is currently Fishing Columnist for the Tico Times and works full-time with FECOP as Director of Communications. Contact Todd at todd@fecop.org

T he “White’ Sailfish Jim Kelly of Pass Christian, Mississippi caught an albino sailfish January 16, 2018 off the coast of Jaco, Costa Rica.

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PAPAGAYO REPORT

By Rick Graham • Dream On Sportfishing

G

The dorado offshore have been beautiful, with an average size of about forty pounds with some sixty-plus as well. The roosterfish are picking up and they’ve been big. We released several last year over eighty pounds and that could mean there is a world record waiting for you!

All in all, what we’re seeing now is indicating we could be in for a great season which peaks June-July-August.

Until next time anglers . . . tight lines & Pura Vida!

reetings Anglers! We’ve had a great high season for tourism and fishing, thanks to all of you who went out on the water with us and for all of the great reviews left on tripadvisor.

Looking towards April and May we expect the winds to start slowing down and the temperatures to drop. These are the months when we see a large influx of the migratory species leading up to our prime fishing

months in these waters.

We have already been catching some big striped marlin and some nice blues. The sailfish have been quiet, but in the last couple weeks we’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the action.

Rick Graham represents Dream On Sport Fishing in Playas del Coco. After a lifetime of fishing as a hobbyist Rick decided one day to live his dream.

He sold everything, quit his job and bought a sport fishing business in Costa Rica. Rick has a full time crew with a combined 60+ years experience fishing these local waters. He also represents several other top notch local operators through his website www.

DreamOnSportFishing.com. Dream On ranks #1 in area boats by TripAdvisor and Rick personally responds to every inquiry received. Contact Rick at dreamonsportfishing@gmail.com

Jimmy T’s Provisions & Gourmet Foods • Los Suenos Marina Shop • 011-506-2637-8636 • Cell (Costa Rica) 8682-7090

Recipe Corner

F

resh vegetables!! In Costa Rica, the grow almost and kind of produce you can think of, because of the elevation of the Central Valley, the diversity of both coastlines and the advancement of hot house gardening. We get to enjoy these spoils all year long, with multiple harvests. This recipe has the opportunity to use whatever fresh vegetables available to you, adding a rich tomato sauce, and enjoying what these beautiful oceans provide us with in daily nourishment.

PASTA PRIMAVERA WITH SHRIMP Ingredients: • 3 cloves of garlic, sliced thin • 1pound of fresh vegetables, we use carrot, baby zucchini, bróccoli and slow roasted tomato • 1 pound penne pasta • 2 cups homemade tomato sauce • 12 piece jumbo 16-20 shrimp peeled and clean with tail section left on • 5 leaves fresh basil • 1/2 Parmesan ground • Crush red pepper if desired • Generous amount of olive oil, add to and finish with

Method of Prep • Slow roast tomato, wedge tomato pieces and season, place in 200 degree oven for 1 hour, until soft and skin is easily removed • Steam vegetables, add small amount of water to a tall pan with lid, add salt • Add vegetables and cook until still crunchy • Cook pasta al dente • Place a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat, add garlic • Sauté until it turns brown but not black • Add shrimp, being careful to place individually so not to stack, increase heat on your pan and toss gently, being sure to cook both sides of the shrimp, but not burning the garlic. Add the steam vegetables and toss to warm, but not cook • Remove ingredients from the pan into a large bowl • Add tomato sauce and cooked pasta and heat through, scraping the pan gently with a wooden spoon to add the flavors of the previous ingredients to the sauce.

• Remove 4 pieces of shrimp for presentation • Toss the remaining shrimp, vegetables, sauce and pasta together aggressively • Plate 4 servings, placing the reserve shrimp on top, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese and chili flakes if desired!

• Try a Chianti or nice Pinot Noir to pair • Buen provecho!!

As a former chef on a megayacht, Jimmy T’s owner Jimmy Tancrell, often had difficulty finding local suppliers who could provide the foodstuffs and condiments necessary for the gourmet meals expected by his clients. During long days at sea under star-filled skys, the crew and staff would talk about their dreams of ‘life after yachting’. And for Jimmy Tancrell a dream was born … to provide a service for other ‘yachty’ chefs who were in the same boat as Jimmy so far as the need for adequately stocking their galleys with condiments, spices, good beef, fresh vegetables, fruits and cheeses.

Life after yachting led him to Los Suenos at Herradura on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast where Jimmy had already discovered the year ’round availability of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables offered on Fridays at Jaco’s Mercado Movil or farmers market. A store became available dockside at Los Suenos and Jimmy T’s Provisions and Gourmet foods opened in May 2007.

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Papagayo Penninsula Dream On Sportfishing

Costa Rica Fishing Trips

“Dream On”

“The Kiley”

506-8735-3121

(CR) 506-8331-2731

dreamonsportfishing@gmail.com

www.costa-rica-fishingtrips.com

Papagayo Sportfishing

“El Jefe”

“Victory”

(CR) 506-8835-5333

(CR) 506-8331-52731

(US) 832-447-4831

info@papagayofishingcharters.com

info@eljefecostarica.com

www.costa-rica-fishingtrips.com

Eljefecostarica.com

Papagayo Sportfishing

La Manta Sportfishing

“Barnacle II”

(CR) 506-8331-2731

(CR) 506-8697-5849

(US) 954-601-5141

info@papagayofishingcharters.com

www.costa-rica-fishingtrips.com /lamanta-boat.htm

www.papagayofishingcharters.com

Zara Marina Papagayo Sport Fishing Yacht

“The Zara” (US) 678-622-8083

zaramarinapapagayo@gmail.com

info@papagayo.me

Costa Rica Fishing Trips

“Mi Sueno Angel” (CR) 506-8331-2731 (US) 954-601-5141

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www.costa-rica-fishingtrips.com

“Fish Tale II”

Tunafish Sportfishing “Tuna Fish”

(CR) 506-2665-8746 (US) 407-557-8717

ccoronas@pexscr.com

(CR) 506 8764-9859 (US) 321-999-6987

info@tunafishsportfishing.com

www.pexscr.com/nautica/fish-tale-ii

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Costa Rica Fishing Charters “Dona Del Mar”

All Costa Rica Fishing “Plautus ”

(CR) 506-8817-6892 (US) 225-907-3225

www.costaricafishingcharters.com

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info@papagayo.me

www.dreamonsportfishing.com

(CR) 8359-9739

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FLAMINGO REPORT

By Captain Skeet Warren • “Bushwacker Sportfishing”

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pril and May are a transition between the dry season and the rainy season, although it doesn’t rain that much in our part of Guanacaste. That’s the beauty of the Guanacaste area during rainy season. We just get afternoon showers and it doesn’t rain all day, like other parts of Central America.

April and May normally bring in some very good dolphin fish and sailfish fishing. It has been a few years since they have shown up really thick, but my best day of 53 sailfish releases happened in May. I have had some excellent days in April also, with some days of 30+ sailfish releases.

There are always a few marlin around this time of the year, as well as the occasional wahoo. I expect the fishing to turn around soon because we have had a couple of slow years, and fishing, like everything else, happens in cycles. It all depends on the presence of clean water and bait.

There should be some cubera snapper and rooster fish inshore as the winds start laying down and the water starts clearing up. Book a charter boat and make sure you don’t miss it when the fishing gets good!

Captain Skeet Warren owns and operates the Bushwacker, a 42’ Bertram out of Flamingo, Costa Rica. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980 he captained boats, fishing extensively, including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira and Bermuda. He won the 2013 Top Tagging Captain in the Pacific Ocean for Sailfish. Some other notable catches include 13 blue and black marlin over 1000 lbs., 51 giant bluefin tuna in one day and 53 sailfish in one day. Contact Skeet at captskeet@bushwackercr.com or visit www.bushwackerCR.com

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Tamarindo / Flamingo “Permit III” (CR) 506-8833-0113

info@permit3.com

Capullo Sportfishing “Capullo” (CR) 506-8569-3516

www.permit3.com

fishtamarindo@gmail.com

“Gamefisher II” (CR) 506-8828-2287

Coyote Sportfishing” “Coyote 3”

(US) 904-410-1041

(CR) 506-8363-3509

melissa@gamefisher2.com

coyotesf@racsa.co.cr

www.capullo.com

www.gamefisher2.com

www.coyotesportfishingtamarindo.com

Kingpin Fishing “Kingpin II”

Bushwacker Sportfishing

(CR) 506-8705-7638 (US) 321-392-0197

(CR) 506-8380-0167

info@kingpin-sportfishing.com

captskeet@bushwackercr.com

www.kingpin-sportfishing.com

Flamingo Sportfishing “Guerrero Del Mar” (CR) 506-8389-5992

info@flamingosportfishing.com

www.flamingosportfishing.com

Flamingo Sportfishing “Spartacus” (CR) 506-8389-5992

info@flamingosportfishing.com

www.flamingosportfishing.com

Mar 1 Sportfishing “Wetass”

(US) 706-993-3959

www.bushwackercr.com

Brindisi Sportfishing (CR) 506-8432-5430

info@brindisigroup.com

www.brindisigroup.com

Yellow Fin Charters (CR) 506-2653-9024

info@yellowfinsportfishing.com

www.yellowfinsportfishing.com

“Senuelo Del Pacifico”

(US) 360-566-2339

(CR) 506-85675246

info@mar1sportfishing.com

olgamdiaz2011@hotmail.com

www.mar1sportfishing.com

FB Señuelo del Pacifico

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NICOYA WEST REPORT

By Rick Ruhlow • Kingfisher Sportfishing

NICOYA EAST REPORT

By Thomas Jones • Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge

I

wish I could regal everyone with endless stories of great fishing for the month of February, but in truth while January started off fast and hot, it slowed down considerably during the month of February in our area.

Not to say we did not see any action or have epic days. Larry Chamberlain, fishing alone, went 3 for 9 on the marlin, and caught one sail, slamming out! (blue, stripe and sail) with two nice mahi mahi as kickers.

There were other good days, but still, overall, we were not seeing near the numbers of sails and marlin that we traditionally expect at this time of the year.

Greener water, strange currents and a notable lack of bait could be responsible (especially the bait), but I remain convinced that fishing conditions have started to cycle back to how they were many years ago.

While we are not seeing much in the way of the bait “haystacks,” there seems to be an abundance of life. The water temperature has been good. Porpoise/ dolphin are still plentiful, and most of the schools are carrying tuna. We are seeing giant mantas, whales, flying fish, and turtles regularly.

All this making me very optimistic for the upcoming months, which is traditionally a great time for the sails.

Originally from California, Rick Ruhlow moved to Costa Rica over 33 years ago. While exploring the country he fished Playa Naranjo (gulf of Nicoya), Quepos, Drakes Bay and Flamingo, before discovering Playa Carrillo almost 28 years ago. He was the Fishing Manager/Captain for the newly re-opened Hotel Guanamar for three years, before venturing off on his own.

He has been owner/operator of Kingfisher Sportfishing since 1995. Contact Rick at kingfish@racsa.co.cr

T

he fishing has been tough up until now due to the lack of sardines, which are normally in the area. Recently there has been good sardine movement bringing with them a host of predators, which will eagerly take things like small jigs, flies and stick baits.

For the next couple of months, we expect the sardines to hang around, making the top water fishing excellent. Around the schools, bigger predators like sea bass, snappers and roosterfish will be hanging out waiting for an easy meal.

As the rainy season starts in May, greener water will take over. This will boost the jigging and rooster fishing several notches. Snappers and roosterfish will also become more responsive to poppers thrown over the rocks and in the currents. The start of the rainy season also brings in more mackerel, small mahi and needlefish.

Offshore fishing has been decent and the number of sailfish caught should start to increase. The tunas have been active lately and should remain that way for a while to come. The marlin bite has slowed, but expect to still see a few marlin being caught out there.

Thomas Jones is a marine biologist with an extreme passion for sport fishing. Born in Norway, Thomas have been fishing since the age of 6. His fishing experience encompasses fly fishing, trolling, popping, jigging and bait fishing. Currently Thomas is the owner of Bahia Rica Fishing and Kayak Lodge on the Nicoya Peninsula. Contact Thomas at post@bahiarica.com or visit www.bahiarica.com

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Peninsula and Gulf of Nicoya Kingfisher Sportfishing

“Kingfisher” 506- 8358-9561

kingfish@racsa.co.cr

www.costaricabillfishing.com

Fishing Nosara “Wanderer” (CR) 506-2682-0606 (US) 904-591-2161

craig@fishingnosara.com

www.fishingnosara.com

Fun In The Sun “Ticorette”

On The Fly Charters “On The Fly”

(CR) 506-8682-9495 (US) 541-383-5108

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info@nosarafishingtrips.com

captain@costacaptain.com

Samara Deep Sea Fishing

Nosara Fish and Surf “Sunset 420”

(CR) 506 8683-8743

(CR) 506-6131-6215

www.nosarafishingtrips.com

samaradeepseafishing@gmail.com

www.costacaptain.com

joel.juarez.cr@gmail.com

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ww.nosarafishandsurf.com

“Reel Deal”

Nosara Sea Saw Tours “See Saw”

(CR) 506-8396-9894

cbarrantes1411@hotmail.com

www.reeldealcostaricasportfishing.com

(CR) 506-8627-0139

nosaraseasawtours@gmail.com

www.nosaraseasawtours.com

Fishing Nosara “Adventurer”

Fishing Nosara “Discoverer”

(CR) 506-2682-0606 (US) 904-591-2161

(CR) 506-2682-0606 (US) 904-591-2161

craig@fishingnosara.com

craig@fishingnosara.com

www.fishingnosara.com

www.fishingnosara.com

Bahia Rica Fishing Lodge

Bahia Rica Fishing Lodge

“El Mono Congo”

“The Conquistador”

(CR) 506-2641-0811

(CR) 506-2641-0811

post@bahiarica.com

post@bahiarica.com

www.bahiarica.com

www.bahiarica.com

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LOS SUENOS OFFSHORE REPORT

By Captain Daniel Espinosa • Maverick Sport Fishing

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ell, it’s that time of year. again. The “High Season” is past, and for me, it is the best time of year. It starts with great mixed fishing over the next couple of months, where the daily catch can include not only sail fish and marlin, but a mix of mahi, tuna and bottom fish also.

The crowds are down, and there are usually quality boats available for charter on a short notice basis. During the December/March time, boat availability is very limited. For instance, we are already about 50% booked for the 2019 “Season”.

Many, many people really do book a year ahead. It is very possible to catch marlin, sailfish, mahi and tuna on a single trip. Of course, it does not happen every day, but it is more than a mere possibility, and in fact happens frequently here.

The big news is the start of the off shore “Marlin” season.

The local seamounts yield blue marlin in quantities not seen anywhere in the world. Double digit catches of marlin, typically running between 250 and 450 lbs, are the rule rather than the exception. Releasing a “Grand Slam” is a very real possibility.

On a recent trip we released 24 blue marlin and a sail fish in 17 hours of fishing. That included a triple hookup of blue marlin. A first in my 35 years of billfishing in Costa Rica involving over 20,000 released billfish. We did a triple on stripe marlin in a tournament a few years ago, but a triple with blue marlin is another world!

These seamounts are 80 to 150 miles off shore. Seamounts are underwater mountains formed by volcanoes long ago. They usually have steep sides which rise several thousand feet from the bottom of the ocean.

This shape causes the natural food in the ocean to rise to the surface, which attracts small bait fish, and then the larger ones. They work similar to the drop offs and canyons found in many places around the world. It is where these underwater mountains have tops within a couple of thousand feet of the surface that it gets interesting for fishermen.

Most of these trips are over-night. These are serious fishing trips and you need to be careful to pick a boat that will provide a great experience coupled with the best possible safety program. Be wary of discount boats which might lack major safety equipment or a complete set of marine electronics. The ability to communicate from offshore is critical.

The months of June through September are the best choice. Several charter providers out of Los Suenos are very experienced in providing this unique fishing opportunity. All of this at a great resort where the whole family can relax and enjoy our wonderful country and people. Be sure to visit our new Maverick Sport Fishing Center at the charter dock in Los Suenos.

Aracelio Garcia • ABYC Certified Marine Electrician

506 8322-5873 • arasoprano@hotmail.com

Captain Daniel Espinosa has been fishing these waters for almost 30 years, starting at the age of 14.

Born in Quepos, Daniel first fished as a Captain at age 17, and has not finished yet. Currently General Manager of Maverick Sportfishing Yachts, Daniel is owner of the Spanish Fly which he ran full time for 12 years, releasing a documented count of over 10,000 bill fish releases. His lifetime total exceeds 22,000.

A pioneer in sportfishing in Costa Rica, Daniel has captained tournament winning boats in several Central American countries. His wins include the Los Suenos series and the WBS World Championship. He lives with his wife and family in the Los Suenos area.

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LOS SUENOS INSHORE REPORT

By Captain Carlos Arguedas • Wing Man

N

ice cuberas keep coming out of the reef here in Los Sueños and it has also been good for good size amberjacks. Also seeing some pretty good size mullet snappers, which are really great fighters all the way to the last minute.

Some days with really good action and some days a bit slow because bait gets hard to catch. We have also been catching occasional sails and dorado while catching bait, and had a couple of shots of nice black marlin.

Right at the shore, along the rocks, lots of roosters, from small to medium size, and good size dog tooth snapper coming to the popper on top water action.

Weather conditions have been great, with lots of flat, sunny days and just a few days with light wind.

Captain Carlos Arguedas of the Wing Man and been fishing the area of Herradura Bay since 1990. fishing along the shore for roosters, bluefin trevally, etc. and the reefs near us for big Cubera, Goliath groupers, Amberjacks and Broom Tail groupers. Now based at Los Sueños Marina, the Wing Man boasts being the boat with the most trips inshore, making Carlos a specialist when it comes to keeping track of inshore bait and fish. Along the years he has found a knack to being very productive catching big fish, including goliaths and broomtails. Contact Carlos at hihook1@ hotmail.com or visit www.wingmancr.com 16 COSTA RICA I APRIL / MAY 2018 I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

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Leg I # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Leg II Boat Total Wire We Here 4700 Tag Team II 4100 Blue Eagle (On Hooker) 4000 Geaux Fly 3500 Agitator 3400 Dealers Choice 3400 Tarheel 3300 Morgasm 3300 Fa La Me 3100 Gunsmoke 3100

# Boat 1 Una Mas 2 Tarheel 3 Agitator 4 Alpha Bravo 5 Fish Tank 6 The King And I 7 Scandalous 8 Outlaw 9 Family and Friends 10 Smooth Move

Total 4800 4700 4300 3900 3300 3300 3000 3000 2900 2900

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Los Suenos / Herradura Wing Man Charters “Wing Man”

Maverick Tours “Spanish Fly”

(CR) 506-8305-5051

(CR) 506-8787-9314 (US) 866-888-6426

hihook1@hotmail.com

http://wingmancr.com

christian@maverickcostarica.com

Sueltalo Sportfishing “Sueltalo”

Maverick Tours “Geaux Fly”

(CR) 506-8601-1777

(CR) 506-8787-9314 (US) 866-888-6426

sueltalo1@hotmail.com

www.sueltalosportfishing.com

christian@maverickcostarica.com

Tres Amigos Sportfishing

“Tres Amigos”

Maverick Tours “Sea Fly”

(CR) 506-8898-5323 (US) 508-720-0077

(CR) 506-8787-9314 (US) 866-888-6426

gggiampapa@hotmail.com

christian@maverickcostarica.com

www.tresamigossportfishing.com

www.maverickcostarica.com

www.maverickcostarica.com

“Dragin Fly”

Maverick Tours “Open Fly”

(CR) 506-2643-5310 (US) 252-671-3474

(CR) 506-8787-9314 (US) 866-888-6426

info@pamlicoguide.com

christian@maverickcostarica.com

www.draginflycostarica.com

www.maverickcostarica.com

Epic SportFishing “Epic”

Maverick Tours “Super Fly”

(CR) 506-8718-2357 (US) 561-459-5355

(CR) 506-8787-9314 (US) 866-888-6426

epicfishingcr@gmail.com

christian@maverickcostarica.com

Dragin Fly Sportfishing

www.epicfishingcostarica.com

“Tijereta” (CR) 506-8650-2203 (US) 843-547-0341

captbubbacarter@yahoo.com

www.captbubbacarter.com

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www.maverickcostarica.com

www.maverickcostarica.com

Sunny One Sportfishing

“Sunny One” (CR) 506-8510-7427 (US) 866-439-5922

info@stayincostarica.com www.stayincostarica.com/sunnyone

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Catching

Big Roosterfish

QUEPOS INSHORE REPORT

By Captain Scott Kozak • “Chloe Frijole”

T

he number of rocky points and underwater structures around Drake Bay, Costa Rica are the perfect habitat for roosterfish. This magnificent species is only found from Baja, California to Peru. They are beautiful, hard fighting gamefish that have a rooster comb, which is seven long spines comprising the dorsal fin. Roosterfish are generally caught around, or on top of, submerged rocks in 50-150 feet of water.

There are many methods to catch roosterfish. In the 20 years I have fished for these fish in Drake Bay, I have found that free-lining live bait has proven to be the most effective. On the Reel Escape we us a 7 foot medium/heavy spinning rod, 80 lb braided line on a reel with a very strong drag with a circle hook. If your bait is fresh and lively you generally will not need any additional weight.

When the roosters are active, we tell our clients to be ready and hold on because the bite can be ferocious. With this live bait method, we keep the bail open (keeping one index finger on the line) when the fish bites we allow the rooster time to eat the live bait for around 8-10 seconds. Because we are exclusively using a circle hook their is no setting the hook, you simply close the bail and start reeling. Not setting the hook is a very foreign concept to any angler who grew up Bass fishing. The urge to jerk the rod up when you feel a bite is often irresistible. When you set the hook fishing for roosterfish, virtually 100% of the time the results are a lost fish, or as we say in Costa Rica, Sancocho.

T

he inshore fishing around Quepos has been on fire. The water is clearing and the seas are calm.

As the dry season sets in, the large schools of sardines are plentiful along the north shore. Fill your bait well and head out to one of many reefs in the area.

You can live bait for one of the many species living there like rainbow runners, amberjacks and roosterfish. If you’re looking for dinner you are more than likely to take home one of the many species of snapper.

Contact one of the local captains or contact the I-Fish Quepos office for booking info.

When the bite is hot, roosters will also hit a dead bait using the same method. Depending on the strength of the current you may need to add a little weight to get the bait further down in the water. Once hooked the rooster will dig, violently shake his head and make several runs after seeing the boat. A roosterfish in the 70lb+ class will give any angler a good one hour fight before being carefully released back into the ocean.

While catching roosterfish using live bait is the most productive method for numbers, catching one on a top water bait is a blast. We cast large top water plugs in bright colors right next to the rocky points. Roosters will aggressively hit these plugs, often missing them and then returning for them over and over again. Often times, you will see two or three fish chasing the same plug.

This is a heart pounding sight every serious fisherman needs to experience!

The third method we use to catch roosters is trolling. Although typically not as fun as live baiting or casting top water plugs, this method can be very productive as well. We troll ballyhoo on the outriggers along the shoreline and rocky points. Regardless of how you fish for this incredible, exotic gamefish – catching them is a blast. In the Drake Bay area we are not only blessed with great numbers, but with very big fish as well. We have no doubt that a new world record is possible in the Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica, so come fish with us on the Reel Escape and set a new record for roosterfish!

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Scott Kozak started fresh water fishing as a youngster in the Great Lakes, fishing for walleye and perch, and later for salmon and lake trout. Scott moved on to salt water fishing in 2012 fishing for tuna and sailfish on the Atlantic coast. In 2014 his focus shifted to bill fishing in Central America. In 2016 Scott and his family bought a home in Quepos and soon after purchased an inshore charter boat, Chloe Frijole. Scott is an accomplished angler, placing in several billfish tournaments, as well as winning the West Palm Beach Fishing Club international angler award. Contact Scott at captainkozak@gmail.com

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pos has ng and

We specialize in expert repair and service for all production and custom boats With Bristol, we offer the entire boating community attention to detail, expert care, and customer service that current clients have been enjoying for years in Marina Pez Vela, Los Sueños and all around the world.

• Cockpit &mezzanine retrofits • Full paint service • Bottom paint removal & painting • Exterior & interior wood working and refinishing

rge ng the head

• Teak decks, covering boards, & custom teak fabrication • Running gear & prop speed • Customized cockpit & flybridge fabrication • Tuna tube & livewell system design and fabrication

“When Only the Best will do!” - Ben White, President CR: (506) 8919-7644 US: (954) 278-7412 lsbristolyacht-refinishing@yahoo.com • boatworksint@yahoo.com

many nners, likely

r

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Quepos Tres Niñas Tours & Boat Rental “Tres Ninas”

Jackpot Sportfishing “Good Day”

(CR) 506-8305-0041 (US) 561-427-1306

(CR) 506-8458-4997

info@jackpotsportfishing.com

info@tresninasboatrental.com

www.jackpotsportfishing.com

Pez Espada Sportfishing

iFish Quepos “Frenzy”

www.tresninastours.com

(CR) 506-8409-2461 (US) 518-587-3380

info@pezespadaspofishing.com

(CR) 506-2774-9006/9010

info@ifishquepos.com

www.pezespadasportfishing.com

www.ifishquepos.com

Quepos Sailfishing “Front Row”

Boomerang Luxury SportFishing & Charters

(CR) 506-2777-2025 (US) 800-603-0015

(CR) 506-8730-5654

info@queposfishingpackages.com

kenincostarica@yahoo.com

www.queposfishingpackages.com

Wyrica Adventures “Amys Dream” (US) 888-499-7422

www.wyrica.com

“Boomerang”

www.fishboomerangcr.weebly.com

Tranquilo Charters “Tranquilo” (CR) 506-6208-7620 (US) 910-338-3474

info@tranquilocharters.com

www.tranquilocharters.com

Big Eye Charters “Big Eye & Big Eye II”

Costa Mar Fishing “Fishing Machine”

(CR) 506-8379-1702 (US) 251-752-0235

(CR) 506-8396-5092

funfishingcostarica@yahoo.com

www.fishingcostarica.net

fishraulquepos@hotmail.com

www.costamarfishing.com

G-Fly Sport Fishing “Chloe Frijole”

Maverick Tours “Pacific Fly”

(CR) 506-6426-3964

(US) 866-888-6426

(US) 419-349-8069

captainkozak@gmail.com

info@mavericksportfish.com

www.maverickcostarica.com

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QUEPOS OFFSHORE REPORT

By Benn Gilmour • Jackpot Sport Fishing

W

e have enjoyed a fantastic offshore season so far fishing out of the gorgeous Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Species variety has been great, with the fleet catching some nice blue, black & striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, and plenty of yellowfin tuna.

April 15-20 brings the Offshore World Championships, taking place here in Quepos, where teams from all around the world will compete for the crown of Offshore World Champions. Best of luck to all anglers and crews competing!

Anglers in April should see some great sailfish action and there are always a few marlin in the mix too. Boats have enjoyed some double digit sailfish release days during March and we hope a consistent bite continues through April.

Expect Sailfish numbers to decrease as we enter May. We still see billfish on most trips, however there should be less than there have been from December through April.

Many captains turn their attention to tuna with live baits such as bonito, sardine, blue runner or goggle eye being a great option for a larger tuna. Smaller tuna and the odd big guy are falling to artificials such as bucktail jigs, tuna bullets & cedar plugs.

Bottom fishing on the offshore reefs for grouper, snapper and tilefish can also be a good option from May onwards for those looking to catch some dinner and add some variety to their offshore trip.

Check out this issue’s charter directory for details of some of the great boats and captains in the Quepos fleet. I hope to see you on the water. Tight Lines!

Benn Gilmour runs Jackpot Sport Fishing out of the beautiful Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. His boat Good Day is a Costa Rican custom built 31-foot Sport Fisher. Jackpot Sport Fishing specializes in offshore, inshore & fly fishing. They cater to serious anglers who come to fish with them for a week, as well as families and honeymooners looking for a day on the water during their vacation in Quepos/ Manuel Antonio. Benn says hello to you if you are down at the Marina Pez Vela. Look for the British guy! Contact Benn at info@jackpotsportfishing.com or visit www.jackpotsportfishing.com

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TOURNAMENT NEWS

Where: Marina Pez Vela • Quepos, Costa Rica Cost: $12,750 Per Team Extra Angler: $750 The Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica is the largest and most prestigious sport-fishing tournament in the world. The world-class event, held in Quepos, Puntarenas near Manuel Antonio National Park includes 55 of the world’s best sport fishing teams. More than 300 people will compete to see who has the most releases of billfishes, as well as dorados, tunas and other species. Each type of fish is assigned a certain number of points.

For info visit www.offshoreworldchampionship.com TOURNAMENT CALENDAR August 10-12, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL FLAMINGO FISHING RODEO The tournament’s mission statement is to publicize Flamingo as the fishing destination that it used to be by helping charter captains book clients to fish this event. It will also create an increased awareness of Flamingo and the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica as a world class fishing destination. The event will offer a minimal entry fee, just $100 for a team of up to four anglers, and will have minimal rules—just go fishing and have a great time. The tournament will also benefit not only marine conservation in Costa Rica but also a local charity called Abriendo Mentes, which is a nonprofit organization to help provide assistance to people in that part of Costa Rica to have access to enhanced education and employment opportunities. Charter Boats are Encouraged!

For more contact info@preschallenge.com or visit www.preschallenge.com

November 9-12, 2018 24TH EL SALVADOR INTERNATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT 2018 Where: Bahia del Sol • Kilometro 78 Ave.Costa Del Sol, Costa Rica Cost: Entry Fee Complete: $2,500.00 Entry Fee Funfish only: $1,250.00 * Maspor Marine Marlin release division: Awarded to the three teams with more marlin releases. * El Pescador/Offshore Boutique Billfish release division: Awarded to the five teams with more points on billfish releases. * La Curacao Fun fish division: Awarded to the five teams with most points accumulated. * Farmacia Beethoven Top Male Junior Angler award. * Top Female Junior Angler award. * Top Female Angler award. * Trash Fish Award.

For info visit www.facebook.com/ESIBT

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DRAKE BAY REPORT

By Captain Willy Atencio

G

reetings from the beautiful and uncrowded waters of Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula. We have been on the water virtually every day for the last three months and are pleased to report that our clients have caught a ton of fish.

Although the first half of January was uncharacteristically rainy and a bit cooler we are now clearly in our hot and dry season. The bigger tuna offshore, as well as the midsize tuna near Cano Island, are plentiful. One lucky angler recently caught 14 tuna on a half-day trip just 45 minutes from his resort!

Offshore the mahi and wahoo are still there in decent numbers, but we are still waiting for the big migration of sailfish like we had two years ago. Similar to last year we are seeing almost as many marlins as sails. Just a friendly reminder if you do catch a billfish, please do not take it out of the water for a picture as this causes irreparable damage to the fish.

The in-shore fishing remains good for roosterfish, cubera snapper and amberjack.

The mates and I are super excited to be fishing for the 5th consecutive year in the Offshore World Championships coming up in April. If you are looking for more of a remote, off the beaten path fishing experience, come see us in Drake Bay. The Captain of Fish Drake Bay, Willy Atencio is a native of the local area.

Fish Drake Bay is the premier sport fishing charter service in Drake Bay, the surrounding Osa peninsula and Corcovado National Park. Captain Willy is considered one of the best Captains in Costa Rica with over 20 years experience. Willy has captained sport fishing yachts ranging from 31-47 feet in the USA, Caribbean and Costa Rica. He has also fished in numerous big game fishing tournaments including the Offshore World Championships for 5 consecutive years. Contact Willie at info@fishdrakebay.com

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GOLFITO REPORT

By Captain German Bustos

Photo by Gayle Gorden

T

he marlin and dorado hung in the area much longer this season. The last few seasons, the dorado were nearly absent, but this year it has been a bonanza.

The sails were late to arrive but in late February and early March the numbers grew to double digits. I believe the amount of bait and late arrival will keep the sails in the area in big numbers through April and into May. Yellowfin tuna are almost a daily occurrence and should continue the following months.

The moon and big tides slowed the inshore action in March, but in April the big grouper move closer to shore for deep jiggers and bottom anglers to enjoy.

Roosterfish should stay consistent with bigger fish moving into the area as the rainy season approaches in late May.

German Bustos has been head captain at Crocodile Bay Resort for the last dozen years after working on prestigious sportfishing boats all throughout Central America for nearly 20 years. He is one of the most requested captains at Crocodile Bay.

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Golfito / Osa Peninsula Fish Drake Bay “Reel Time”

Crocodile Bay Sportfishing

(US) 855-372-5322

(US) 800-733-1115

info@fishdrakebay.com

www.fishdrakebay.com

Thumper Blue Water Expeditions “Thumper”

todd@crocodilebay.com

www.crocodilebay.com

“Incommunicado” (US) 800-705-3474

(US) 717-598-5733

captkeithtx@gmail.com

thumperbluewater@gmail.com

www.fishgolfito.com

“Muy Caliente”

“Rosa Maria”

(US) 800-705-3474

(CR) 506-2775-0255

captkeithtx@gmail.com

hookedupcostarica@gmail.com

www.fishgolfito.com

www.getmyboat.com

“Cazador”

Fish Drake Bay “Reel Escape”

(US) 800-407-9438

(US) 855-372-5322

info@americanacr.com

info@fishdrakebay.com

thumperbluewater.com

www.fishdrakebay.com

Albatross Sportfishing & Aquatic Adventure Tours

“Albatross” (CR) 506-2296-2190

brad@aguiladeosa.com

Costa Rica Sportfishing

“The Hepcat” (CR) 506-2282-7215

americanacostarica@gmail.com

www.aguiladeosa.com

www.4costaricafishing.com

The Zancudo Lodge “The Zancudo Lodge”

Sierpe Fishing “Eagle Claw”

(US) 800-854-8791

(CR) 506-8848-8914

reservations@thezancudolodge.com

sierpefishing@gmail.com

www.thezancudolodge.com

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Costa Rica TIDES Quepos April

Quepos May

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CLUB AMATEUR DE PESCA

FLY FISHING REPORT

By Mark Evans

S For more info contact clubamateurpesca@racsa.co.cr or visit www.facebook.com/Club-Amateur-de-Pesca-284789318306410

ummertime Costa Rica! Where the living is easy and the trout are jumpin!

After a longer than expected rainy season, summer is finally in full swing.

And with that, sunshine has produced some epic trout fishing this year.

Photos are making the rounds in social media along with some great stories of the big ones that got away!

As usual, for those of you new to the Tico trout scene, the majority of this action is taking place in San Gerardo de Dota in the high mountains where the climate is cool year round.

36th International Tournament of Fish Sailing and Marlin Results Champion Mario Cubillo Second Place Manolo Matienzo Third place Nicky Branciforte Equipment First Place “Miss Judy” Manuel Merino, Scott Kozak, Mario Cubillo, Jorge Moreno, Michael Sobrado Second Place “Billfish” Samantha Munfor, Nicky Branciforte, Carter Takacs Third Place Club Nautical San Juan 1 Manolo Matienzo, Ricky Jaen, Alex Baez Boats First Place “Miss Judy” Second Place “Sailfish” Third Place “Frenzy”

Jesse from BackwaterFlyFishing.com has been having some great success with clients there, and has shared with us some of his beautiful photos. Those of you looking for some new adventures can head to the mountains and start exploring those small creeks and rivers with your 3 or 4 weight rods. Stimulators, Caddis and Prince Nymph’s are the flies of choice.

Switching gears to the king of jumpers, it’s time to talk about tarpon.

These tarpon aren’t in the ocean however; in fact they are inland about 100 miles in the Northern zone area of Cańo Negro.

Reports and photos coming in from Peter Gorinsky and the gang are getting better by the day, with multiple releases taking place. Now that the water is dropping out of the lagoons the tarpon are concentrated in the main rivers and canals, bringing many fly anglers from around the world to this unique Tarpon fishery.

Wilmer of Sarapiqui Fishing reports the machaca bite is still going strong and I personally have had my fair share of the toothy critters from coast to coast!

Tie one on!

2018 TOURNAMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE • BOYAS – APRIL 13, 14 & 15 • OFFSHORE TOURNAMENT – JUNE 9 & 10 • TARPON TOURNAMENT

– MAY 11, 12 & 13

– AUGUST 17, 18 & 19

– SEPTEMBER 14, 15 & 16

– OCTOBER 19, 20 & 21

Having graduated from cane pole fishing as a kid to more technical equipment these days, Mark Evans prefers floating the many rivers of Costa Rica in his kayak, with a fly rod in hand. Mark is one of the founding members of the Costa Rica Association of Fly Fishers (CRAFF) and two-time national fly fishing champion in the Club Amateur de Pesca of Costa Rica (CAP)

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QUEPOS BILLFISH CUP SCOREBOARD Billfish Release

Rank Team 1 Caliente 2 Fish Tank 3 Game Plan 4 Billfish 5 Pacific Fly 6 Hatteras Team 7 Team Zaguate 8 Simpatica

CatchStats

Team Count Angler Count Billfish Count Black Marlin Count Blue Marlin Count Striped Marlin Count Pacific Sailfish Count Dorado Count Yellowfin Tuna Count Billfish per Team

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Shake N Bake Good Day Queen Bee Tres Ninas

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1 Samantha Mumford 2 Laura Jessen 3 Nicky Branciforte 4 Kellie Owens

Top Angler Big Boat Base Entry

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1 Topher Wightman 2 Rick Sowers 3 KO Owens 4 Dell Demboski 5 Samantha Mumford 6 Juan Manuel Molina 7 Andrew Blair 8 Reid Jongs 9 Tony Aliotta 10 Mac Owens

12 67 149 1 9 0 139 2 2 12.42

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Top Female Angler

Points 4300 4000 3900 3700 3100 3000 2800 1300

Name

Keith Banks Ben Horning John Brennan John Mumford Eugenio Ramirez Raymond Rodriguez Mitch Pearson Kelly Hugwade

Top Angler Small Boat Base Entry

Points 3300 1500 1300 600

Rank Name

1 James Brown 2 Benjamin White 3 Luke Deguara 4 Benn Gilmore 5 Andy Wright 6 Yoxan Gaubardi 7 Klauss Dietrich 8 Travis Kite 9 Scott Cutter 10 Peo Nassar

Points 1200 600 400 200

Points 1400 1400 1300 1200 1200 1200 1000 1000 1000 1000

Largest Fish Weighed Big Boat Base Entry Rank Team 1 Hatteras

Angler

Jorge Blanco

Largest Fish Weighed Small Boat Base Entry Rank Team Angler

1 Good Day Yoxan Gaubardi 2 Good Day Yoxan Gaubardi 3 Good Day Jeff Duchesneau

Top Junior Angler

Points 22

Points 37 33 24

Big Boat Base Entry

No live scoring to display yet.

Points 1500 1000 800 700 500 400 400 400 400 200

Points 4300 4000 3900 3700 3100 3000 2800 1300 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL / MAY 2018 I COSTA RICA 35

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I

f this photo of a happy kid with a humongous fish doesn’t make you smile, nothing will. Chase Stokes, 11, caught his 33.25-pound, 40inch carp on a nightcrawler while fishing at Otter Creek in Panton, Vermont in April 2017. It is one of the three state records caught by Vermont anglers last year. All of them are species not typically targeted.

In May, angler Mike Elwood landed a record redhorse sucker while fishing on the Winooski River in Colchester, Vermont. The sucker, landed on a live worm, weighed 9.9 pounds and measured 29 inches long with an 18-inch girth.

The third record for 2017 was a cisco, also known as lake herring.

Alan Franchot caught his 2.25-pound state record while trolling on Lake Champlain in September.

“We saw some incredible catches in 2017, especially Chase’s carp,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “It was an impressive looking fish, but what’s really exciting to me is that we’re starting to see more Vermont anglers fish outside of the box, as I like to call it, by taking advantage of many of the overlooked fishing opportunities we have in our state.”

Good said fishing in Vermont remains excellent for traditional species like bass, trout, salmon and pike, but that anglers should take a look at some of the oddball fish like bowfin, drum, gar, fallfish and suckers that can provide great action as well as trophy potential.

It’s Tarpon Time In The

Florida Keys

By CAM Staff • Photo by Pat Ford

I

t is the heart of the tarpon season in the Florida Keys. With the annual migration in full swing, there should be silver kings everywhere over the next couple of months. The big spring run begins most years in February. It can last deep into the summer when conditions are right.

This is when the big fish are most vulnerable. Averaging 80 pounds and sometimes running much larger, tarpon in the keys offer a fishery unlike any other in the world. The west coast of Africa might have the world record 286-pound, 9-ounce tarpon, but nowhere in the world has the opportunities to sight fish tarpon like the Keys. Poling the flats, there is a very real possibility of encountering tarpon up to 200 pounds and heavier in shallow and ultra-clear water.

Migrating tarpon will push up into the backcountry in the thousands, skirting the edges of the flats and channels. Staking out or anchoring the boat in an ambush point where the angler is likely to encounter numbers of hungry tarpon is best accomplished through a local guide who stays on top of the movements of these giant fish.

One thing you’ll notice is that while some captains might guarantee “shots” at tarpon, none promise you’ll actually bring one boatside. With a fly, enticing a big tarpon to eat is something that takes a lot of skill and a little luck. First-timers are probably better off fishing live bait, and a crab fished under a float in the passes and around bridges where fish are

concentrated can lead to multiple hook-ups in a day’s trip.

What follows is a fight that cannot be matched by any fish anywhere. The powerful runs and repeated jumps of a hooked tarpon are what made them so highly prized as a game fish. Even experienced anglers are frequently left broken hearted when the line falls slack.

Winning a battle with Megalops is an achievement to be remembered.

Winning the battle comes with a heavy dose of responsibility, as well. Tarpon have a life span of 50 years or more. They are slow growing, and it takes them seven to 13 years to reach sexual maturity. This and their value as a game fish make them susceptible to population decline. Every effort should be made to release them with the best chance for their survival.

All Florida tarpon must be released, with an exception for anglers who have purchased a state tarpon tag for the purpose of achieving an IGFA world record. Large tarpon should remain in the water at all times, which means unhooking and photographing them should be done quickly, with an effort to keep the head and gills in the water as much as possible. Never attempt to drag a tarpon over the side of the boat.

Tarpon will often fight to exhaustion, so reviving them after the fight will greatly increase their chance of survival. Hold them horizontally in the water with their mouth open, moving them forward to push water over their gills. Do this until they are able to swim off on their own.

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Popticals uses NYDEF nylon lenses manufactured for Popticals by Carl Zeiss Vision. Nylon has the same clarity as glass, but it’s much lighter. The light weight makes them more comfortable for all-day wear, and the clarity of these polarized lenses will help you see and catch more fish.

“With other sunglasses, I’ve spent too much time second-guessing about what I’m seeing… or think I’m seeing,” said Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Scott Suggs. “With Popticals NYDEF lenses, there’s no guessing. I can see details more clearly, cover a lot more water over the course of a day, and put my baits in front of a lot more fish.”

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On The Water With

Kaku

By Capt. Ryan Drygas

T

arpon Springs, a small town on the west coast of Florida an hour north of St. Petersburg, is a best-kept secret for redfish and snook. It sits within a web of waterways connecting the Gulf of Mexico to rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and eventually Tampa Bay. This vast system offers excellent inshore opportunities, and it’s a ton of fun to explore under paddle power.

I know a local who grew up there and knows the water like the back of his hand. Kevin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, invited me out on the water to try his newest SUP, the Voodoo. Kevin lives, eats and breathes fishing. When he’s not fishing from one of his kayaks or SUPs, he’s thinking about ways to design these boats so they’re better to fish from. The Voodoo is a hybrid that melds the best qualities of an SUP, a kayak and a micro-skiff.

We launched from his local ramp on a Saturday afternoon a cou-

ple hours before sunset. I don’t have the words to describe the picturesque setting that spread out before me. Mangroves, oyster beds and hidden shoals were in abundance.

We paddled to the tip of a mangrove island where a smaller canal led to docks, sandbars and windbreaks. We had to cross the main channel to get there, and there was a 1- to 2-foot chop with the boating traffic and winds. The Voodoo was stable and fast, tracking straight as it cut through the channel. I was surprised the chop didn’t offer more of a challenge, but the hull design of the Voodoo is flawless. It also features a chair, which—without adjustment—offers two seated positions and can be used as a poling platform. The boat paddles well from a seated or standing position, and the ability to make powerful strokes with a low center of gravity came in handy during the crossing.

As we rounded the tip of the island, we found wind-shade in a pocket. We poled down to cast right under the mangroves and docks. The Voodoo’s stern has five molded-in Power Pole mounts that allow for dual or single Power Pole Micros. And from a stability standpoint, the boat might as well be the deck of a skiff. Kevin hooked into a 25-inch redfish and fought it with ease from the open deck.

As we paddled through the backside of the mangrove islands, we cast to oyster beds and under docks. The final spot Kevin had planned was a back corner of an area with a long sea wall and sand flats. Kevin wanted to hit it right at sunset, when the redfish bite is best. We could see reds tailing over the shoals as the tide went out.

If you are looking for a perfect fishing machine, look no further than Kaku. These boats are a fisherman’s Cadillac. Kevin’s obsession with crafting a superior fishing vessel is evident in the sleek, stable versatility of his boats.

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By Tom Schlichter

Y

ou couldn’t tell by looking in the tannic-stained water, but Capt. Gary Dubiel was convinced redfish were holding just a few feet from the bank. “Toss your line up tight and see what happens,” he instructed.

My cork popper landed with a splat and the trailing DOA shrimp settled toward the bottom. I waited a second, gave a “pop” and watched the cork slide under with an 8-pound red in full protest. “They’ll smack that setup every time,” smiled the skipper.

It’s no secret that the coastal waters of North Carolina teem with redfish and stripers, but many visiting anglers focus their efforts solely on inlet and ocean waters. For truly amazing topwater action, the bays, creeks and river systems are also well worth exploring.

“There’s amazing variety on the inside here,” said Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service (www.specfever.com), who specializes in putting light-tackle and fly-fishing fans right in the mix. Dubiel especially enjoys working the Neuse River area because it hosts stripers and seatrout year-round, plus redfish from spring though mid-October.

“These stripers are estuarine and don’t run to the ocean,” he explained.

“They typically measure up to 32 inches, which makes them perfect for light gear and fly rods. Even better, they mix in with the specks and slot-sized redfish. We often catch all three on the same trip.”

The striper action really heats up in late April when the bass return from spawning farther upriver to offer outstanding surface action from Oriental to New Bern, N.C. Much of the fun takes place in knee-deep depths here in the river’s mouth at Pamlico Sound, and that makes for a ton of topwater thrills.

Interestingly, the Neuse River—America’s widest at 6 miles across the mouth— doesn’t have a lunar rise and fall in tides. Rather than look for current, Dubiel works around structure while using a trolling motor to quietly get in and out of

potential hot spots. He likes casting at old wood when possible, often using a Bob’s Banger Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec popper. “Because the fish often Fever Guide Service works hang in the shallows here, you can call them from a considerthe long wand for shallow able distance if you make a litwater Neuse River stripers, reds tle noise,” he said. “This is also and specks. Photo by Felicia a great lure for covering a lot of Scocozza. water. Some of our wood fields are pretty expansive.”

Push up into the Neuse River tributaries above and below New Bern and you’ll also find largemouth bass, crappie and perch. The creeks stay warmer than the river in the winter months, so there are times in late winter and early spring when you might catch any of these along with a striper, redfish or speckled trout as well.

“It certainly makes for an interesting mixed bag,” quipped Dubiel.

Just an hour drive from Moorhead City, N.C., the Neuse River is easily accessible from Oriental, New Bern or the ICW. For accommodations, consider Bridgepoint Marina (www.bridgepointe.com) in New Bern. It’s within 500 yards of public launching at both Lawson Creek Landing and Union Park Point. For more info on the New Bern area, visit www.visitnewbern.com.

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United States Power Squadrons–America’s

Boating Club

W

ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club comes in.

Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations.

For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all.

Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.

“We are United States Power Squadrons but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education— allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.”

Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons— America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education.

Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups.

“Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney.

“Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.”

In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong renaming exercise.

To learn more about United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.

Join in the Fun!

United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends.

Connect with the boating community.

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FRESHWATER Jordan Lee Wins Back-To-Back

Bassmaster Classics Bassmaster photos by Andy Crawford

I

n sixth place headed into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic on March 18 at lake Hartwell, S.C., Alabama’s Jordan Lee was in striking distance to do what only two anglers have ever done—win the Super Bowl of bass fishing twice in a row.

And he did it. With a final day surge that took him to the scales with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, Lee tallied a three-day total of 47-1 to edge out California pro Brent Ehrler by a single pound.

With his Classic win last year at Lake Conroe, Texas, Lee joins Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only three anglers in the history of the sport to win back-to-back classics. With the $300,000 purse, Lee pushed his career earnings with B.A.S.S past the million-dollar mark.

“It was just a perfect week for me,” Lee told Bassmaster. “I caught fish on five different baits and a lot of different techniques.”

Boat docks were the ticket to Lee’s success.

Following poor practice rounds, he could not nail down a strong pattern. From Day 1, Lee reverted to his comfort zone and his strength.

“I just wanted to cover as much water as I could to give myself the best chance of putting a bait in front of a fish,” he told Bassmaster. “On this lake, I knew boat docks were going to play because they always do—and that’s what I like to do.”

Live on Day 1, video showed Lee pumping his fists over a chunky largemouth he finessed out from under a dock with black floats. Black floats tend to warm the water around them, and the fish were staging up prior to the spawn. A strong sack of 18-10 on Day 1 must have buoyed Lee’s confidence in the dock pattern.

Despite catching nothing but smaller spotted bass and just 12-2 on Day 2, Lee was still solidly in the top 25 to make the cut to fish Championship Sunday.

Lee found his magic pocket on Day 3. Fishing a Strike King Rage Swimmer, a Strike King Ocho and a Strike King Shimmy Stick, he stuck to that one little pocket and pulled fish from beneath almost every dock. Green pumpkin was his primary color.

Jason Christie, of Oklahoma, who led through the first two days of competition, dropped back to third place after the final day with a three-day total of 45-15. Ehrler’s 46-1 earned him second place.

Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that won him $2,500.

Reporting by Bassmaster’s Bryan Brasher.

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UNDER THE SEA

Tricks of the Trade

L

ike land hunters or rod-and-reel fishermen, spearos also study and perfect some tricks of the trade. Spearos immerse themselves into the fishes’ environment, so the first skill to master is to look like you belong there. Beginners tend to exhibit aggressive behavior, chasing and spooking fish. If fish scatter when you get near, study how calmly an experienced diver moves in the water.

Until you achieve a non-threatening aura, all other tips and tricks will be useless.

After achieving smooth diving technique, here are some techniques to get near fish.

1) Aspetto (Italian for “wait”)—It starts from the surface with a smooth duck-dive into the water while removing the snorkel.

You descend with soft kicks until you begin to free-fall as you scan the bottom. By turning your fin blades, you maneuver to the right spot, perhaps where the reef meets sand. You lie motionless on the bottom until curious fish come to check you out. Moving only your eyes, you pick out the prey, move your gun slowly, and make a well-placed shot. A good spearo will make this technique look easy, but it is not. This is especially effective with evasive fish that become curious when you do not move, such as mutton snappers in Florida, stripers in the northeast, and bigeye emperors in Hawaii.

2) Agguato (Italian for “ambush”)–This is a dynamic stalking technique to get closer to prey without being noticed. The diver navigates the bottom using the environment to get closer to the prey. The diver must consider current, visibility and available bottom structure while moving from one object to another, blending into shadows or hiding behind reef formations. If your body can be hidden while closing the gap, the fish will remain unaware of your presence.

3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo.

Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested.

In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly.

Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting!

Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye, go to

CAMSPEARFISHING.COM

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hen Jesus Chavarria was a small boy nearly 60 years ago, he remembers a giant silver fish with huge scales brought to the dock at his home in the small Pacific river port of Sierpe, Costa Rica. No one had any idea what it was.

He went on to captain offshore sport fishing boats all over the west coast of Costa Rica for the next 35 years and retired a few years ago to taking guests fishing the backwaters of the Sierpe River. His specialty is snook but now and then he began to catch tarpon.

Tarpon are not indigenous to the Pacific Ocean, but over the years anglers began to encounter a tarpon now and then. The thought is that over more than a century since it was constructed, the Panama Canal has provided passage for tarpon, which now reside in the Pacific. Tarpon capture has been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador.

Saul Porras’ capture of a tarpon that weighed barely 3 pounds at a creek mouth in southern Costa Rica changed the whole thought process. Chances that a fish that small swam through the canal and that far are slim. Are tarpon now breeding in the Pacific?

FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation group in Costa Rica, agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific. They contacted Didiher Chacon, who had worked on a Costa Rican Caribbean tarpon project almost three decades ago in Barra del Colorado for Dr. Roy Crabtree, of Florida. He agreed to work on the science part of the project.

“The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 pounds, but fish as large as 100 pounds have also been taken.

Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific-caught tarpon and tarpon taken from different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged.

Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific-side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out.

Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out of most of the country’s rivers.

Find out more about Pacific tarpon and other FECOP projects on sport fishing conservation at www.fishcostarica.org.

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N

ot long ago, people didn’t know there were great white sharks off the coast of South Carolina. Now, thanks to the obsessive pursuit of them by Outcast Sport Fishing Charter Capt. Chip Michalove, everyone knows they’re out there, and in numbers during the winter months.

Michalove seems to have figured it out, and he’s not sharing his secrets for fear of hurting the species he spent more than a decade trying to pattern. The captain has caught nearly 30 of these apex predators over the last three years. His most recent catch has made national news after a post about him catching a 16-foot-long, 3,000-pound white shark went viral from his Facebook page.

Journalist Mandy Matney wrote in Hilton Head Island’s Island Packet about Michalove’s giant fish. She reported that with a two-man skeleton crew, Michalove had to radio to another fishing boat for backup to bring the giant fish boatside where it could be tagged and released.

Michalove tags great whites for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham, Mass., according to the Island Packet report. They are working to study the movements of the sharks in the Atlantic, and through technique Michalove does everything he can to put minimal stress on the animals.

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