My Costa Rica Sport Fishing Trip – A Fish Story

Costa Rica is known for some of the best fishing in the world. I took my first sail fishing trip on the Central Pacific coast, and now I am hooked.

 

Recently I visited some friends at Grampa Ninja’s B&B in Costa Rica. They took me deep sea fishing on the Predator, out of Los Suenos marina, just north of Jaco Beach. I had never before been deep sea fishing. I had only been shad fishing on the Delaware River. What a great time. There was not a lot of fish action due to some rain the previous days. But a fun and memorable trip none the less. We hopped on board and left the dock in Los Suenos around 7 in the morning. On board was the Captain and First Mate. Also on board was plenty of bait and  also lunch, snacks, and beverages, including beer. (You can't go on a fishing trip without two things on board – beer and bait.) We rode out about 10 or so miles and waited patiently for a bite. We felt a few hits but could not snag them and then finally it happened. The first fish was on the line and I was first in line to bring in the fish. Since we had waited so long for the hit, I was a little nervous that I was going to mess up and lose it. I quickly put the fighting belt on and settled in my position and began to reel. And reel, and reel, and reel and reel....

Now, since I had never been deep sea fishing before there were some things that I learned after the fact that were quite interesting. The Captain was really working hard for me, as I had reeled a fish in before. His skill in maneuvering the boat to keep me up with the fish was excellent. Between me reeling (and reeling and reeling) he was also moving forward and backward, helping me so that I would not lose the catch of the day. And it was the catch of the day, estimating it to be about 130 pounds! Evidently it was a big fish.

The first glimpse of the fish was amazing. As I began reeling, it tried to get away with a giant leap out of the water. Unsuccessful, it jumped again. Determined (and probably lucky) I triumphed and continued to reel it in. As I continued to reel, swearing that I could not carry on, the First Mate and Captain continued to work it for me. I brought it in closer to the boat, and then it swam away, I brought it again closer to the boat and it swam away. The entire catch lasted just over 9 minutes. Finally the fish made it to the boat within the First Mate's reach. He instructed me to sit on the edge of the boat, for a photo op with the fish. He plopped the monster fish on my lap for all to take photos and video and then let the fish back into the water.

We were able to catch one more for the day and then head back to Los Suenos marina. All in all a memorable trip – my first but certainly not my last sport fishing frip in Costa Rica on the Predator. To book your trip visit www.costadeepseafishing.com!

Check out the video on YouTube.com/CostaRicaFishingTrip or on Facebook at Costa Rica Sport Fishing on the Predator.