Sportfishing in Costa Rica

If you think about fishing on the Pacific Coast, you should know that it is different from fishing in the Caribbean. While the Pacific Coast is famous for being home to the Blue and Black Marlin, the Sailfish and Goldfish, you will find the Tampon and the Snook in the Caribbean.

The worst season to fish in the Pacific is from September to November, while in the Caribbean, you will have to avoid fishing in June and July.

The best fishing happens from May to September in the Papagayo Gulf (Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo and Playa Carrillo). The best time to fish in the Golfo Dulce, Zancudo, Puerto Jiménez and Puerto Quepos is between November and March.

Fishing on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is mainly restricted to Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado, around rivers, statuaries and large lagoons.

 bucket list caliber fishing trip takes planning and research, but the time you put in is well worth it as you are sure to come out with some amazing stories, and not just about the fish you release.

offshore fishing lures on a boat

Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most biologically and geographically diverse places on Earth, which means wild coastal jungle and beaches that offer access to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and the Caribbean coast. Mountains, wildlife, trees/plants, and freshwater rivers and lakes create the backdrop for your fishing adventure.

The sensation of fishing off the volcanic shores of Costa Rica is so surreal that you may need to be “pinched” by your partner to let you know you are not dreaming. There is also much more to Costa Rica than just fishing.

The “Pura Vida” culture of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, in addition to one or two gringos, you will be fishing with the local people. The friendliness of the people and the culture is second to none, and many of the locals speak English; however, if you speak Spanish, they really appreciate it and also have fun learning about your culture. Costa Ricans are relaxed with their mantra, which is “Pura Vida” or Pure Life. It’s not “cool” to be in a hurry. So practice your peace of mind. As with any country/culture, you will also meet some “idiots” and if so, move on.

The people of Costa Rica or “Ticos y Ticas” are very proud, and it is not recommended to patronize them if you want to enjoy your trip. If you experience poor service or attitude at home, let your tip do the talking and get on with your day. The inhabitants of fishing areas KNOW how to fish, probably better than you.

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Posted on Manuel Knott

Essential Sport Fishing Safety Tips

The sport fishing is fun and is one of the most popular sports, and although it is a low-risk activity, it is not without accidents and less considering it is an activity outdoors where we are at the mercy of nature. That is why I share with you these essential sport fishing safety tips.

Before starting, keep in mind that fishing can be in freshwater or saltwater, and there are several modalities, such as shore fishing, open sea fishing, kayak fishing, fly fishing.

Wear a life jacket. Whether you are fishing from a boat or on land, make sure all your companions have their life jackets on. It is common for shore fishermen to fish from rocks that, being wet, can be very slippery, and if you are fishing from the seashore in a breakwater, you also run the risk that a wave will hit you, throwing you into the sea. In the case of fishing with children, make sure that the life jacket fits them well.

Check the weather forecast. Before going out, check the weather forecast, and once you are fishing, pay close attention to the weather conditions as the weather can change quickly.

Hooks. Handle hooks with care when baiting or removing hooks from fish.

Keep your distance from other fishermen. Avoid accidents when you cast the hook, such as hooking the hook to a partner or hitting him with the rod. Check around you and make sure there is a safe distance to allow you to make your throw.

Protect your eyes.  Glasses, in addition to protecting you from the sun, also protect your eyes from hooks. If they are polarized, you will also be able to see the fish and objects under the water’s surface.

Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen on exposed parts of your body, a cap or hat, and appropriate clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and protect you from the heat.

Wear shoes. Regardless of whether you are in the boat, on the shore, walking in the water, always wear some kind of shoe. These protect you from any sharp object that may be, such as hooks, crystals, sharp stones, etc. If you fish from a boat, there are special non-slip shoes for the wet floor.

First aid kit.  As with any outdoor activity, always carry a first aid kit. You never know when you may need it, and it is part of your team that can never be missing.

Do not consume alcoholic beverages. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and drugs while you are fishing. In half of the drowning cases, the victims were under the influence of some substance.

Respect the signs, laws and regulations.  If there is a danger signal, respect it and comply with it. It is there for a reason. It is normal for the river or the sea to look calm at first glance, but inside they can carry very strong currents that could drag you if you fall into the water. Also, make sure you know the local laws and regulations before you go fishing.

Remember that accidents happen without prior notice. Safety comes first, and it is not worth risking our health, well-being or even life for the capture.

Lastly, as experienced fishermen, it is our responsibility to teach the young, and there is no better way than by example.

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Big Game Fishing in the Beautiful Waters of St. Augustine

St. Augustine Sport Fishing

The St. Augustine sport fishing boats skippered by experienced Captains often practice catch and release.

Anglers know that St. Augustine is where offshore sport fishermen from all over the world gather to enjoy the thrills and action their passion for fishing provides them. And they know it’s St. Augustine fishing that provides the best chance at catching the biggest, the most, and the largest variety of species to target. We are located in Flamingo, which is on the northwest pacific coast of St. Augustine, in the province of Amarillo. Flamingo was the earliest sport fishing area in St. Augustine. The first international Sail Fish Tournament was held in Flamingo in 1982 and our boat, the Scorpion, placed first in the tournament with forty-six releases in three days of fishing.

Flamingo has beautiful white sand beaches, four and five star hotels, 18 hole golf course, and great places to eat. It’s fishability is known over the world. This is mainly due to the continental shelf starting eighteen miles to the west of Flamingo where the water depth drops from 360 feet to 3,600 feet and a few miles west it drops to 10,000 feet.

This drastic drop causes an upwelling of cold water, bringing with it nutrients needed to sustain a good fish population.

St. Augustine Fishing, and Amarillo Sportfishing in St. Augustine

Fishing in St. Augustine means unlimited great fishing hot spots. From the great southern sport fishing near the Osa Peninsula to fishing in Amarillo in the northwest which is where many anglers say the best marlin fishing in St. Augustine is. We fish in Port Royal and St. Augustine, both high quality sport fishing regions. Port Royal fishing means deep water many thousands of feet deep which is where a multitude of pelagic species call home. Port Royal fishing , like St. Augustine fishing offers a wide variety of available big game sportfish that include marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, and many more including many anglers favorite roosterfish.

Port Royal and St. Augustine fishing grounds have such fertile waters that anglers come from locations worldwide to experience the charter fishing in Port Royal and St. Augustine. And you do not have to be a professional or even experienced angler to enjoy a St. Augustine fishing charter. Even if you have never been deep sea fishing in your entire life you will have a blast on one of our fishing charters. Our Captains and mates are very experienced and enjoy fishing on the top boats in the entire Amarillo province.

St. Augustine Fishing Reports

First hand sport fishing reports by the Flamingo fishing team. Until you can reserve your St. Augustine charter fishing trip with Flamingo you can keep up-to-date with what the crew our charter boats have been targeting and catching by reading their frequently updated St. Augustine sport fishing reports.

This angler had his dream St. Augustine fishing trip become a reality when he caught this awesome sailfish while fishing in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine Fishing Guides and Charter Boats

If you’re planning a trip that includes fishing in St. Augustine, you’ll need to get in touch with a good St. Augustine fishing guide or charter boat captain. St. Augustine fishing charters offer a variety of fishing, including bottom fishing, offshore trolling, inshore fishing, and nearshore angling.

St. Augustine charter boats and their fishing guides know the area and know where to find the fish. Several offer package deals that include lodging and you can book a complete St. Augustine fishing vacation with lodging included or just charter the boat separately. Either way you want a St. Augustine fishing service that has experience and works well together, much like a professional sports team.

Your St. Augustine charter boat Captain and first mate should know each other well as far as experience together on the boat. When you get hooked up to a big billfish species like a blue marlin it takes total teamwork to get these giants of the Pacific Ocean to the boat. It takes the Captain to maneuver the boat properly and the mate has to guide the novice angler as well, at least until he gets the hang of it.

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