Late Summer-Fall Fishing Trip

[Skolmann]

I got the wife's approval for a fishing trip for my son and myself to be taken sometime between Sept.-Nov. (probably closer to November). She's actually keen on the idea of Costa Rica. Other places I was considering looking into were The Keys, Cabo San Lucas and Panama. My son would like to catch his first billfish (species doesn't matter). We'd also like to target as many different species as possible.

Thoughts, suggestions ?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Dont think you could go wrong with Costa Rica, Cabo or Panama. As far a cost of charters, airfare and hotel, Cabo is probably the least expensive route and Panama the most expensive. Lots of very inexpensive charter boats to choose in Cabo for sure. It's very competitive there and this fishing for Striped Marlin is very good. They usually troll while looking for them fining and cast live baits to them. Fun way to fish.

Costa Rica is nice as well but more expensive and depending on where you go once in country you could be looking at a 4 hour ride to your hotel. Lots of other stuff to do there too. Much more than Cabo but if it's strictly fishing you are after, Cabo gets my vote.

Never fished Panama but know others who have. The fishing there is supposedly better than Costa Rica but the encomomy there is booming and things have become more expensive.

Hope that helps.

[arat]

I was in cabo in August two years ago. Got my first striped marlin and had a chance at a second . went with cabo magic it was an awesome day. There was a hot tuna note but I chose to steer clear of the smaller fish and only target the bigger tuna and marlin. Saw the big tunas couldn't make em eat. Nov. In cabo should be prime time!

[Captain Rich]

Sept- Nov is rainy season in Costa Rica and Panama. The fish don't care, they are already wet. :) Because it is offseason rates are substantially cheaper. I know a lot of guys who fish Panama in the rainy season and have a great time. Don't know if this helps or not ! :eek:

[Skolmann]

One thing I forgot to add...trip is on her :).

[Skolmann]

I have a fraternity brother who owns/runs a lodge/charter in Costa Rica-although he no longer lives on site any more.

Looking to try and get 3 days of fishing in. 2 offshore & 1 inshore (weather dependent).

I'm going to have to find one of those "What's Biting" Chart for each local and go from there.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think what you're are going to find is that Striped Marlin and Pacific Sails will be running in Cabo and Pacific Sails in Costa Rica and Panama. If you're looking for quantity Pacific Sails is your best bet if you want quality then Striped Marlin. You'll see they will mention Blue and Black Marlin in both places but your staple is going to be Striped Marlin in Cabo and Pacifc Sails in Costa Rica. Striped Marlin are a bit more difficult to catch and larger than Pacific Sails.

[aduma1107]

Take a look at Panama Sports Fishing Lodge. I'm going in March.