Fishing In Papagayo Costa Rica

[Phish On]

Hey guys,
I am returning to Costa Rica this summer, but staying in a new area called Papagayo. I am looking to do a trip with my boys offshore for some sailfish, marlin, etc ... Has anyone fished out of Papagayo and have a recommedation for a boat? Unfortunately, the area we fished out of last summer is too far to travel for a day of fishing.

If anyone is looking for a boat out of Tamarindo Costa Rica, look me up. I can give you some great recommedations.

Thanks,
Bruce

[DonJose]

If you are staying anywhere near Playa Coco, there's a Marine Supply store on the main avenue next to the Super Compro (Super Market).

I fished with a guy that was a field tester for Penn. Jigging was ridiculous. Both arms cramped up by the end of the day with me saying to the Capt - NO MAS!

If you drive straight down the main street to the beach, you'll see a bunch of boats. Don't fall for the "Americano" prices.

On Playa Hermosa which is North, there are a few Panga charter boats that will take you out. $150 for the day for the boat NOT per guy. They will try to charge you double. Not bad but many don't have fishing finders etc. I caught a ton of Mahi, snappers, blackfin tuna, jacks & even had a sailfish 2x's - lost it because they were using 80lb leader - snapped shortly after hook up. The other boats hooked up & landed large Rooster fish. One boat had a monster sailfish on. Took them for a ride!! You've got to imagine a 25' wooden panga with a sailfish stripping line like a runaway freight train! LOL This old guy had him on & did know what to do. Just one big ole smile ear to ear. If you just want a cheap fun trip go with those guys.

If you want the real deal tell them you want to go to Murcielago Island. That's were the Penn guy took me. It's about a 1 1/2 hour boat ride but worth it. It can get rough as you are going in their winter time. Jigging is serious out there.

One more thing - go EARLY AM. Afternoons are notorious for flash thunderstorms. NOT COOL! We got caught in one with a 100' whirlwind that popped up 100 yards from us.

One last tip - bring plenty of poppers & jigs. Let me rephrase that. Bring plenty of BIG saltwater poppers & jigs. Red & white worked great.

Hope that helps!

[nikola]

I went there in mid-january, and was told the offshore fishing was not great so i opted to inshore. I made friends with a local who worked with the jetskis on the beach of our resort (rui palace which is in the gulf of papagayo) and he hooked me up with one of his friends in coco beach (playa coco). they charged me $200 a day for the whole boat and i was fine with that. first day we did some bottomfishing and had a great time catching a lot of reef fish with both conventional gear and handlines. the second day we strictly fished for roosterfish. We livelined a fairly large blackfin tuna and drifted around the many volcanic islands. we hooked up and after a 20 min battle i had caught my first roosterfish. i will try to find the number of the guys who took me out, and will message you if i find them.

[Fish Head]

Don Jose hit the nail on the head. We have fished with Carlos Barrera and Capt. Herardo for years. Look up CRfishingchartersCR on Facebook to gather more info and contact them. Carlos owns Cocos Fishing Supply in Playa del Coco. They run a great operation, fishing is phenominal and they have quality tackle as Carlos is a Penn field tester. Bring them some Poppers, and trolling lures which they always appreciate. We were just there in March and caught many Snapper and monster Cuberas and Amberjacks. They also do offshore stuff, Sails, Dorado, Marlin etc. They run a 29ft Panga. If you have questions, give a buzz.
Good luck -