What to Expect When Sportfishing in Costa Rica
Los Sueños, Costa Rica is widely recognized as the ultimate destination for billfish enthusiasts, and we couldn’t agree more. Recently, Team Galati had the privilege of accompanying a group of first-time female anglers (Maria Galati Hill, Kaitlyn Healey, Jordan Giorgio, Taylor Laffey, and Tiana Carrizosa) aboard the remarkable 64 Vikingfor an unforgettable day of sportfishing. Let’s delve into the most exciting moments and give you a glimpse of what awaits when embarking on a sportfishing adventure in Costa Rica.
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The Destination: Los Sueños Resort & Marina
To start off the adventure, our team was fortunate enough to stay at the exceptional Los Sueños Resort & Marina, a truly breathtaking destination. This exclusive resort-style community is not only family-friendly but also offers unparalleled inshore adventures and the finest offshore sportfishing in the world. With the largest fleet of game fishing captains and boats in the entire country, it’s no wonder that sportfishing enthusiasts flock to this destination.
In addition to fantastic fishing, Los Sueños Resort and Marina offers oceanfront accommodations, an onsite Marriott Hotel, and a range of amenities including a spa, pool system, retreat and much more. The resort also offers various tours and activities such as deep-sea fishing, whale watching, kayaking, water rafting, ATV tours, helicopter tours by Aero Tour Costa Rica, zip-lining, and national park tours. It truly is a vacation destination in itself.
Conveniently Accessible Location
We want to note how easily accessible Los Sueños is, contrary to what some may believe. You simply fly into San Jose and then take a scenic 80-minute car ride to reach the resort. The best part is that there are numerous nonstop flights available from major airports, making your travel experience a breeze. Quick travel time allows you to fully immerse yourself in the thrilling experience of fishing on the water, without wasting precious time on tiresome travel.
But what makes Los Sueños the ultimate choice? Simply put, it is a superior, high-end destination. Every aspect of this place is meticulously maintained to perfection. The landscape is breathtaking, and the service is unparalleled. If you are a traveler seeking a VIP experience, a pristine atmosphere, and a safe haven, Los Sueños offers all that and more.
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Schedule of Events
For those who are new to the world of sportfishing, we strongly suggest embarking on an exciting day trip similar to the one our team experienced. One thing to keep in mind: be prepared for an early wake-up call, even if you’re not a morning person. Our group of enthusiastic female anglers gathered at the docks at 6 am, half asleep but radiating with anticipation for the adventure that awaited them. Don’t worry, the invigorating Costa Rican coffee will wake you up and get you ready for the adventure ahead.
Not to mention, the refreshing rush of wind against your face once you leave the docks — an exhilarating feeling of freedom and adventure fills your soul as you embark on your sportfishing journey. As the sun starts to rise, its golden rays dance on the water’s surface. You can’t help but smile, but amidst this moment of pure bliss, there’s one essential item that you must not forget – your Costa Del Mar Sunglasses. These stylish shades not only protect your eyes from the glaring sun but also provide unparalleled clarity and comfort.
What is the expected duration for a day trip?
Anglers can anticipate a full day immersed in the exhilarating world of sportfishing. As an example, let’s consider our team’s adventure, where they set off from the docks in the early morning and didn’t return until around 5 PM. The day was brimming with excitement, starting with a scenic 2-hour journey to reach the fishing spot, followed by an action-packed 4-5 hours of fishing, and finally, a leisurely 2-hour return trip. However, there are expeditions to suit various preferences and schedules. Fishing trips can start at just 45-minutes to fishing grounds or extend longer. There are plenty of options available that will suit your time constraint and fishing desire.
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Seeking Out the Fish — Sportfishing in Costa Rica
Contrary to what you might assume, our team didn’t have to travel hundreds of miles offshore for this incredible fishing experience. The abundance of gamefish in close proximity to Los Sueños Marina makes it an angler’s dream destination, catering to all skill levels. This is especially ideal for beginners who prefer to stay near the shore and avoid venturing too far out.
Initially, the team’s plan was to set off for a nearby fishing spot, but skilled captain, Tony Carrizosa, caught wind of an extraordinary opportunity. Rumor had it that marlin were actively biting at a location 80 nautical miles offshore.
With the water as calm and smooth as glass, the 64 Viking glided through the waves with exceptional handling and exhilarating speed. “The whole experience felt surreal,” noted Maria Galati Hill. “After about two hours of anticipation, we finally arrived at our destination and immediately got a bite. I was first up to grab the rod and had no idea what was on the other end but was ready for a fight.”
Multitude of Fish Species to Target
In the waters of Costa Rica, a world of diverse gamefish awaits, ready to be caught by eager anglers. The team’s target for the day was the blue marlin, and luck was certainly on their side. While the team anticipated reeling in mahi mahi, sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna, they were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of blue marlin that crossed their path. They managed to land an astonishing six blue marlins. Catching and releasing half a dozen of these large gamefish in a mere day is a remarkable accomplishment that is not often witnessed!
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The Thrill of the Catch — Fishing in Costa Rica
Reeling in your first trophy fish is an experience that can leave you feeling like you’ve just completed the most intense boot camp class of your life. The battle is not only physical, but also a mental game that brings an exhilarating rush. Sportfishing is a game of constant anticipation — the moment the marlin bites, it’s the pinnacle of excitement.
Maria Galati Hill stated, “my own fight lasted for about 30-45 minutes, and the fish I was battling was likely around 400 pounds.” However, the length of the fight can vary greatly. Another women angler onboard had a swift encounter lasting only five minutes because the fish unexpectedly swam towards the boat. For most of them though, it was a struggle to reel in even an inch. The game was about finding balance — a delicate dance between control and surrender.
Landing your First Trophy Fish
The overwhelming sense of achievement that engulfs you after successfully reeling in your first colossal fish can be compared to crossing the finish line of a marathon. It fills your being with an indescribable surge of pride, as if every fiber of your being is pulsating with electric energy. It is a moment that leaves you fascinated by nature’s marvels and deeply appreciative of the chance to bear witness to such a remarkable occasion. Every female angler on the boat proudly landed their inaugural blue marlin catch.
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Catch & Release Rules
It’s important to note that every marlin the team caught was released back into the water. To protect both the fish and the boat, they used an extra-long leader line to keep them at a distance, visible on the surface but never brought aboard. This allowed them to appreciate their beauty and strength while ensuring their safe return to their natural habitat.
Blue marlin in Costa Rica are typically catch and release, as it is illegal to remove these fish from the water. Recreational anglers in Costa Rica prioritize catch and release, apart from prized fishing tournaments in other areas. However, anglers are permitted to retain their freshly caught tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi), wahoo, snapper, and grouper as long as they adhere to the specified regulations and guidelines.
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The Onboard Experience — Fishing in Costa Rica
“The atmosphere and camaraderie onboard were truly remarkable,” stated Maria. “The captain, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, steered the boat with expertise.” The 64 Viking featured an impressive intercom system and cutting-edge speakers. With his microphone and headset, the captain was able to project his voice into the cockpit, ensuring that everyone could hear his instructions loud and clear. This setup is incredibly useful as the captain is able to guide the crew on where to find the fish and which lines to use. The result is a constant buzz of excitement and movement onboard. The team expressed that there was not a single moment of stillness or silence; they were always shouting and eagerly grabbing the fishing lines.
“It was an action-packed dream fishing trip,” stated Maria. “At one unforgettable moment, we had a double hook up — two marlin hooked simultaneously — it was absolutely thrilling and an incredible experience.”
Crew Expertise
The crew’s exceptional expertise was truly remarkable, as acknowledged by all the anglers. For novice anglers, it is absolutely crucial to find a highly knowledgeable crew and captain, as they can truly make or break your experience. The expertise and guidance of a skilled crew becomes indispensable when the moment arrives to reel in your trophy fish. The female anglers eagerly absorbed all the educational advice imparted by the captain and crew onboard and flawlessly put it into practice. They were taught a plethora of valuable skills, ranging from proper arm positioning, hand placement, maintaining the correct stance, and even the art of deftly maneuvering the fishing line across the boat.
“Captain Tony played a pivotal role in educating the team, and the crew was always there to lend a helping hand,” stated Maria. “They would even hold onto belts for added support while reeling in our catches. Their patient guidance was invaluable, especially when we found ourselves unsure of what to do next.”
A special shoutout goes to Arturo Moreno, Fernando Peralta, Jimmy Contreras, and Captain Tony Carrizosa for their exceptional guidance on this unforgettable trip.
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Fishing Aboard the 64 Viking
When it comes to sportfishing, the choice of boat can also make or break your experience. And when it comes to ensuring a memorable trip, there is no better option than a Viking Yacht! Here are some highlights of the 64 Viking: “The maneuverability of the Viking 64 was absolutely mind-blowing, especially with the captain’s exceptional skill,” stated Maria. “Backing down on a fish was effortless and agile, a feat that not everyone can accomplish. It is astonishing to witness a yacht of this size maneuver with such agility.” For some context, backing down on a fish is to assist the angler in reeling it in. The captain’s expertise allows the angler to get closer to the fish, making the fight a bit easier.
For instance, there was a moment when one of the anglers had a marlin swim around the front of the boat. In a matter of seconds, Captain Tony swiftly turned the 64 Viking, smoothly throttled in motion, and backed in, ensuring that the fish was never entangled around the bow but perfectly positioned in the back cockpit area.
Even Taylor Laffey, one of the lady anglers, who had previously gone sportfishing with her uncle, acknowledged that fishing off the Viking 64 took the experience to a whole new level. “I can honestly say that this was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The boat is equipped with everything we need to elevate this entire fishing adventure to the next level,” stated Laffey.
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The End Result — Sportfishing in Costa Rica
By the end of the day, it was astonishing to witness how the women anglers on board, who had never experienced anything quite like this before, easily fell in love with the sport of fishing and the captivating beauty of Costa Rica. Regardless of whether they had never played a sport or touched a fish in their lives, each woman on board became infatuated with sportfishing and the entire process. “We certainly didn’t expect to be so fascinated by it all, but this experience left a profound and lasting impression on us,” stated Maria. “At our last dinner of the trip, we discussed our favorite moments, and fishing emerged as the unanimous favorite among everyone.”
So, if you are seeking an extraordinary sportfishing experience, look no further than Los Sueños in Costa Rica. With its abundance of diverse gamefish, breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, and the thrill of the catch, it truly surpasses all expectations. Whether you embark on a day trip or a full weekend fishing expedition, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a deep sense of satisfaction and a desire to return again and again.
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Try Before You Buy Program by Galati Yacht Sales
If you are interested in the realm of sportfish yacht ownership but are unsure of where to begin, Galati Yacht Sales offers an exceptional opportunity that awaits you. Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury experience with our exclusive try before you buy program, carefully crafted to provide eligible individuals with an opportunity to savor the excitement of a fishing adventure aboard our exceptional fleet of pre-owned Vikings in Costa Rica, including the impressive Viking 64 demo.
From selecting the perfect vessel and navigating the buying process to guidance on the intricacies of maintenance and care, we are committed to making your journey as effortless and enjoyable as possible. For more information on this opportunity, we invite you to get in touch with Carmine Galati, Jr., our knowledgeable sales representative. Discover the joys of sportfish yacht ownership in the beautiful setting of a Los Sueños, Costa Rica.
Contact Carmine Galati Jr.
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