What to expect out on the water:
A typical day starts out after you have arrived at the new Marina Pez Vela. This State of the Art facility offers many creature comforts. If you have your own vehicle then there is plenty of secure parking available for you. Maybe you forgot something or you just would like to freshen up before boarding your boat. The marina store is located at the docks offering you anything you might need. From sun screen and sun glasses to beautiful Columbia fishing and t -shirts, plus hats and just about anything boating you might need. Once underway, you will be treated to the breathtaking views of the Manuel Antonio coastline. It doesn't take long before the natural beauty of Costa Rica is all around you. Look! a giant sea turtle is often the 1st words shouted out on deck. With a huge marine bounty you will see some amazing sites. Flying fish dash out of the way of your boat on its way to the Quepos fishing grounds. Most common are the dolphins that roam in huge numbers in search of schools of baitfish. Finding these pods means you are close to the fish you seek. What the captain is looking for is the Blue water. When they reach this magical line where the blue is cobalt then you are now in the Costa Rica fish zone that so many anglers worldwide seek.. Already the mates have begun to set up their rigs with several teasers on the outriggers and the natural baits for the lines as well. Ballyhoo is the Costa Rica bait of choice. After all teasers and baits are in the water, its time to get ready for action! Sometimes it is only a matter of minutes until you hear (FISH ON!) At this point it's a frenzy at the back of the boat with the captain calling down directions on which rig the fish is after and which lines need to come in. Once the mate has the fish in his sights, its game on. With years of Costa Rica fishing experience these guys catch fish. Letting the bait free spool until just the right moment to engage the drag and set the hook. This often produces' the 1st jump of what ever has taken the bait. There really is no better sight then a large sailfish or even a huge Costa Rican marlin leaping straight out of the water in a dance like it is running on its tail. Once you have decided who will be the 1st to take a shot at this flying brute you will be given a fishing belt used for sails and smaller species or you might need the chair...., which in Costa Rica sport fishing terms is a good thing. As hooking up to a marlin weighing anywhere from 200-700 lbs. means you're in for a long fight! These battles have been known to last up to 4-5 hours and you need to bring your "A" game if you want to be the victor in this mad back and forth ballet.
Once you get your fish close to the boat then the mate will take over and trying to get a hand on the leader to make it a confirmed catch. If you have never caught a large bill fish then a trophy picture is sure to be in order. The mate will instruct you to sit by the rail and he will host this majestic beauty right in your lap, snap the forever shot and let's get him quickly back in the water. Leaving these large fish out of the water for very long is not good for them. Its Costa Rica catch and release for all boats so the faster back in the water the better the chances for survival for the fish and him to swim off to fight another day. This kind of action can go all day. Hooking 8-14 Sailfish a day is very common in the Quepos waters and some days even more rewarding. Out on the water you will have plenty of refreshments from ice cold water, sodas, and beer, to freshly cut watermelon and pineapple to cool you down from the Costa Rica sun. Snacks are always there for you and a great lunch is provided so sit back and enjoy the best day out on the water you have ever experienced. As the day winds down from your Adrenaline filled Costa Rica fishing trip the lines come in as you sit back to enjoy the ride back to the marina with the fishing tales still fresh in your mind. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you out there!