fishing

OFFSHORE FISHING
     Costa Rica has an enticing offshore fishery, with many species including sailfish, marlin, yellow-fin tuna and dorado. The billfish are the draw to most anglers because of the impressive fight of the sailfish and marlin from the surface take behind the boat combined with the acrobatic show. The catch and release policy of both of the fishing operations help to maintain the incredible fishing in both Golfito and Carrillo.

     You will be on the water fishing by 6:30 a.m. in Golfito and 7:30 a.m. in Carrillo. You will generally run out about 40-60 minutes depending on the time of year before you reach the prime fishing water.

     The crew uses an effective method of teasing with lures and bait to raise the billfish. You will troll with 4 teasers behind the boat. Before you know it, the captain will be shouting commands at the mate to reel in the teaser because a fish is attacking it. As the teaser comes closer to the boat, you will see a large shadow of something that looks impossible to catch on a fly rod. The boat is out of gear and you cast your fly behind the teaser, about 20-30 ft behind the boat . The mate pulls the teaser out, and the fish voraciously attacks your fly, at least that is what is supposed to happen. You must maintain composure as the big bill and large head of a sailfish comes out of the water to provide you with a fantastic hook-up and fight.

     Sailfish are raised more often than marlin or other species, and are definitely a fun fly rod fish. If you haven't experienced the fight of a sailfish, you certainly must. The average size of the sailfish is 65-90 lbs, and can reach about 150 lbs. All are great fly rod fish. Marlin do rise occasionally to the fly, although they are much more difficult to land due to their incredible speed and abrasive bill. Be prepared to have a great deal of fun if you end up in the middle of a tuna school which might provide dinner for the lodge that evening.
     Fly fishing for billfish is an adrenaline rush that does not generally accompany most fishing because of the quick sequence of events, followed by the large, jumping fish. Costa Rica is a great place for anyone, from beginner to experienced, to give billfishing a try.

INSHORE FISHING
    Golfito has an added bonus of several inshore species as well as the coveted billfish. The lodge is situated in a gulf, providing full access to inshore species within a short distance of the lodge and the blue water.
     Fly rod species that are the most popular are jack crevalle, blue trevallyand roosterfish, but add to that snapper, grouper, and blue runners and you have exciting inshore fishing in addition to the amazing offshore fishing. For a little added fun, try some live bait fishing on light tackle to really see what Golfito has to offer for inshore fishing.

Click here to find out about accommodations at Golfito Sailfish Rancho.