Fishing at Los Suenos off the Costa Rican Central Pacific Coast

Fishing is good off of the central pacific coast of Costa Rica most of the year, although any given week can be off due to poor conditions. The good news is that most of the boats in the charter fleet at the Los Suenos Marina are relatively fast and can find better fishing if they are further away from the resort. Most of the good fishing lately has been south of the resort between Jaco and Quepos.

The Los Suenos marina there are several boats to choose from for fishing. For more information on the marina and a list of charter boats, go to wwwlsrm.com/marina.php.

One of the boats we recommend is owned by Captain Kent with Hummingbird Vacations.  When renting our condo you have the option of using his boat if available.  Please contact us for dates and availability. (camc@camcollins.com)

Boat: The condo rental rate does not include charter fees, crew tips or boat consumables (fuel, bait, ice, food or drinks). At the end of each day, it’s customary to tip the captain $200+/day cash if he provided you a wonderful experience. Tips for the mate are $50-$100/day.

Gas is approx. $1.00/gal. more than stateside fuel. You can pay for the fuel at the Marina using a major credit card or cash. Fuel consumption depends on distance run and how long you want to fish each day. Most days we burn 60-80 gallons on offshore runs, which average 25 miles to the grounds.

Kent's Venture 34

Fishing Equipment/Boat: The boat is a 1999 Venture 34’ Center Console. Yes, ladies there is a private, full sized head. The boat was renovated in October 2005 and sports new twin 2006 Yamaha 250 hp 4 stroke engines. It cruises at 30 knots (about 36 mph) and has a top speed of 40 knots (48 mph). The boat has a tower, Rupp outriggers, tuna tubes, a big livewell, sat phone, life raft, radar, 2 VHF radios, autopilot, 2 GPS, stereo and a 10” Furuno Navnet system including Black Box sounder.

They have a stereo plug that can accommodate your iPOD, so feel free to bring it to enjoy your favorite tunes on the boat. Rain is common in the green season and rare in the high season, but it pays to bring a light waterproof jacket just in case.

They have a video camera mounted in the tower if you want to video your catch. Bring some blank DVD+R or –R discs and they’ll make a movie for you. If you are going to bring your still camera, they recommend a polarized filter. It makes the shots on the water look much better.

Gear: They have all the gear you’ll need, except for fly-fishing tackle or ultra light gear.

Shimano Tiagra 50WLRS (2), TLD50W (2), TLD30 2-speed (1), Tyrnos 20 – speed (5) Trinidad 20, 16, Crowder Rods, Deep-dropping Kristal 651, Shimano 6500 Baitrunners, Custom bottom fishing rod, teaser reels for bait and switch. They have a downrigger, rod belts, harness and kites, if needed. The gear rule is just like fishing on a friend’s boat: You lose it or break it, you buy it.

Most charter boats troll ballyhoo and practice catch and release on billfish, using circle hooks exclusively except when pulling lures. Sometimes they find live bait and mix it up. The boat is rigged for stand-up fishing, and we have fought and landed numerous multiple hookups. You can move all the way around the boat, so it’s very comfortable for fishing. Plus, they can add beanbag chairs if you want a comfortable place to take a siesta.

If you want to hook your own fish, let the crew know. Otherwise, they’ll set the hook and hand you the rod. If you want to set your own hook, make sure you keep your eyes on the spread. It’s important you beat the fish to the rod for the required dropback. They’ll coach you on everything you need to know.

Plan Ahead for Fishing Days: The Marina (and your crew) need advance notice of your fishing days. By letting them know the week before you arrive, they’ll have the Marina staff splash the boat and it will be ready. They’ll leave whenever you want, most days we meet at the marina at 7am so we’re fishing by 8, at home port by 4:30pm.

Fishing Licenses: Are $24 per person and for sale at the marina. They are valid for 1 year. Everyone on the boat must have one, whether fishing or observing. (It’s a revenue thing for the Costa Rican government!)

Food, drink on the boat: They recommend stocking up on soft drinks and beer at the fuel dock (you can buy fruit drinks, sport drinks, Costa Rican beer and soft drinks by the 12 pack). Pack a lunch or you can pre-order a box lunch from the HookUp restaurant.