Costa Rica Fishing Report from FishingNosara
Costa Rica Fishing Report Archive | FishingNosara
Craig Sutton returned to the offshore bite on August 17 as Captain William guided the flagship to the scene of yesterday’s Grand Slam.
Once again the billfish were in the house as Craig released two Marlins: one Blue and one big Black!
August has been an action-packed month for the last few years, but this billfish bite is unheard-of!
Amazing news from the Wanderer! The big blue beauty scored a billfish Grand Slam on August 16 with releases of Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, and Pacific Sailfish!
It was an honor to welcome our good friends Charly and Silvia back to the Wanderer; historically they have cleaned up on BIG Yellowfin Tunas in November, but this time they came to Nosara at just the right time to snare big billfish.
Silvia’s Sailfish got the party started at 11am with the release stamped at 11:15am.
Two lines screamed off for Craig and Charly at 12:37 as one Blue Marlin and one Black Marlin assaulted the Wanderer‘s spread.
Excellent fish handling by First Mate Alex in seeing to the safe release of both fish during a very hectic double hook-up.
The afternoon continued to produce strikes, but it wasn’t until 4:15pm that the hook once again struck paydirt. Charly belted up to battle this Striped Marlin:
Upon release the Wanderer had scored one of the toughest feats in fishing: the Billfish Grand Slam!
Joel Adler scored a magic Marlin release on the Wanderer. This beauty approached the boat around 10:40am and by 11:15 she was cleanly released.
Great work by Captain William and First Mate Alex, the best crew in Garza!
Newland Crocker is a dyed-in-the-wool fisherman from the Tar Heel State and it was an honor to host his group on the mighty Wanderer for a landmark day of fishing. They got off to a fast start with a wonderful 250lbs. Striped Marlin release.
Not to rest on their laurels, these North Carolinians added three Sailfish release including a very challenging Double Sailfish release:
What better way to round out a day of trophy releases than to bloody the decks and fill the icebox with this very tasty 35lbs. Dorado?
Excellent fishing as always from the boat that is ruling Garza Bay.
Charlie and the boys couldn’t resist adding one more full day on the mighty Wanderer before returning to the States, and Capt. Phillips finally got his chance at the fish of a lifetime.
Charlie Phillips: Today was an epic end to a fantasy week for me. I battled the most noble of the billfish, the majestic Blue Marlin, and was rewarded with a photo, the hook removed and in my pocket then a successful release. One of the best days I have ever experienced on the water. And better yet we ended up two!
The second Marlin (below) came at 11am for Charlie fresh on the heels of his first (above).
Jason followed up with his own excellent Marlin release.
Charlie Phillips: “This was by far the most enjoyable vacation that myself or anyone in my group has ever experienced. Your staff is wonderful and took care of us as though we were family the entire time, something that is greatly appreciated. And your captains and crews are true masters of their craft. As a working captain myself, it is a true joy watching them work to make our trips a great success.”
Charlie Phillips, Joe Timm, and Jason Kintner blew the fish out of the water on August 1, posting their best performance to date. How about two Marlin (300lbs. and 500lbs.) and a Sailfish for the trophy case and a nice 25lbs. Mahi for the dinner table?
Jason Kintner: “SIX Pacific Sail Fish on the Explorer with Capt David and First Mate Kevin in one day, followed by TWO Pacific Blue Marlin releases with Capt William and First Mate Alex the next day out!!! OUTSTANDING!!! We WILL BE BACK!! Amazing fishery, amazing people!! William, Alex, David and Kevin were profesional in every way. See y’all again soon!!!“
Laura McLean Phillips: “The crew of the Wanderer is AMAZING! These guys know how to make some memories.”
Things I learned in Costa Rica
Catching Bonita on light tackle is FUN!!!!
Catching Mahi is A LOT of FUN!!
Catching Pacific Sailfish on Catfish gear is GREAT Fun!!!
Catching 400# Pacific Blue Marlin on 30# test after fighting it for 1 1/2 hours is BRUTAL!! MUCHO respect for the Blue Marlin…Now where did I put that IcyHot…..
-Jason Kintner
David Schwertner and his posse had a magnificent day on the super panga on July 28.
The bill collectors swarmed the legendary Explorer as Captain David on the helm and Captain Carlos in the cockpit bringing their substantial experience to bear on these brutal billfish:
\
Glenn Wootton and his family had a lights-out performance on the mighty Wanderer on July 26. These South Florida anglers started out with a fantastic Marlin release:
Here are some pictures that Glenn sent along with the following message:
“The first picture is me after 10 minutes; the last one is a half hour
later. He kicked my ass “
The Wanderer boated a trio of nice Sailfish to follow up on their earlier Marlin score.
For their final trick, Glenn’s posse nabbed some tasty Wahoo for the dinner table. Excellent work ladies!
Great work by the incomparable Captain William and First Mate Alex on a day with safe billfish releases and dinner in the fishbox.