February 2, 2012

FishingNosara has been working for years to dispel certain myths about fishing in Costa Rica, namely that the fishery is world-class yet the boats and tackle are the exact opposite. Our reputation for top-notch tackle and aggressive fishing proceeded us when we received a call from Derrell McCrary.

Mr. McCrary was fishing on another boat in the  area back in December when he noticed that FishingNosara was catching monsters while he was catching minnows. He booked a full day on the Wanderer and this time we vowed that his fishing experience would be world class.

Captain William pointed the mighty Wanderer south and found the blue water break just 6 miles offshore. The spread was working early in the day, snaring a pair of nice Dorados (Mahi-Mahi) that weighed 30lbs. each. Here is one of the tasty green morsels:


After a brief spell of nothing biting, the 1pm Sailfish bite lit up and two hungry Pacific Sailfish came tearing through the spread. First Mate Alex coordinated the fights and the releases, notching the Wanderer‘s scorecard with three more excellent billfish releases including a double header Sailfish release.

This performance certainly exorcised the Costa Rica fishing demons for Derrell McCrary, but FishingNosara’s reputation wasn’t built on meeting expectations but on exceeding them. That is why after 7 great hours of fishing the mighty Wanderer still had a trick up her sleeve.

This 180lbs. Striped Marlin releases is the third of the month for Captain William and proves that the FishingNosara flagship Wanderer is indeed the top boat in the area; she is a vessel that flourishes where other fail.

February 1, 2012

Legendary day for the mighty Wanderer and the Zach Condon group. This New Hampshire-based angler has seen the results put up by Captain William and First Mate Alex for other New Englanders (most recently the Mukon family) and he immediately booked a full day on the on the flagship.

Zach said they wanted billfish…Fishin’ Accomplished!


As usual the big blue beast delivered the goods for these clients who released a MASSIVE 300+lbs. Blue Marlin and backed that up with a 180lbs. Striped Marlin. They also had a Sailfish but lost it right next to the boat, literally inches from the second Grand Slam of the young season for the Wanderer.

First up was the bad Blue Marlin…this guy is a monster even by Costa Rican standards! Amazing teamwork to safely land this monster and set up a safe Marlin release.

Looks like we need to get a wide angle lens for the camera!


We talk a lot about successful billfish being the result of combining the right boat, angler, and tackle for the job. This dedication to teamwork and precision was on display an hour later when another bodacious billfish beckoned.

Look at this picture from the Striped Marlin battle, and take careful note of everyone’s eyes:


  • The angler’s eyes are on locked on the fish and she is focused on maintaining tension and winning back line from the Marlin.
  • Her assistant is baling the line back on to the spool properly, thus freeing the angler from worrying about the tackle.
  • First Mate Alex is watching the tip of the rod for clues on the Marlin’s next move. He can tell by the faintest jerk or vibration of the rod tip if the fish is about to take off running, dive deep, or charge the boat…by transmitting this info to Captain William at the tiller he provides the Wanderer with a split-second advantage over the Marlin.

Focused Angler + Proper Tackle + Captain/Crew teamwork = Great Marlin Releases!


What an outstanding trip for Zach Condon! This was certainly a trip for the ages and another Hall of Fame performance for the mighty Wanderer.

January 31, 2012

Excellent day of fishing on the Wanderer by client Dave Ulev from Illinois. His group wanted to specifically target Yellowfin Tuna so Captain William chased the dolphin schools while First Mate Alex deployed a spread featuring the undeniable Cedar plug.


The fish came in hot and heavy, one after the other, and Dave didn’t stop until the box was filled with Yella fellas and Jack Crevalle.


Great filets for Dave and another outstanding effort by the famous Wanderer!

January 30, 2012

Nosara Paradise Rentals and FishingNosara had an excellent weekend at the 65th Annual Jacksonville Boat Show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. We met thousands of great folks and managed to raise over $500 for Jacksonville Marine Charities.


The big winner of our $1450 vacation package was Margo from Jacksonville. Her name was pulled at random from over 100 entries and she is packing her bags for a week in paradise. Here is her email to Craig:

Dear Craig,

Oh My !!! Still am pinching myself about the trip to Costa Rica !!!!! WOW ! I think I am still somewhat numb about it all. Can’t thank you enough for your offering such a fabulous prize ! And to have won it is beyond my wildest imagination !!!! Thank you, thank you!

Blessings,
Margo

January 30, 2012

We were stoked to host a wedding fishing fiesta with Rob Anderson and his group from Dallas, TX. They split the party between the Wanderer and the Explorer. Both boats saw consistent action, but the Wanderer had the edge when it comes to good eatin’ keepers.


Captain William and the big blue beauty accounted for 10 Yellowfin tunas and five Jack Crevalles in the fishbox, while over on the Explorer Captain David’s group got a bunch of Bonita and a few feisty reef Snapper.


No matter how you score it, Mr. Anderson and his group certainly caught enough fish for the wedding party. Great work team!

January 29, 2012

Richmond and Brooke followed up they inshore sushi shopping trip with another trip with Captain David on the indefatigable Explorer. This time they were joined by Daniel Shields (FishingNosara’s Chief Technology/Ecology Advisor) and his lovely wife Maria Yetty.

Captain David put the barroom brawler onto a secret spot of the reef, and today’s was twice as productive has Richmond’s prior trip. The highlight of the day was this intriguing Rooster Fish, which was released after the photo session.


They backed up that catch with some meat for the cooler in the form of a few nice Jack Crevalles and more Tuna.


Most importantly Hall of Famer Richmond Phipps had a great time on the Explorer and will certainly be back for some more old-school extreme panga fishing.

January 28, 2012

FishingNosara Hall of Famer Richmond Phipps made her first visit to the Explorer today and certainly got back to her fishing roots on the 26-foot Super Panga. Senora Phipps has been working the fish in Garza Bay from panga boats since the Nixon administration and the reef dwellers still tremble in fear when Richmond in on the water.


Richmond was joined by her daughter and great friend to FishingNosara Brooke Shields for the first of two trips on the Explorer. Captain David kept them on the fish, and in less than three hours they pulled in a pair of nice White Tunas for the dinner table along with some other assorted nibbles.


Fantastic evening of inshore fishing for Richmond and Brooke on the powerful 26-foot Explorer.

January 27, 2012

Captain David and the 26-foot Explorer welcomed Jay Johnston and his group for an afternoon half-day fishing trip. The California anglers wanted to target Yellowfin Tuna primarily, but the 1pm Sailfish bite proved too alluring so Captain David took it offshore early in the trip.


This excellent Sailfish was released unharmed after a brief but vigorous 10 minute fight. Captain David knows what to do when these big fish come calling and he brought this fight to a quick, safe and satisfying conclusion.


Jay’s posse kept their collective foot on the gas once the Explorer returned inshore and anchored up to Pincha Padre. They finished the evening with 10 Yellowfin Tunas weighing between 12lbs. and 20lbs. in the box.

Check out the Wasabi/Soy sauce tray in the right foreground…No one’s going hungry in the Johnston group tonight!


January 27, 2012

Amazing Kayak Safari Tour today that featured a canine companion and an excellent Snook catch by El Jefe. Local man Humberto Avila was joined by guide Arturo for a lazy float down the Rio Nosara.



Once they got to the river mouth and broke out the fishing poles, look who they ran into:


No other than Nosara Paradise Rentals GM Javier Hernandez along with another fantastic Snook. El Jefe is a Snook catching machine and he always knows where the big boys are hiding. Another great day on the river!


January 25, 2012

Brian Bickel and his boys from South Georgia lit it up today with nice Sailfish and Dorados. The spinning porpoises led the famous Wanderer out to a full-on feeding frenzy.


They had three Sailfish in the spread throughout the day with two successful catch and releases.


This hungry posse also put three big Dorados in the box which should keep them pleasantly plump for the rest of the week.






Great start for these fellas who still have more fishing planned this week.