Craig Sutton – Page 11 – Costa Rica Fishing Report from FishingNosara

August 15, 2010

On August 15th Craig enjoyed his last day in Costa on the Wanderer along with good friends Andrew (from Playa Garza), Andrew (from Playa Jacksonville), and the Georgia peach Paula. It was a relaxing trip without the hustle and bustle of the TV crew, but Craig still found time to catch a 150lbs. Striped Marlin.

With a meter-long razor-sharp spear and a top speed over 60 knots, these fish are known for their aggressive fighting tactics and bulldog strength. This particular Marlin had the attitude of a bareknuckle street-fighter, but Craig stayed vigilant on the reel and Alex was right there to safely bill and release this massive marine monster.

Of course the greatest victory for FishingNosara crews is the safe release of all billfish. As with dozens of other Marlins and Sailfish caught by the Wanderer this season, this brutal behemoth was safely released back into the blue water.

Captain William and the boys are feeling on top of the world these days. The fish are biting, the clients are smiling, and the schedule is filling up fast.

It’s hard to believe that it has been a year already since completing the Wanderer. This boat represent a classic story of a few dudes getting themselves WAAAAYYYY in over their heads, but persevering to succeed beyond even their own imaginations.

August 14, 2010

Craig Sutton and the Inside Sportfishing crew had one thing on their minds when they hit the water on August 11th: Marlin.

This bad boy came tearing up the spread and hit the naked ballyhoo rig so hard it almost pulled the rod holder right off the boat. After an amazingly acrobatic 25 minute fight, the fish was finally in range to be billed. With the stress of the fight and the huge stature of the fish, we decided to release without removing it from the water.

On the final day of filming, the crew got a Blue Marlin hooked up and tailwalking for the cameras, but this one got away. They retreated to the reefs and caught a whole boatload of Yellowfin Tunas and Dorados.

Look for episodes of Inside Sportfishing from Nosara in the near future. It was a blast to host these seasoned world travelers and treat them to some world-class fishing and down-home fun!

July 11, 2010

2010 Ancient City Kingfish Challenge

37.70lbs. King Mackeral caught by Craig Sutton on Fishtastic.

Captain Craig Sutton and the Fishtastic came in second place in this year’s tournament. First Mate Carl, Andrew, and Paula were on the crew for the catch, which was in first for the whole first day and most of the final day, but that’s fishing.

We were honored to give away a week in Nosara to the lucky winner of the raffle. Great work by the crew, the staff, and Capitan Craig!

July 5, 2010

I forgot to mention that last month I got the chance to fish with my good friend and Lifetime Achievement Hall of Famer Richmond Phipps and her daughter Brooke Shields. She was there for the awesome Rooster fish (pictured above) that we caught with a live bonita. Richmond is a legendary angler and in her life has had immeasurable impact in the lives and well-beings of our Captains, crew and staff. We love you Richmond!

May 30, 2010

Craig Sutton was joined by clients Ray Carter and the lovely Georgia peach Paula Price for a great trip on the Wanderer on May 30th.

The weather was just about as perfect as could be imagined and the party had a fantastic array of catches. In total they caught a mean little 20lbs. Wahoo (above), a 30lbs. Amberjack, a 35lbs. Cuberra snapper and two 12lbs. Yellowfin tuna.

The highlight of the trip was a pair of 100+lbs. Sailfish releases. Paula showed her skills on the reel as both fights were under ten minutes and both fish were released.

March 26, 2010

Captain William has the Wanderer locked in and has cemented her reputation as the king of the hill! Captain William had several awesome days fishing this month and the clients have been grinning from ear to ear!

On March 26th Manuel (Concierge Numero Uno at Nosara Paradise Rentals) and Craig Sutton released a Black marlin, one Sailfish and lost a nice dorado.

The marlin was going absolutely crazy, moving from one teaser to the other one and spanking it with his bill. One of the teasers broke clean off ! I spent 42 minutes to release this fish, albeit with a few water breaks. This marked the beginning of some great billfish action on the Wanderer in March and April.

Most of the days I fished in March we were raising several Sails and releasing 2 to 4 on half days.

March 22, 2010

On March 22nd, Jim Bridges and his party really captured the flag this month with a ridiculous FIVE Sailfish released in a single day, including the infamous Double Bill Shot. Craig Sutton and Charly Bernhardt were also aboard the Wanderer for the feat.

Great work Captain William and mates Alex and David for coming up with the idea for the picture, and then having the guts to hold onto these powerful Sailfish.

January 30, 2010

Longtime friend and client Scott D’Arrigo joined Craig Sutton and the crew of the Wanderer for a very memorable day of fishing on January 30th.

With Craig in command of the cockpit and Scotty on the reel they pulled in this massive Sailfish…Craig brought the big fella into the boat himself, a first time for him with a Pacific Sailfish.

January 22, 2010

January 22 was a fantastic day on the Wanderer with Craig landing a 65+lbs. Cubera Snapper, a 10lbs. Yellowfin Tuna and two 10lbs. Black Tunas. In addition they managed to raise five Sailfish.

We gotten to the point where we can get these Cuberas pretty much whenever we want…we’ve perfected a tactic that you can adapt in your home waters. Check it out: FishingNosara.com Tactics

November 25, 2009

On November 25 the Wanderer was full up again with Craig, Matty, Lucy from Los Angeles, and ‘Lucky’ Brian from San Francisco. Brian is an avid surfer who has visited Nosara for several years, but didn’t want to go fishing because he thought he was bad luck.

No such thing in these waters, my friend! Brian and Lucy absolutely destroyed the schools of tuna on our inshore reefs. Of course, Brian was the icebreaker, catching this 12lbs. Yellowfin tuna first…for the rest of the trip his nickname was ‘Lucky’.

Lucy is an LA County Lifeguard who knows a thing or two about water rescues, but I bet she never had a fight in the water like this Yellowfin tuna. She hung tough, and by day’s end there were eight yummy tunas for the Californians.