Captain Fico reports a major Marlin release on June 13 with client James Fenn on the Explorer. Check out this monster:


Costa Rica Fishing Report from FishingNosara
Costa Rica Fishing Report Archive | FishingNosara
Captain Fico reports a major Marlin release on June 13 with client James Fenn on the Explorer. Check out this monster:


Also our buddy Eric Dixon scored the finest feat in all of fishing: Billfish Grand Slam!



To the laymen that’s a Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, and Sailfish on a single trip.



Great work by Captain Carlos, Mate Juan Carlos, and the battleship Discoverer!
Nathan Sylvester and his boys scored with the Wanderer reporting a Double Marlin release backed-up by several Sailfish releases:


The simultaneous Marlin hook-up is a whirlwind of action for even the most experienced anglers, but these youngsters handled it like old pros.




Fifteen minutes after the first release came the second; this mystery Marlin is either a small Blue Marlin, a large Striped Marlin, or the rare Hatchet Marlin.

They also scored a pair of Sailfish later in the trip, rounding out a truly memorable day of fishing.



The Barroom Brawler scored a knockout with client Matt Smoker achieving the Billfish Grand Slam on July 28!

The day started innocently enough with a pair of nice Sailfish releases:


Then Captain Carlos improved upon the scorecard with a small Black Marlin release.

Estimated around 200lbs., this juvenile Black Marlin put up a big fight but was safely handled and released by Mate Kevin.


Then a 500+ lbs. Blue Marlin hit the hook and Matt Smoker belted up for the true fish-of-a-lifetime:



This fish is a true monster and is fitting that it was final jewel in the Grand Slam crown for Mr. Smoker.

Oh, one other thing about this Grand Slam…5hr. HALF DAY TRIP!
Most anglers work their whole lives to accomplish the Grand Slam, but the Explorer only needs 300 minutes…mic drop!
June 9 was a landmark day for the Wanderer and the Vincent boys…let’s have Patrick tell the story:
“Today, with help from my Dad, I accomplished a fishing dream!”








“Together we caught a Billfish Grand Slam which means we caught three different species of Billfish in one day.”












“We caught a 200lb Blue Marlin, a 100lb Striped Marlin, and two Pacific Sailfish at 130lbs and at 80lbs!”
















“It’s something to be proud of and always remembered and I couldn’t think of a better person to share it with than my dad!”
The Marlin Magic of August returned again this year and the last month of the season was also the most productive.
Craig Sutton was joined by Arturo and Alejandro of Nosara Paradise Rentals for a day offshore on the mighty Wanderer and they posted the second Grand Slam of the Week: 2 Blue Marlin, 1 Black Marlin, and a Pacific Sailfish!
The Sailfish was first in the boat as Alejandro flexed his fishing muscles.



Around 11am two lines popped off and the Wanderer strapped in for a double Marlin battle.



Craig took hold of the Black Marlin while Arturo, Alejandro, and Alex combined to fight the Blue Marlin.



Both fish were released safely and the Grand Slam was completed! As a curtain call Craig brought in another Blue Marlin later in the day.








To quote Alejandro: “Un Increíble Día de Pesca!!!!!”


Jim Benvenga release SIX Marlin on the Explorer today plus a Sailfish to complete the legendary Billfish Grand Slam!


How would John Harbord, Jon Ronloff, and Bruce Sabine fare after a seven billfish day yesterday? Would they have anything left in the tank after three excellent days of fishing both offshore and the inshore reefs? Would the billfish finally evade their crafty capture?

Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, and Sailfish released!
This is the classic Grand Slam and is by far the rarest feat in billfishing. Less than a dozen Grand Slams are reported worldwide in a given year and this performance will serve as the high water mark for years to come for Costa Rican sportfishing.


The Stripey was the first one to get snared by the mighty Wanderer‘s spread and John did great work to make this fight quick and efficient. Captain William kept the boat in perfect position for the contest and the angler kept tension like a pro.

Fantastic work by First Mate Alex who is always pumped up when big billfish come calling.

Next up was a very nice Pacific Sailfish which would be a highlight on any other day with any other anglers; for these hombres this Sailfish release was as routine as a free throw.
The final piece of the Grand Slam came in the form of this MASSIVE Black Marlin that came calling later in the day. This monster was huge and the look on Alex’s face tells the tale.



What a fantastic release photo…magazine cover anyone?
Once back in Garza Bay the Tampa-based fishing team was elated, and added this 145lbs. Brown Marlin release:

Legendary fishing by these FishingNosara Hall of Famers!
