That’s Fishin’ November 2013

By Sarah Munro 

Ohhhh yeah, it’s that time of year folks. The time of year when fishermen wring their hands, lick their lips and look to the sea for their adventure. That’s just what I’ve been doing too. It might be off-season for tourists, but the fishing season is ON! 

Headed out to what’s known to locals as ‘veintiséis’ with some friends this past month. This is a reef located 35 miles offshore, where the water comes up from 4000 feet to 200 feet in spots. You know what that means right? FISH. Seriously, all kinds of fish – check out the photo of the fish in the bucket and you’ll see a nice variety of edible faces. 

Now seriously speaking, I was the winner on the day even though I had the least amount of angling time in. My first fish was a beauty red snapper, and the second came 20 minutes later, (thank the Fish Gods), because I needed the strength in my arms for what came next. My very first amberjack – and she didn’t come easy that’s for sure. 

When you go out fishing with other anglers, and when the mates fish, it puts a different kind of edge on the day. You take turns on rods, and just try to deal with someone hitting the biggest fish of the day right after you handed them the rod. That’s fishing and you have to deal with it, even if it’s a girl. 

Frustrated with leaving an hour late, and watching 5 other people fish for an hour, I made it known I was ready to fish. Finally, the dude handed me the rod, I had a look at the tackle, and started to drop line. I kept dropping, dropping, until 300 feet, and then gave it a sharp stop and a jig. Next thing I know it gave a big ass jig back, and the line started to fly out. What a fight I was in for. The sweat immediately began pouring off, and every ounce of strength and balance was needed to keep this fish on the line. Never-mind that 4 other anglers had lines out, the waves were choppy at best, and ended up with 3 line tangles along the fight. 

‘She’ fought almost as good as I did. Keeping my eye on the line, and paying attention to the exact moment where she was going to pull and run again tested my skill as an angler. I am proud to say that I surprised myself and didn’t let my excitement to see the fish kill my chances of actually landing it. 

So I fought, double handed on the rod when the fish ran, and when my arms needed those few seconds to recover and reel again. Back and forth across the stern of the boat we went, the fight lasting 20 minutes, but feeling like hours. 

Finally, the flash of the leader surfaced, the mate stuck her with the gaff, threw her on deck and she was finally mine. Biggest fish of the day, and on light tackle. Great news for me, just check out the smile on my face! 

I was hot after that, pulling in ‘Family Meal’ size red snappers and loving every minute of it. There’s just no satisfaction like fishing. 

I mentioned earlier the types of different fish in the water, and twice we spotted hammerhead sharks lurking around the boat, and we managed a sailfish release as well. The day doesn’t take long to fly, and we started back in to Marina Pez Vela. Along the way is another local reef hotspot, known for grouper and we stopped there for about an hour. 

I have to say, even though we shared time fishing on this excursion, it had to be one of my favorite times out on the water here. It was a challenge from the beginning; and with everyone pitching in and taking turns we all left with more than a bag of fish. We left with the memory of a day that will not fade fast. And that’s just what fishing is about. Why else would we all be telling fish stories? 

If you’d like to be telling your own fish story, I suggest you check out the local waters here. Inshore is kicking right now, friends out of Los Sueños have been tagging Corvina, Jack, Barracuda, Roosters, Snappers. (And we all fish the same waters around here, so no worries if the report is out of Sueños) I’ve been hearing some crazy stuff down south in Golfito, where Marlin releases are reaching epic proportions. You know what this means, the Marlin are on their way, so are the Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo’s been hitting too. 

As far as fishing news goes here in Quepos, Marina Pez Vela just announced the dates for the 3rd annual Quepos Billfish Cup February 19th-22nd, 2014. This is an Offshore World Championship Qualifying Event, and included in The Billfish Tournament Series of Central America. You’ll be ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ me there, if you’d like to check out last years event and results go to queposbillfishcup.com, all of my audio updates throughout the tournament are there, and you can get registered for this years event. I look forward to the competition. 

If you’re looking for some fishing on mostly flat water, closer to land, make sure you ask for mangrove fishing. Our mangroves hold some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet, and this is a great time of year to head out. 

As for me, I’m going to start stalking some mahi-mahi and marlin this month – got my tackle all set up for a new female world record. Keep your fingers crossed folks and ask the Fish Gods “Please” for me when you’re out there! 

So, there you have it, all that’s left to do is book your boat and get your sea legs working. Its kind of prolific awesome, so make sure you take your camera. 

Want a referral to one of my preferred Captains? Call 8708-6152 or email [email protected] OR… come on down to The Hawg n’ Bill – the new bar/restaurant on the beach. Sarah’s got something special for you there. 

Sarah Munro is an ex-pat Canadian living in the Manuel Antonio area; who has been fishing since infancy. Rumor has it, Sarah gutted her first fish before she could ride a bike. It’s quite likely, that yes, one day the fish will come for her. 

Looking for more of  That’s Fishin’? Check out all of my Quepolandia articles here.