That’s Fishin’- August 2019

Welcome to the August edition of Quepolandia and what a fantastic couple of months of fishing we have experienced here in paradise with some great action taking place and lots of happy visitors from all corners of the world getting to experience it for themselves.

TUNA TUNA TUNA!!

The Tuna fishing during June & July was simply world class with lots of fish in the 30-100lb class being caught by the Quepos fleet. Some lucky Anglers managed really special fish in the 100-150 lb category, back breaking work for sure with fights lasting 1-2 hours on occasions depending on the tackle used. Congratulations to Stephen Dudra from Jacksonville, Florida who caught a Yellow Fin Tuna in the 120 lb class during his recent trip to Quepos, an epic fish for sure! Countless more 100+ pounders have been caught creating bragging rights for the lucky anglers and there have been some fishy tales exchanged at the Quepos bars about these monsters for sure!

OFFSHORE REPORT

In addition to the great Tuna fishing, the general Offshore bite has been nothing short of phenomenal during June and July. Water temperatures fluctuated, some days it read 79 degrees after heavy rains cooled the surface temperate whilst other days it was up to 88 degrees, which is super warm for the time of year. Some fish species like Wahoo prefer the cooler water but other species such as Sailfish do not mind it warmer which is why they typically thrive here during our slightly warmer months (Dec-Apr). The warmer water temperatures and plentiful baitfish has meant that the Sailfish bite around 30 miles out at a location known as ‘The Corner’ has been simply epic in June-July. Many boats have had banner Sailfish days getting into double digit release numbers on Sailfish, which is just great for this time of year in what are traditionally slower months for Sailfish. Blue Marlin started appearing in greater numbers during early July with most fish in the 150-250 lb range and this should continue through August which is usually a strong month for Blue Marlin. There have been a few Black Marlin at the Reefs as Dominical resident Kyle Vogeler and his grandson found out when they battled a 300 lb Black Marlin for 2 hours on 30 lb class tackle, one they will not forget for a while!

Dorado numbers have been increasing steadily and some larger fish started showing in July with reports of a few fish in the 40-70 lb category. Expect to see more and more Dorado as August and September progress before the Dorado bite really peaks around November at the end of the rainy season. For pure fishing action here in Costa Rica, it is difficult to beat a day on the Dorado when there are lots of fish in the 20-25 lb category to target.

Bottom fishing at our Offshore reefs has been great recently and will continue through August. Silky Snappers and Snowy Groupers have made up most of the catches with other species such as Tilefish, Split Tail Bass, & Congrio making an appearance also.

INSHORE FISHING

August is a great time to target a large Roosterfish here in Quepos. Every season we see some real monster Roosterfish (60-100 lb) caught & released at this time of year and Anglers looking for a bucket list Roosterfish should fish either a full or half day inshore trip along the rocks and islands close to shoreline. The Naranjo rocks area is a particular favourite for a large Roosterfish and a Lookdown or Blue Runner livebait will give you a good chance of success. On calm days your captain may be able to fish close to one of the local river mouths where the chance of Snook, Snapper, Tripletail, Jacks and more are available.

TOURNAMENT DATES

The dates have now been released for the 2019/20 Marina Pez Vela Tournament calendar. These events are lots of fun, open to all and no prior tournament experience is necessary. Grab some friends and we would love to have you involved! Full details at marinapezvelatournaments.com.

November 16, 2019 Dorado Derby
January 11-12, 2020 Pelagic Rockstar
February 21-22, 2020 The Pescadora Billfish Championship (Ladies Only!)
March 7, 2020 Roosterfish Rodeo (NEW!)
March 20-21, 2020 Quepos Billfish Cup
April 17-18, 2020 Marina Pez Vela Open
May 23-24, 2010 Pelagic Pura Vida Inshore Classic & Kids tournament!

Hope to see you on the water!

Tight Lines & I would love to hear from you if you would like to go fishing! Benn Gilmour, Jackpot Sport Fishing Marina Pez Vela, Quepos Cell: 8458 4997 [email protected] jackpotsportfishing.com