That’s Fishin’ – August 2022

Welcome to the August edition of That’s Fishin’ for more tales of the high seas from World Record setting Snook, monster Marlin, Trophy Roosterfish and the ever-present Tuna and Dorado keeping the lines tight of our visiting Anglers from around the world.

OFFSHORE FISHING

July provided some solid all-round fishing with some great species variety. There were Wahoo showing over the Offshore Reefs with plenty of fish in the 20-30lb category, and a few larger specimens also. Huge congrats to Reg Talbot from England who landed a huge 60lb Wahoo aboard GOOD DAY which measured 65” in length, just an epic fish by anyone’s standards. There was a surprise Tuna bite for much of late June/early July when the Tuna schools pushed close in and were popping up only 10-15 miles Offshore right in front of the Marina Pez Vela. Most fish were in the 30lb range but there were some larger 50-80lb Tuna mixed in also giving our Anglers some excellent action and some amazing aerial scenes of the Tuna feeding on Flying Fish and Ballyhoo bait schools.

The Dorado fishing was excellent throughout July, the seasonal rains have been keeping a steady supply of debris such as logs, floating trees etc at the current breaks 5 to 15 miles Offshore where the Dorado like to hang out. There have been lots of Dorado in the 5lb to 15lb class with the odd 30-50lb Bull Dorado also.
We have been seeing Sailfish on most Offshore trips and this should continue through August. The Blue Marlin fishing during day charters in July was better than it was during June with most Marlin in the 150-180lb range but with some larger fish mixed in also. Huge congrats to Satch from North Carolina who had the family fishing trip on a lifetime in mid-July catching a 250lb Blue Marlin aboard GOOD DAY which his 12-year-old son tagged for the GRAY FISHTAG RESEARCH program before releasing it. Memories made for a lifetime! The Blue Marlin Fishing at our Offshore FADS & SEAMOUNTS has been firing on all cylinders with boats HOG WILD & CARIBSEA posting some incredible Marlin catches during June and July with the bite not expecting to slow down during August.

Closer to shore, August should continue to provide excellent opportunities for Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado plus Snapper and Grouper for those who want to try bottom fishing.

INSHORE FISHING

A huge congratulations to Mr George Beckwith Jnr. for catching one of the largest Snook of the season on July 3rd. The 43.8lb Pacific Black Snook was caught by George on just 6lb line and is a potential IGFA World Record for 6lb line class, currently pending official verification. A huge congratulations to George and Captain Roy Zapata of SKY 2 for yet another feather in his Snook Fishing cap. Roy already holds 3 different Snook World Records and is without a doubt Costa Rica’s MR SNOOK, look no further than Capt. Roy if you would like to target Snook here at the Marina Pez Vela.

In addition to Snook, July produced some steady Roosterfish fishing as well as Jacks, Mackerel, Snapper and more.

On the occasions that seasonal rains and murky water make catching livebait a challenge, Captains have the option to push 5 to 15 miles Offshore to search for Dorado at the current/debris lines or try some Bottom fishing for Snapper, Grouper, Congrio, and Tilefish.

The 25th June marked the continuation of the 2022 ROOSTERFISH STUDY with MARINA PEZ VELA & GRAY FISHTAG RESEARCH. A huge thank you to Angler Mr Peter DiFillipo for his assistance in tagging a 52” Roosterfish during a trip aboard GOOD DAY. After an already epic day catching Tuna, Sailfish and Dorado, Peter and his buddy Sax capped off a perfect day on the water by catching two Roosterfish including the 52” fish that we deployed the Satellite tag into. This was the third Roosterfish that we have Satellite tagged out of the Marina Pez Vela this year, the data received so far has been incredible and we cannot wait to share more results with you as they are received in the months to come.

August will provide more opportunities for Trophy Roosterfish plus Snapper, Jacks, Mackerel and more. If you would like an Inshore trip of your own, be sure to check out some of our great Inshore boats CHLOE FRIJOLE, IDRA 2, MARLIN B, GOOD DAY, SKY 2, MIRSE AZUL, ROCKSTAR, & THE CROCODILE. Half-day Inshore trips are a great way to get your family on the water and be back at the Marina by lunchtime to beat the seasonal rains.

SUMMER SOLSTICE SHOOTOUT

The final tournament of this season took place on 18th June, the Summer Solstice Shootout is a really cool scavenger hunt type format where 16 boats set out to catch as many different species of fish as possible. Planning, Tactics, Teamwork, and of course a bit of luck all played a part in deciding who the winning team will be. The Summer Solstice now in its second year has cemented its place in our FUN tournament fishing series and a huge thanks to everyone who took part and congratulations to our winners, TEAM BLUE DAZE fished fantastically and took the overall win, heaviest Dorado, and most Grouper jackpots, well done guys!

2022 Summer Solstice Shootout Results

Dazed Texans aboard BLUE DAZE 9 species
Team BILCO aboard SKY II 8 species
Team Raven & Team Hatta Dream 7 species

Heaviest Dorado Blue Daze 39lb
Heaviest Grouper Pescadora 15lb
Heaviest Bonito Los Gatos
Most Snapper Species Hatta Dream
Most Grouper Species Blue Daze

2022 DORADO DERBY!

One of the most popular events in the Marina Pez Vela tournament calendar is the Dorado Derby which kicks off our 2022/23 tournament season with the Dorado Derby happening on November 12th and the Dorado Derby Dos on November 19th. Now is the time to reserve your boat as this event is always a sell-out. It is a low cost, family friendly, FUN tournament with a simple format of catch the heaviest fish. No experience is required and entry is open to ALL. We would love to see you at the Marina for one of the coolest events on the calendar, simply drop me or the team at iFish Marina Pez Vela online for more info.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The dates for the next seasons tournaments have now been set, be sure to put these dates in your diary and see the full schedule at marinapezvela.com/tournaments/

November 12, 2022 Dorado Derby
November 19, 2022 Dorado Derby Dos
January 13-14, 2023 Pelagic Rockstar
February 4, 2023 Roosterfish Rodeo
February 17-18, 2023 Pescadora Billfish Championship (Ladies Only)
March 4, 2023 Sailfish Slam
April 15, 2023 Marina Pez Vela Open
April 16-21, 2023 Offshore World Championships
June 17, 2023 Summer Solstice Shootout

Tight lines! See you on the water!

Benn Gilmour
Jackpot Sport Fishing, Marina Pez Vela, Quepos