That’s Fishin’ – December 2021

The rains are almost over, and December officially marks the beginning of the dry season here on the Central Pacific Coast. Expect the fishing and the weather here to be HOT, HOT, HOT and we are so glad that you are here to join us.

2021 DORADO DERBY—WHAT A BLAST!

As I write, we are just coming down from the high that was one of the most successful tournaments ever here at the Marina Pez Vela. The 2021 Dorado Derby which took place on Nov 13th was one for the local history books as no fewer than 56 of Costa’s most well-known boats took to the high seas in search of the largest Dorado (Mahi Mahi). The 7am ‘shotgun start’ literally gave us goosebumps, witnessing the amazing scenes of all 56 boats lined up before racing off into the horizon, with every single one of them truly believing, today could be their day for victory. The FUN & SIMPLE format of this event has been designed so that literally every single boat in the fleet has a chance of winning. Simply catch the heaviest Dorado to take home the winning check & more importantly the lifelong bragging rights! And that is exactly what TEAM OFFENSIVE did, catching a monstrous 65lb Dorado, taking home a check for more than US$26,000—just wow! Huge congrats to everyone at TEAM OFFENSIVE!

A BIG shout out to MATTHEW ORLOWSKI who was the Champion Junior Angler with a 25lb Dorado, this young guy fished his heart out and the win was well deserved, definitely one to watch for the future! CRYSTAL PETEREK was the top Lady Angler and huge congrats to Crystal, fishing against some of the seriously talented Lady Anglers we have in the Quepos area.

RESULTS—2021 DORADO DERBY (Nov 13th)

Team Offensive, 65lb Dorado
Team Nastia Bill, 47lb Dorado
Team Nameless, 43lb Dorado

OFFSHORE FISHING

The Offshore fishing right now will provide some of the best species variety of the entire year. December water temperatures are ideal, making it perfect for Billfish but also a great time of year for gamefish also. Striped Marlin made a welcome appearance during November and many of the Quepos charter boats had great days releasing Striped Marlin in amongst the more common Sailfish and Blue Marlin. Most of the Striped Marlin are in the 60-120lb range with most Captains agreeing they are one of the prettiest fish in the Ocean and such a joy to catch on 30lb class tackle. Congrats to regular Manuel Antonio visitor Ginny Moore who released a stunning Striped Marlin aboard GOOD DAY, tagging & releasing the fish for Gray Fishtag Research & naming it in honour of her late father. Lifelong memories are being made out there on the water day in day out and it is no wonder that Costa Rica continues to touch the hearts and minds of our visitors from all over the world.

December is an excellent month for Blue Marlin, most certainly one of the best months of the entire year and with our blues averaging in the 150-200lb range, you are guaranteed some exhilarating sights if you are lucky enough to hook one. The 42’ PACIFIC FLY released 4 Blue Marlin on November 13th, raising a total of 6 Blue Marlin that day alone, just incredible stuff! The 25’ centre console IDRA 2, is more accustomed to Roosterfish & Snook fishing but got in the Marlin action also releasing a stunning 300-350lb Black Marlin whilst Dorado fishing, huge congrats guys! Expect more of the excellent Marlin fishing to continue through December and for Sailfish numbers to increase as the month progresses before peak Sailfish season is upon us January through April.

Dorado fishing in November was exceptional and whilst we do not expect as many Dorado during December, this is an excellent time of year to catch a Trophy Bull Dorado over 40lbs. Costa Rica is one of the best places on the planet to land a BIG BULL DORADO and every year specimens in the 50-70lb range are landed here. The turn of the year (December/January) is the best time for large Yellowfin Tuna and watch this space for some serious fish photos over the next couple of months. Every year our charter fleet sees Yellowfins up to and over 200lbs at this time of year with Tuna in the 30-100lb range common. And to complete the Pelagic species, there will still be a Wahoo or two over the Offshore reefs for those Angler wanting to target them, in addition to Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack whilst bottom fishing and jigging.

INSHORE FISHING

The Inshore fishing from December through April is the best of the year here in Quepos. Now that the rains have ended and the Inshore water clarity improves, huge schools of sardines arrive along the beaches of Quepos and bring a vast amount of predators with them. Roosterfish, Snappers, Jacks, Mackerel, Corvina, Snook, Tripletail, Blue Fin Trevally, Grouper, and more can all be targeted during Inshore charters out of Quepos. The beaches and river mouths at Parrita, Naranjo, Savegre, and Baru can often provide some excellent variety and light tackle fishing with spinning gear is excellent here. Snook are often the most sought after fish at the river mouths and now is an excellent time to target a big Costa Rican Snook. Small to mid-sized Roosterfish frequent the beaches whilst most of the larger Trophy Sized Roosterfish are caught close to the rocks and islands in deeper water. Roosterfish are often top of the Inshore wish list for many of our visiting Anglers and you have come to the right place if you would like to fish for Roosters. We have some excellent charter boats providing Inshore charters, be sure to check out GOOD DAY, CHLOE FRIJOLE, IDRA 2, CAPTAIN SKY, MUCHO FISHO, & MIRSE AZUL if you would like an Inshore charter. Half-day 5-hour trips and full-day 9-hour trips are catered for and absolutely no experience is necessary, the crews will teach you everything you need to know.

2022 TOURNAMENT DATES

We are now in the midst of tournament season and from now through June we have a fantastic schedule of events here at the Marina Pez Vela. With tournament formats to suit all experience levels, from beginners to pro-anglers, all our welcome and we would love to hear from you if you would like to join the fun! marinapezvela.com/tournaments/

January 15-16, 2022 Pelagic Rockstar
February 5, 2022 Roosterfish Rodeo
February 17-19, 2022 Pescadora Billfish Championship (Ladies Only)
March 5, 2022 Sailfish Slam
April 22-23, 2022 Marina Pez Vela Open
April 25-29, 2022 Offshore World Championship
June 18, 2022 Summer Solstice Shootout

Tight Lines & I hope to see you out there!

Benn Gilmour
Jackpot Sport Fishing, Marina Pez Vela, Quepos