That’s Fishin’- July 2018
By Benn Gilmour
BRAZILIANS STORM THE OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!
The Marina Pez Vela was once again the proud hosts of the Offshore World Championships which took place at the end of April. 51 teams from 30 countries descended on Quepos/Manuel Antonio for the Olympics of Sport Fishing and it was a truly special week here in paradise.
328 Sailfish & 24 Marlin were caught and released during the 4 fishing days as well as 18 Dorado, 3 Wahoo and 3 Tuna making it to the scales. The top 4 teams were all from Brazil with eventual winners, representing Rio de Janeiro. A huge congrats to all entrants but especially the Brazilians, who showed everyone how to fish this year, congrats guys!
The Quepos Billfish Cup team who were representing not just Quepos but the whole of Costa Rica, really did us proud and finished in a very respectful 6th position, well done Sam, Nicky, Justin, Parker & Josh! The top boat of the week was EPIC Captained by Michael Alligood. Huge congrats for a fantastic performance taking top honours for the second time in recent years! All tournament records were broken for the quality of the Dorado weighed with the top six fish all being over 45lbs and the largest Dorado weighing an impressive 62lbs! The scene is set for our 1st ever Dorado Derby coming up this November (details below)!
OFFSHORE BITE REPORT!
May & June saw some good action off Quepos with good numbers of both Sailfish & Marlin being caught from our local hotspots such as ‘The Corner’ and the ‘Furuno Bank’ area. The 31’ GOOD DAY had a banner day releasing 3 Blue Marlin & 2 Sailfish during a one day trip and double digit Sailfish days have been recorded by other boats in the fleet during mid-June. There have been plenty of Yellow Fin Tuna out there which looks set to continue for July and perhaps one of the stories of the year is the unrelenting Dorado/Mahi Mahi bite. The entire Costa Rican coastline has seen a wave of small to mid-sized Dorado this year which are getting noticeably bigger as the months progress. Great fun on light tackle and expectations are high for this November which is typically the peak of the Dorado run when there should be some really big fish about. July is a great time for bottom fishing out of Quepos where Grouper, Silky Snapper, Tilefish, Amberjack and more can all be targeting during Offshore deep drop trips.
EVERYONE SAY WAHOOOOOOO!
With the seasonal rains bringing the water temperatures down, our Wahoo bite during May & June has been on fire and there have been some great sized Wahoo caught over the Offshore Reefs. This should continue through July and a Full Day Offshore trip will give you the best chance of getting into the Wahoo action. Most fish are in the 20-40 lb range and there have been reports of Wahoo up to 70 lbs and days where boats have landed up to 5 Wahoo in one trip. Wahoo are a fast, ferocious predator and are sure to add some excitement to your trip if you are lucky enough to catch one.
INSHORE/COASTAL FISHING
The Inshore trips that we provide in Quepos are the perfect trip for families looking to experience a few hours on the water. Stunning scenery as you travel along the coastline and fish along the beautiful islands and river mouths close to Quepos. Half day trips are 5 hours and full day trips are 8-9 hours. July is an excellent time to target big Roosterfish and there have been some very large Roosterfish caught in recent weeks out of Quepos. Cubera Snappers, Yellowtail Snappers, Mackerel, Jacks, Corvina and more are all possible during Inshore trips. Snook can be targeted close to the river mouths.
NEW FISHING TOURNAMENTS!
The Marina Pez Vela is delighted to announce two brand new tournaments to its calendar. The Dorado Derby kicks off our next tournament season and is set to take place on November 17th. This one day heaviest fish tournament has a super low entry fee and is open to all. There has never been a better opportunity for both tourists, locals & residents to take part in a Costa Rican Sport Fishing tournament! Simply charter a boat for the day, pay the $250 team entry fee and you are set to join in on all the tournament fun!
We are super excited for the FIRST EVER ladies only tournament here in Costa Rica with The Pescadora Billfish Championship which takes place on February 22-23, 2019. Sport Fishing has gained huge female popularity in recent years and with some of the best female Anglers (Pescadoras!) in the world living right here in Quepos, it makes perfect sense to kick off this ladies-only tournament here at the Marina Pez Vela.
Tournament Dates for your diaries
November 17, 2018 Dorado Derby
January 12-13, 2019 Pelagic Rockstar
February 22-23, 2019 The Pescadora Billfish Championship
March 15-16, 2019 Quepos Billfish Cup
April 26-27, 2019 Marina Pez Vela Open
April 28-May 3, 2019 Offshore World Championships
Check out www.marinapezvelatournaments.com for further details!
Tight Lines!
Benn Gilmour, Jackpot Sport Fishing
Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
Cell: 8458 4997
[email protected]
jackpotsportfishing.com
Have fun on the water!