That’s Fishin’- September/October 2019
It was been a truly incredible few months fishing that we have experienced here in Quepos. Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo have all been keeping Anglers busy Offshore whilst there have been some big Roosterfish, Snapper, Snook, and more showing up during Inshore Fishing trips.
DORADO DERBY!
Before we know it, the first tournament of the new season will be upon us in the form of the Dorado Derby which takes place on November 16th. The inaugural event in 2018 was a huge success with 47 boats taking place, battling it out to be crowned the Dorado Kings & Queens of Quepos. Boat SUPER FLY from Los Sueños took the top honours with a huge Dorado of 52 lbs but only just, a mere 5 lbs separated the top 5 largest Dorado of the tournament showing that literally anyone stands a chance of winning this one day, heaviest fish tournament. This unique tournament format is designed to give every single competing boat and team a chance of winning the event. Catch the biggest Dorado, take home the Cash Prize! With just a $250 entry fee per team this is the most accessible Sport Fishing tournament on the calendar. There will a Fish Fry, Great Music, and Dock Social after the fishing, see marinapezvelatournaments.com for more details and to register your team. We would love to see you there on November 16th!
OFFSHORE REPORT
We have experienced some simply incredible Offshore fishing during the past couple of months. The fleet have been catching more Sailfish than we would expect to catch during the wetter months which has been a welcome surprise. Coupled with the best meat fishing of the year with Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper, there have been some insane catch reports posted! Regular catches of 5 to 8 Sailfish per boat have been recorded with many double digit Sailfish release days recorded during the past few months. The Blue Marlin bite came on strong during July & August with good numbers of fish in the 150-250 lb range and some larger fish mixed in. 22 year old Josh Fowler had the fight of his life with a 350-400 lb Blue Marlin aboard GOOD DAY during August, great job Josh! When you are releasing a Marlin, several Sailfish, and then catching some Dorado or Tuna for dinner all in the same day that is a perfect fishing day wherever you are in the world and that is what has been happening here recently for some lucky Anglers. As September and October progress and seasonal rains intensify expect Dorado to keep increasing in both numbers and size. There have been a good amount of 20-30 lb Dorado showing up in recent weeks and a few huge fish in the 50-60 lb range. Dorado love structure and hang out along current breaks which are littered with logs, trees, branches, and other debris often only 7-10 miles Offshore. The Dorado bite should peak by November, right in time for the Dorado Derby on 16th, we can’t wait!!
INSHORE FISHING
There are always some really huge Roosterfish caught at this time of year. The long standing world record of 114 lbs was caught in Mexico in 1960. Whilst we have not quite matched that fish, every year the Quepos charter fleet catches some huge Roosterfish in the 70-100 lb category. Quepos is literally one of the top destinations in the world to catch a BIG Roosterfish and Anglers return year after year in the hopes of catching their own dream fish. It is hard to beat a Lookdown, Blue Runner, or Goggle Eye Livebait here in Quepos for a big Roosterfish. Check out boats Chloe Frijole, Mucho Fisho, Mar B, Wahoo, or Good Day if you would like a Roosterfish trip of your own. In addition to Roosterfish, Cubera Snappers, Mackerel, Jacks, and Barracuda can all be targeted at our rock and island locations as well as Snook at the rivermouths when there is a break in the weather and the water clarity from the rivers clears a little.
TOURNAMENT DATES
The dates are now set for the 2019/20 Marina Pez Vela Tournament calendar. These events are simply awesome, open to all, and no prior tournament experience is necessary. Grab your best buddies and get registered—we would love to have you involved! Check out the full details on 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 out there!
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