Description: The Sweet Dreams is a 35’ Cabo Express. It features twin 425 HP diesel engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 22 knots. On-board equipment includes a color depth finder, a GPS chart link and more.
Anglers: Up to seven anglers can board the Sweet Dreams.
Costa Rica boasts the most diverse--and dynamic--sport fishing in the world. Along the Central Pacific region there are endless possibilities, with Marlins, Wahoos, Spanish Mackerels and more playing in the deep currents.Â
Chasing after those breeds with a too quick ship, however, proves disastrous.
Fish are skittish creatures. They flee at the first signs of trouble, hiding themselves in inlets and seagrass coves. A fast-moving ship, therefore, is a poor choice for any angler: disturbing everything above and below the Pacific.Â
Slow cruising is needed. Charter services, like the Sail Fish, should maintain stable speeds (22 to 25 knots) throughout the day. This helps to limit the possibilities of frightened Crevalles, Dorados and more. It reduces engine vibrations and eliminates sudden bursts of power. Noise is decreased; disturbances are fewer; and the result is success.
When choosing a charter ship, like the Sail Fish, determine the average cruising speed. Be certain that it falls within the suggested range and be willing to ask crews to slow down if necessary.
Description: The Sail Fish is a 35’ Bertram. It features twin 370 HP Cummins diesel engines, allowing it to achieve a cruising speed of 22 knots. On-board tackle includes Shimano Gold Tigara reels, Penn International fly reels and more.
Anglers: Up to six anglers can board the Sail Fish.
Costa Rica is a fishing haven. Along its sprawling shores countless breeds (like Dorado, Blue Marlins and Groupers) hide, tempting anglers with their bold colors and undeniable strength.Â
Even experienced travelers, however, may find themselves unable to locate these creatures. The Pacific waters are too deep and the endless inlets, coves and shelves disguise even the brightest fish. Tracking them can be a challenge.
Using Side Scan Sonar techniques--like the ones offered on the Gunsmoke--can make it a far simpler process, though.
Side Scan Sonar, simply explained, is a way to better locate fish in Costa Rica. It is a transducer machine, towed behind a charter ship (like the Gunsmoke). As the ship moves through the water, the Side Scan releases acoustic signals up to 160 feet. These signals bounce off of objects, like fish, and then reflect back to the machine. When this occurs, an image appears and reveals what is below the surface.
This is an effective way to hunt for fish. With Side Scan Sonar, anglers can quickly discover which breeds are nearby. This allows them to adjust their lines, baits, reels and more -- without fearing mistakes or wasted time. It also helps to pinpoint the migration patterns of specific creatures and lessens navigational problems.Â
And that is an advantage for every day and every fisherman.
Description: The Gunsmoke is a 44’ custom Maverick. It features twin 575 HP Cat diesel engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 24 knots. It also offers top-shelf tackle and rigging, as well as Side Scan technology.
Anglers: Up to seven anglers can board the Gunsmoke.
Fishing in Los Suenos is often considered a gentle sport. The Pacific waves are steady, and even large Billfish (like Blue Marlins, Black Marlins and more) can be easily combatted with sturdy lines and reels. This is not thought to be a dangerous activity. Instead it is relaxing.
Choosing a charter ship--like the Sails Call--that provides access to safety equipment, however, is still necessary.
A Los Suenos excursion is without peer. The scenery is striking; the fish are bountiful; and charter crews, like the Sails Call, offer experienced sailing.Â
Not every crew offers up-to-date safety equipment, however. It’s important that anglers remember this, verifying the presence of life-rafts, fire extinguishers, life-jackets, first aid kits, distress beacons and more. Don’t assume that these items will be provided. Instead ask -- making note of what options are available and whether they will support all travelers on-board.Â
Take advantage of tutorials as well. Some charters, like the Sails Call, provide basic overviews of equipment, allowing anglers to become familiar with items in case an emergency should occur. This is an important part of any Los Suenos fishing trip. It should not be overlooked.
Description: The Sails Call is a 34’ Venture Marine. It features a variety of on-board tackle equipment, including: Shimano rods, Blackfin rods, custom spinning rods, teaser reels and more.
Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Sails Call.
Tucked far from the shores of Los Suenos are many fish -- few as striking or as powerful as the Dorado. This breed, with its golden scales and flared fins, is a favorite among anglers. They often cast their lines into the Pacific, trying to find it.
This is a difficult task, however, without the aid of a downrigger.
A downrigger, simply explained, is a four component machine (consisting of a weight, a cable, a pole and a spool). It is attached to a charter ship, like the Scatterbrain, and then releases fishing lines to specific speeds and tensions. It is most commonly applied to the trolling method, where it can respond to different knot and depth demands.
And this makes it a vital part of Dorado fishing.
The Dorado can hide itself along the ocean floor, moving from current to current. This can prove challenging for anglers, often forcing them to readjust their lines and strategies. Downriggers, however, simplify the process and enable quick changes. Casting becomes effortless instead of difficult. Bait is always presented at appropriate depths and lines remain steady.
This is an undeniable advantage.
Choose a charter service, like the Scatterbrain, that offers downrigger access. This ensures successful Dorado excursions for all travelers.
Description: The Scatterbrain is a 52’ Hatteras. It features a variety of on-board equipment, such as: Shimano reels, Lee outriggers, Navnet radar and Furuno electronics.Â
Anglers: Up to ten anglers can board the Scatterbrain.
In-shore fishing in Los Suenos provides anglers with a wealth of opportunities. There are countless breeds tucked along Costa Rica’s golden shore, hiding among the sandy rises and sea-slick rocks.Â
Knowing when to chase after those breeds, however, is vital -- and charter services, like the Hoo’s Your Daddy, become an important part of any vacation. These ships keep travelers centered among the action, choosing the right months for the right fish.
The most common in-shore breeds sought by anglers are: the Roosterfish, the Red Snapper, the Big-Eye Tuna, the Snook and the Amberjack. Charter services, like the Hoo’s Your Daddy, know precisely when to seek them out:
Roosterfish: The Roosterfish is most often found in Los Suenos from June until September.
Red Snapper: The Red Snapper can usually be spotted during the months of November and December.
Big-Eye Tuna: The Big-Eye Tuna has no designated breeding season but is instead found in moderate numbers throughout the entire year.
Snook: The Snook has its highest population in Costa Rica from July until December.
The Amberjack: The Amberjack remains near Los Suenos from June until January.Â
Take advantage of charter services, like the Hoo’s Your Daddy, to chart out the perfect season and the perfect trip.