Costa Rica is famed as much for its panoramic views as it is for its angling. Many travelers may find themselves unable to indulge in both, however, while chartering ships -- if only because a lack of flybridges limits their sightlines and their fishing opportunities. They can’t see the shore while trying to reel in a Marlin, Dorado or Yellow Fin. There is always a compromise.
Choosing a ship with a flybridge (like the Wing Man) is important, therefore.
A flybridge, defined simply, is a tall extension placed on a ship. It stands like a tower, shielded on its sides and allowing anglers to gain new perspectives. It also provides multiple advantages during a charter tour:
Extended Cabin Space
The flybridge serves as more than a way to hunt for fish. Instead it is a secure cabin. Anglers can utilize it for extra living space, indulging in the Costa Rica sights in style. Many are expansive, fitting up to four people at a time.
Weather Resistance
Costa Rica weather is steady: defined by high temperatures and salty breezes. Constant exposure to the sun, however, can prove problematic on any Wing Man excursion. A flybridge helps to reduce the risk, providing consistent shade. Paneled inserts along the sides also defend against the wind or occasional bursts of rain.
Greater Vision
Costa Rica is a diverse collection of landscapes and sea-life. A flybridge allows anglers to experience both, elevating their positions and granting sweeping views. This provides better access to the shore and allows for easier fish targeting.
A flybridge is an essential part of any worthwhile fishing excursion.
Description: The Wing Man is a 27’ Express. It features twin diesel engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 20 knots. It is a spacious ship, with a forward cabin, flybridge and v-berth. Top-shelf tackle and rigging are available on board.
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the Wing Man.
The Los Suenos Red Snapper is a lean-bodied fish, with soft dorsal rays and flared spines. Its forehead slants dramatically, emphasizing its needle-like teeth and wide-spaced eyes. Bold red coloring is this breed’s most distinctive feature, however, and marks it as unique. Anglers travel often to Costa Rica to find it.
Without the proper lines, however, they aren't able to keep it.
The Red Snapper is not a docile breed (as any Los Suenos charter, like the Nassaria, will admit). Instead it is a fierce fighter, trying always to escape through:
Rock Support
The Red Snapper, when caught, will try to flee to the nearest collection of rocks. This is not so it can hide. Instead it’s so this fish can break free, dragging lines across sharp stones and reefs until they come undone.
Size and Speed
The Red Snapper, despite its lean frame, is a powerful creature. Its weight can exceed sixty pounds, and its muscular fins allow it to propel itself quickly through the water. It will use these advantages to battle the line and can often succeed in splitting it.
Anglers must remember this -- and choose heavy tackle and drags for every Nassaria charter trip. Don’t assume that a medium-weight line will suffice. Instead rely on monofilament materials, braided textures and flurocarbon elements (which provide a subtle shine, allowing fishermen to note positions and depth more easily).
The Los Suenos charter Nassaria is a 28’ custom Sport Fisher.
Speciality: Red Snapper specialist.
Description: The Los Suenos charter Nassaria is a 28’ custom Sport Fisher. It features a 175 HP Suzuki engine, which allows it to achieve a cruising speed of 22 knots. On-board equipment includes a fish finder, a Penn International, downriggers and more.
Anglers: Up to six anglers can board the Nassaria.Â
The Grouper moves slowly along the Pacific shore, weaving its way through sea-grass and stacks of debris, tucking its body inside every crevice it can find. It is a solitary breed, patiently waiting for stray fish to pass by -- when it will then open its massive mouth and suck its prey inside.
This is the way the Grouper hunts. Anglers must remember this and adapt their tackle needs accordingly.
The Grouper is a common fish in Costa Rica. There are many charter services, like the San Carleno, dedicated to tracking it. Before any excursion, however, all anglers must be aware that this is not a deep-sea breed. Instead it is a bottom feeder and appropriate tackle is needed to catch it.
Rods
Choose medium weight rods with sturdy cores. The Grouper is not prone to fighting, but it is quite large. A strong, stable rod is needed to compensate.
Lines
Consider monofilament lines (up to fifty feet in length). These are resilient and can be easily weighted, allowing them to reach the ocean-bottom without a fear of sagging or breaking.
Terminal Tackle
Take advantage of sinkers, leaders and more while fishing for Groupers. These tackle options help to better control the lines, allowing them to fall evenly and keeping them away from charter ships (like the San Carleno).
The Grouper hides itself among the Pacific bottom. Use the appropriate rods, lines and tackle to find it.
Description: The San Carleno is a 28’ Mako. It features twin 140 HP Johnson engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 30 knots. This custom ship boasts up-to-date navigational and fish finding equipment.
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the San Carleno.
The Roosterfish is an unusual breed, blending beauty with strength. Its spiny dorsal fins and iridescent coloring mark it as bold; its powerful body, however, brands it a challenge. Anglers often seek it out among the Pacific coast, chartering ships (like the Needle Fish) for in-shore trips.
The success of these trips, however, is determined by the tackle that’s chosen.
Catching the Roosterfish is a simple task... if the proper tackle is used.
Rods
The Roosterfish boasts an impressive size, weighing up to one hundred pounds. Medium action rods are, therefore, needed. These offer stability in a fight and will allow anglers to better anchor themselves against their boats.
Reels
The Roosterfish is quick. Its reactions are immediate and fierce. A high speed reel is recommended to compensate. This will survive even long battles and keep pace with this breed.
Lines
The Roosterfish will never stop moving. That makes it a worthy opponent. Its constant flailing, however, can cause lines to break, bringing every attempt to an undignified end. A monofilament option is needed to keep this from happening. This provides the proper balance of tension and strength.Â
Capturing the Roosterfish requires more than simple luck. Rods, reels and lines must instead be carefully selected.
Description: The Needle Fish is a 28’ Costa. It features twin 140 HP Suzuki engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 26 knots. On-board guests will have access to specialized Roosterfish tackle, as well as fish finders and navigational equipment.
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the Needle Fish.
First-time anglers often flock to Costa Rica. The landscape is without peer; the cities are charming; and the steady waves and steadier weather provides a perfect introduction to fishing.
Too often, however, do novices assume that a deep-sea excursion is their only choice. It’s not. Instead Costa Rica provides in-shore opportunities, which are perfect for inexperienced anglers.Â
In-shore fishing, simply defined, is angling that takes place in the shallow waters surrounding the coastline. For first-time travelers it also represents an ideal way to master basic skills and ensure a good time (especially when coupled with charter services, like the Seafari).
Shorter Trips
Novice anglers can easily find themselves overwhelmed on their first trips. Sailing out to deep waters requires an excess of time and patience. In-shore excursions, however, deliver faster results, turning the focus toward fishing rather than the journey.Â
Breed Variety
Every angler expects to catch a fish. When a novice fails to do this, however, he may lose his enthusiasm for the sport. In-shore fishing trips (like the ones provided by the Seafari) offer a wide variety of breeds, including: Roosterfish, Snappers, Bonitos, Milkfish and more. This increases the chances of success.
All Seasons
Planning a vacation is a challenge, and some anglers may find themselves unable to arrive during the peak summer months. In-shore fishing in Costa Rica, however, is a yearly activity, with every season offering new creatures to catch. This eliminates stress.
In-shore excursions are perfect for first-time anglers, helping to ensure short trips, diverse breeds and yearly fun.
Description: The Seafari is a 28’ Mako ship. It features twin 150 HP Suzuki engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 30 knots. On-board guests will find navigational equipment, assorted fishing tackle and more.
Anglers: Up to four anglers can board the Seafari.