Chumming is understood as a valuable deep-sea technique. Each year countless anglers board their charter ships--like the Dream Raiser--and toss carefully ground bait into the Pacific, hoping to tempt Costa Rica’s many fish to the surface.
And it works -- occasionally too well.
Chumming is the process of using fresh bait to lure fish near lines or netting. Sizable pieces are thrown into the water, releasing a scent trail that is almost impossible for Costa Rican breeds (like Marlins, Jack Crevalles and Mahi-Mahi) to deny.
There is a flaw in this idea.Â
When large pieces of chum are tossed from the sides of charter boats, like the Dream Raiser, they don’t serve as bait. Instead they become entire meals, with fish choosing to feed directly from them rather than snagging lines. Hooks are ignored and the chances for catching a deep-sea breed diminish greatly.
It’s imperative, therefore, that all anglers remember to limit the amount of chum they use. The pieces should be small and scattered throughout the day (rather than dropped into the water at once). A variety of baits should be used as well to target multiple breeds and increase overall numbers.Â
Chumming is a vital part of angling. It simply must be monitored.
Description: The Dream Raiser is a 35’ Cabo Express ship. It features Twin 3208 Cat engines. This provides a 435 HP potential and a cruising speed of 26 knots.Â
Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Dream Raiser.
Along the coast of Los Suenos there are many fish. None, however, manage to tempt--as well as frustrate--anglers more than Marlins. These creatures are premier ocean predators, with quick movements and spear-sharp jaws, their scales thorny-strong. They move through the deep currents, consuming everything in their path.Â
They are remarkably difficult to catch... especially when anglers choose the wrong types of tackle.
Chasing Marlin requires more than determination. Instead anglers--after securing a charter service, like the Barnacle II--must have the right tackle. This is a large breed. Basic equipment will not suffice. Instead these options are needed:
Marlin Designated Rod
Choose a rod that is meant for Marlin fishing. These pieces will include graphite cores, balanced reels and a sturdy construction.
Long Range Reel
The Marlin is not a docile breed. It will instead fight. A long range reel is needed to adapt to this, providing as much line as necessary to allow the fish to eventually tire itself out.
Sturdy Line
Marlins fight when captured, jumping and twisting for hours. Heavy line--whether wire-based or nylon--is, therefore, essential.Â
Choose the best available tackle while hunting Marlins with a charter crew, like the Barnacle II. This is the only way to ensure a worthwhile experience.
Speciality: Sport-fishing Specialist, with an emphasis on Marlins and Sailfish.
 Description: The Barnacle II is a convertible Ocean ship that spans 35’. It’s powered by twin diesel engines.
 Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Barnacle II.
In-shore fishing, as the name implies, is centered close to the coast. It relies on light tackle or spinning lure techniques to search the shelf waters. Charter services, like the Good Day Too, provide anglers with access to a variety of fish without having to venture into deep currents.
The most common Costa Rica breeds found in-shore are:
Roosterfish
The Roosterfish is aptly named. Along its dorsal fin seven spikes rise, resembling the comb of a rooster. This lean fish--measuring over five feet in length and weighing an average of twenty pounds--is noted for its speed.
Grouper
The Grouper is a powerful creature, with a wide frame and gaping mouth. Its unique gills allow it to effortlessly capture prey, sucking them in from a distance. It is not a quick fish, but it does prove difficult to catch due to its strength. Size and weight will vary.
Spanish MackerelÂ
The Spanish Mackerel is a ray-boned fish, gently a gently curving spine and a spiny dorsal fin. It boasts a compact size, measuring an average length of fourteen inches and weighing up to eleven pounds. Its colors are striking, making it a favorite to catch.
In-shore fishing in Costa Rica is as easy as it is exciting. Charter a ship, like the Good Day Too, and discover what’s waiting just beneath the surface.
Speciality: Off-shore and In-shore Fishing Specialist.
Description: The Good Day Too is a 36’ Hatteras. It features Twin 430 HP Cummins engines, which allow it to achieve a 24 knots cruise speed. It also offers a wide selection of conventional, light and fly fishing tackles.
Anglers: Up to six anglers can board the Good Day Too.
Without the proper rod, however, it can also be a disaster--with anglers left struggling with fragile materials and sagging lines, their lures spinning uselessly. The fish that flit along the Pacific prove too much for the unprepared.
Choosing the right rod, therefore, is an essential part of any deep sea expedition (like the ones offered from the Dream I).
A rod is more than just graphite and cross-fibers. Instead it’s an extension of the angler who holds it... which means it must be carefully chosen.
Consider these suggestions:
Deep Sea Designated
Every rod is different. Some are meant for fly fishing; others are perfect for light tackle trips. A deep sea excursion (like the ones provided by the Dream I) demands sturdier options. Choose rods that specify open water stability.
Breed Specialized
There are countless fish to find in the Pacific. Each of these boasts a unique shape and size, as well as strong survival instincts (which may lead to underwater acrobatics, like jumping, flailing or twisting against the line). Choose rods that are tailored for each breed. This helps to reduce reel strain and provides greater endurance against Marlins, Sailfish and more.
Modification Potential
Every angler has his own way of casting. A rod should reflect that. Find options that can be modified. Height, weight, balance and more can be realigned, adapting to an individual’s needs and streamlining the process.
Choosing the right rod is the difference between an unforgettable sport fishing trip and one that must be forgotten.
Speciality: The Dream I specializes in sport-fishing.
 Description: The Dream I is a Luhrs Open Sportfishing 2000 ship. It is 36’ long and hosts a Cummins 450 engine that allows it to achieve a maximum speed of 30 knots. It is led by a captain and first mate.
 Anglers: Up to six anglers can board the Dream I.
Along the coast of Los Suenos swims a flat-faced fish. Its compact body--scaled in brilliant blue and green--moves quickly through the Pacific, snagging Mackerels and Squids with sharp teeth. It boasts many names: Mahi-Mahi, Dolphin Fish, Lampuga.
In Costa Rica, however, it’s known as the Dorado... and many charter services, like the Tres Amigos, chase after it each year.
The Dorado is one of Costa Rica’s most abundant breeds. It thrives in the warm Pacific waters, foraging along the surface for its favorite prey. Spotting this breed is easy.Â
Catching it, however, can prove difficult--unless anglers remember these suggestions:
Look For Hiding Places
The Dorado is a deep-sea breed. It hunts, however, along the crests and breaks, attracted both by its prey and passing debris. This is a fish that likes to hide. Pieces of driftwood, tangled strips of sea-weed and even clusters of larger animals (like dolphins) will always draw the Dorado.
Use The Chumming Method
The Dorado is a greedy creature. It will devour everything in its path. Chumming is the easiest way to tempt it to a charter boat, like the Tres Amigos. The sudden arrival of bait will lure this fish to every line.
Rely On Heavy Lures
The Dorado features a compressed body. This leads many to assume that the fish is easy to catch. The truth, however, is that this breed is muscular, often exceeding twenty five pounds. That allows it to break light lines or lures. Heavy tackle must be used to ensure a successful trip.
Speciality: The Tres Amigos is a Mahi-Mahi specialist.
Description: The Tres Amigos is a 40’ sport fisher. It features twin 370 HP Cummins engines, which allow it to achieve a cruising speed of 22 knots. An on-board fish finder and GPS system provides deep-sea support.
Anglers: Up to five anglers can board the Tres Amigos.