The Angler Who Ate His World Record

by Todd Staley, Fishing Director – Boston Whaler has been coming to Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica annually since 2002. Dennis Tilden coordinates their activities here at the hotel and though he makes sure everyone in the group has an exceptional time, he is sometimes too busy working to relax and enjoy the trip to the fullest. This year he managed to get on the water a little more himself. Fishing out at Matapalo Tilden connected with a big Mexican barracuda and as they landed the fish his captain mentioned he had never seen one so big. The captain took the head home to make a soup.

As the chef was preparing a barracuda ceviche and getting the rest ready for dinner, Dennis mentioned the captain’s comment. A check with the IGFA record book showed the biggest recorded was 28 lbs. Tilden’s fish at just under 32 lbs made a delicious world record meal.

You may be thinking to yourself that this is a dangerous proposition since some Atlantic barracuda are known to contain high levels of the toxin ciguatera they ingest when consuming certain coral reef animals. Pacific barracuda however is considered safe for consumption so Dennis decided this record breaking fish should be eaten immediately instead of filling out all of the paperwork. Dennis also won day two of the Boston Whaler tournament with the release of a beautiful 350 lb blue marlin. Not a bad day.

These are just a couple of highlights from the annual Boston Whaler trip this past week. Crocodile Bay once again hosted Will Rogers, Dennis Tilden and the gang for a three day fishing tournament with some eco adventure tours in the mix to reward employees for a job well done.

We had more anglers jumping off the pier this year than we have ever seen – which in case you’re not aware is the Crocodile Bay ritual for those who release their first billfish.

Over the three day tournament the Boston Whaler group of 25 raised 88 sailfish and released 32. Seven marlin were raised with three released as well. Other catches included dorado, roosterfish, snapper, jacks, and grouper.

The third day of the trip some folks were worn out from cranking and yanking and opted to tour Costa Rica’s largest coastal rainforest to experience the large variety of local wildlife. Boston Whaler continued their tradition of helping the community with an annual donation to the local high school in Puerto Jimenez to help the local children who study there. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you again next year.

Other highlights from the past several days include a sailfish that charged a group of anglers and nearly landed in the boat (see video below “The Angler That Got Away”) and a monster 150 pound sailfish that after a long fight narrowly escaped release by Ray Downs who was here on his bucket list trip to fight sailfish (of which he released several.)

https://vimeo.com/125169928

 

We would also like to thank Chadwick, William and Robin O’Shields for visiting us for a father and son fishing trip. When 21 year old Chadwick was given the choice by mother Robin to go anywhere in the world, he selected Crocodile Bay Resort as the destination. We hope you had a great time and look forward to seeing you again.

The sailfish bite has been good with some large roosterfish and snapper in the mix. Historically the summer months (July – Sept) see marlin with a steady inshore bite (roosterfish, snapper).

Crocodile Bay has just launched its new 3, 4 and 5 day fishing packages as well as some 6 day fishing & eco combo packages for those who would like to experience the excitement of our 30 eco and adventure expeditions in Costa Rica’s most biologically intense region (see itinerary sample below).

Hope to see you soon at Crocodile Bay Resort.

Todd Staley
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort
Puerto Jimenez

Crocodile Bay On TV Starting Friday April 24th!
Don’t Miss Crocodile Bay on Big Water Adventures This Weekend

Check Out The Video Trailer Below!

Crocodile Bay Resort on Big Water Adventures Teaser Trailer from Crocodile Bay Resort on Vimeo.

The Outdoor Channel
Friday 2:30 PM ET
Saturday 9:30 AM ET
Sunday 6:00 AM ET

Check your local listings for details

Check out this sample fishing package below. You can add as many fishing or eco adventure days as you like. Ask about our special pricing for kids.

3 Day Costa Rica Fishing Package Inshore/Offshore

3 Day Costa Rica Fishing Package

Experience some of the worlds best inshore and offshore fishing on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast. You will enjoy offshore fishing for blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. Inshore fishing offers an amazing variety including the sought after roosterfish, 12 kinds of snapper (Cubera being the most popular) as well as African pompano, grouper, bluefin trevally, and others. Inshore, offshore conventional or on the fly, it’s up to you. Our experienced bilingual crew will offer you as much…or as little help as you need in making this the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Book Now for Only $1,985 Per Person

This price available April 16th – December 14th, 2015

Price is Based on Two People in Double Occupancy on a 24′ Boston Whaler Outrage

Ask about upgrading to a 33′ Strike Yacht for the ultimate fishing experience call 1-855-945-4171 to customize your dream Costa Rica fishing package.

3 Day Fishing Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Costa Rica’s Capital City

Arrive at Costa Rica’s International Airport (SJO) Our team of professional, bilingual drivers will greet you at the airport and take you to the luxurious Cariari DoubleTree by Hilton just minutes from the airport (15) and Costa Rica’s Capital city. This lovely hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool, casino and a gourmet restaurant with a lovely view of Costa Rica’s central valley mountains range. (*Note – your first nights stay in San Jose, meals in San Jose and domestic airfare is not included in the Crocodile Bay Resort fishing package price)

Day 2 – Arriving at Crocodile Bay Resort

Your adventure begins with a breathtaking 45 minute flight from Costa Rica’s Capital City (San Jose) across lush coffee plantations and the spectacular Talamanca mountain range. During your flight you will experience spectacular views of Central America’s largest coastal rainforest and land in the charming town of Puerto Jimenez where the edge of the rainforest bathes in the warm waters of the Pacific. Our Crocodile Bay staff will escort you from the airstrip to Crocodile Bay Resort where you will have a fresh mango/rum cocktail in your hand within minutes. Welcome to paradise! Today is a perfect day to add an afternoon eco tour or spa treatment before your first day of fishing (may be purchased for an extra charge at the resort).

 

 

Day 3 – World Class Costa Rica Fishing

Inshore/Offshore Day 1 – After a quick orientation by our fishing director and an update on recent fishing activity, you can pick your pleasure – inshore or offshore – conventional or on the fly. Our 700 foot private pier is only a five minute walk from your room and is home to Central America’s largest private fishing fleet of Boston Whalers and Strike Yacht tower boats. Our boats are outfitted with top of the line fishing gear and you will be accompanied by professional, English speaking crew (captain and mate). Daily fishing includes lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, gear and fishing license.

 

Day 4

Inshore/Offshore Day 2 – If your first day was spent offshore hunting for billfish, we encourage you to take a day inshore and pursue the roosterfish, snapper and the multitude of other species that can be found cruising the volcanic shoreline. Other inshore species include African pompano, Bluefin trevally and grouper. Make sure to check the daily catch boards to see where the action is!

 

 

Day 5

Fishing Day 3 – Now that you’ve experienced inshore and offshore fishing, it’s up to you how to spend your third day! Staff from our fishing department will visit you each night around dinner time to see how your day was, address any concerns and to plan your next days trip. Our Boston Whalers and Strike tower boats go inshore or offshore, so spend the day doing either one or a little of both.

 

 

Day 6

Departure or Extra day – Some anglers like to extend their trips with an extra day of inshore or offshore fishing. Additional Days may also be added for our new guided Kayak Fishing trips and shore casting (or you may enjoy a visit to our spa or explore one of 30 eco adventure tours). Anglers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Talk to one of our team members about including an extra day just in case you just aren’t ready to call it quits.

 

 

https://vimeo.com/116614045

Inshore and Offshore Fishing Highlights

Inshore or offshore, your choiceFishing License IncludedBilingual CrewBoston Whalers & Strike TowersGear and Live Bait

Included at Crocodile Bay Resort

• Lodging
• All Meals
• Soft Drinks
• Wine at Dinner
• Happy Hour Buffet
• Free WiFi
• Round trip ground transportation
  from Puerto Jimenez to Resort

 

 

Sport Fishing Charters Include fishing boat, fishing gear, guide, fishing licenses, lunch cooler with beer & soft drinks

Not included: Alcoholic beverages at the resort, transfer fees, domestic airline overweight seat and baggage, international airfare, meals in San Jose, Costa Rican sales tax of 13% on room rates, airport departure tax, change fees, gratuities.

A transfer fee of $395 per person is not included in these rates and can be added to your package. The transfer fee includes inbound night stay at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose (double occupancy), round trip ground transfers between airports and hotels, & scheduled round trip domestic air transportation between San Jose and the resort.

Payment Policy
Deposits, cancellations & refunds:

A deposit of $1,500 per guest is required upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to scheduled arrival at Crocodile Bay Resort. A refund of the deposit less a handling fee of $150 per person will be returned if written notice of cancellation is received at least 90 days prior to scheduled arrival. There will be no refund of any monies for “no shows” or cancellations received less than 90 days prior to arrivals.

Passport: For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least six months after arrival, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket.

Travel/Trip insurance is strongly recommended for your protection in case of emergency; call your Agent or see our website.

 

Check Availability Below!

General Fishing Information

Costa Rica Fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort is world-class with catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean for sailfish, striped, blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo.

Fishing in Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) for roosterfish, cubera snapper, jack crevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper is excellent throughout the year.

Costa Rica Fishing Offshore Species

Costa Rica Marlin FishingMarlin

The “lady in the blue dress” or blue marlin is the most common of our marlin and cruise our cobalt waters all year. They peak in November and December as well as March and April. Black Marlin are most abundant in July and August and few Striped Marlin are around at the same time.

Costa Rica Sailfish FishingSailfish
Again year round when a half dozen are common any day of the year. From November to May the numbers increase.

dorado_BoxDorado

Any day of the year, common January through may and very abundant November and December.

tuna_boxTuna

Yellowfin is the main species. The big boys, those 100 to 300 pounds can test your back any day of the year if you are lucky enough to come across a school of porpoises offshore. The big Tuna swim with them and the feed on the same baitfish. “football size tunas hang around floating debris or peak in schools in July and August and November and December. No wonder the Marlin peak at the same time.

fish-art-wahoo-fly-fishing-artWahoo

A Wahoo can surprise you any day of the year but are not common in this area.

Costa Rica Fishing Offshore Species

Voted #1 for Roosterfish!

Costa Rica Roosterfish FishingPuerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
the home of Crocodile Bay, is voted the #1 Roosterfish Destination in the world by Saltwater Sportsman Magazine!

The species most sought after is the Roosterfish. Twenty-five to fifty pound fish are very common and we catch a couple over 50 each week. The Resort record for this fish is 106 lbs.

Costa Rica Snapper FishingSnapper — We have a dozen different kinds of snapper with the cubera being top dog. They average about 15 to 20 lbs with the biggest to date here 63 lbs. Other bottom fish is the Broomtail Grouper as well as other groupers and the Goliath Grouper.

Costa Rica SnookOther species caught inshore include but are not limited to Barracuda, several types of Jacks, Snook, Bonito, Mackerel, African Pompano, Bluefin Trevally, Rainbow Runners, Shark, etc.

Blue Marlin Best match- April, November-mid January
Striped Marlin July – September
Black Marlin July – September
White marlin Not available
Sailfish Year-round, peaks January – May
Wahoo Not prevalent, only when blue water close
Dolphin Year-round, peaks November – January
Tuna Year-round
Roosterfish Year-round
Cubera Snapper Year-round
Snook Not many, fish of good quality