Boston Whaler Raises 41 Marlin, Mark Davis of Big Water Adventures Visits, Ladies Lets Go Fishing and More at Crocodile Bay Resort

Costa Rica Fishing Report May 2017 – April was one of the craziest months I have seen in all my years at Crocodile Bay.  Fortunately, I lost my hair years ago or it would be falling out all over the place. Never have I seen sailfish so slow and marlin fishing so good in all my 25 years in Costa Rica. This following two years of the best sailfish numbers I have seen.  It started with Boston Whaler’s annual trip here.

Creating an Artificial Marine Eco- System
We all know what any type of object lost at sea can do whether it is a log, trash or other material. Over time small fish use it to seek refuge from predators. And just like the cartoon, small fish attract bigger fish which attract bigger fish until up to the top off the food chain is hanging out around it. Usually you get one or two days of fishing on it and then it floats out of range. If you can make it stay in one place you can return many times and find fish.

Annual Boston Whaler Visit
Boston Whaler has been bringing a group down every year for 15 years. Dennis Tilden hosts the group each year with Will Rogers with top sales dealers from around the world. This year they brought Lisa Pohlmann who has been doing the logistics of the annual trip for years but the first time she came down with them. She was the only one in the group to catch a sailfish.

Usually I would hang my head in shame to say something like that, but let’s back up for a minute. In February, my bosses decided to create several of our own “artificial marine eco-systems”.  It is at some expense when you have to anchor something to the bottom in 3 to 5 thousand feet of water and make it out of a material that is eco-friendly and has a substantial life span.

A week before Boston’s arrival we tested it again and though it had plenty of bait on it, nothing exciting was to be reported. Upon their arrival, I explained it was a shot in the dark but I thought they should be my Guinea pigs.

They rose 41 marlins in two days, catching and releasing fish between 200 and 400 lbs. Of course, they had their annual Calcutta fishing tournament and as every year donated all the prize money to community projects.

New Video for May – Video Fishing Highlights and Recap
Each month our audio/video department puts together a “highlight reel” featuring guest experiences at Crocodile Bay Resort. We hope you enjoy this month’s video fishing report – who knows…you may even be the star!

Mark Davis and Big Water Adventures Mark Davis host of “Big Water Adventures” on the Outdoor Channel also tested that area. Fishing at the same time was Steve Martin, maker of “Fish RaZr,” a heavy-duty teaser dredge. Our boats are equipped with them. Davis recorded, “my best day of marlin fishing ever” and you can catch it later this season on the Outdoor Channel.

What we have found is some days the area is loaded with fish and other days not. Lately it hasn’t made a difference. The last two days with 4 boats fishing offshore, all have been raising 2 to 8 marlin apiece within 12 miles of the beach. Brothers Harry and Luke had two fish at 600 lbs.

July and August are historically good months to target marlin with blacks and striped marlin in the mix – you may check availability below for summer Costa Rica fishing trips.

Ladies Lets Go Fishing
Inshore has been consistent all month. When Andrea Beuter and her group from “Ladies Let’s Go Fishing” tired of offshore they got plenty of roosters and deepwater inshore species like grouper, tilefish, and congria.

You won’t find many women as enthusiastic about fishing as Licia Shreves. Her boyfriend James Hutmacher was so impressed with her fishing ability he proposed while they were here. “Great fishing and getting engaged, Best trip ever,” she beamed.

On a Conservation Note:

The last several years the Williams family has been very generous by allowing me time to address conservation issues in this country. Our group FECOP, ( Federacion Costarrisence de Pesca) has had some major advances for marine conservation.

FECOP Conservation Initiatives and Advances in Costa Rica:

• Stopped exportation of sailfish
• Supplied the science for the proposed reduction of tuna licenses issued and total tonnage allowed from 25,000 metric tons a year to around 8.

Our organization has done a very poor job of letting the fishing community know who we are. Crocodile Bay Resort is allowing me 6 months off during the low season to work as Communications Director at FECOP. The boss has offered to send my newsletter on to Crocodile Bay folks.

So when you receive the first newsletter, you will have an option to keep receiving them or not but I hope you do. If you want to make sure you are on the list drop me a note at todd@crocodilebay.com and pass it on to a friend.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own boat slip and fishing in one of the worlds foremost sport fishing destinations, Crocodile Bay Marina has released a limited number of private boat slips. If you are interested in owning a slip at the new Crocodile Bay Marina, please click the following link for more information and a video that will help you to better understand all aspects of this new offering. WATCH THE MARINA VIDEO

Muchas Gracias

Todd Staley,
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort
Puerto Jimenez,
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Guest Testimonial of the Month:

Greetings friends at Crocodile Bay!

Dan, Adelyn, and I wanted to let you know what an amazing time we had visiting you at Crocodile Bay!  We really appreciate everything you did for us and the lifetime of memories you helped us create!  This is the best vacation our family has ever taken and we will smile every time we think of it.

Todd, Safari is doing very well and Adelyn will not let her leave her side.  Thank you for making Adelyn’s trip so great and for her new friend!

Dennis, thank you for all of the great times on the eco tours, such a phenomenal experience!

We hope to see you all again very soon!  Thank you again.

Becky, Dan, Adelyn, and of course Safari

Check Availability for your Costa Rica Fishing or Adventure Vacation Below

Costa Rica Fishing Report – News and Updates out of Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica – April 2017 by Fishing Director Todd Staley

Thanks to Dave Rimington, Rich Hahn, and Gary and Susan Ellis who hosted another Boomer Esiason Redbone@Large Celebrity fishing tournament at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

The competition among the group of former pro athletes was intense but friendly. Mike Knox was the eventual winner and partner Kelly the  runner-up. Their combined score edged out Todd Calfee and Dr. Misko who boated 3 marlin in one day.

Pictured Above – MLB Hall of Fame Legend Wade Boggs with a sailfish on!

Dr. Misko was down with his 13 year old son celebrating his birthday and not only did they get to fish with some of their football idols – but they were able to experience catching their first sailfish and marlin.

Dr. Justin Misko posses with Wade Boggs and Mark Cooper as they present him with the tournament award for “Most Sailfish Caught”

Knox and Kai banged up the roosterfish inshore with a 1500 point day to edge out the others. Wade Boggs and Mark Cooper fished together and as always it was fun to hear their “in jest” comments back and forth  – it was a good thing they didn’t play the same sport. Wade managed a few post-tournament snook the satisfy his fishing bug.

Offshore continues to be unpredictable and inshore reliable for the most part. Plenty of roosters, grouper, and if you are inclined sharks. Jacks and roosters have been hitting poppers.

Randy and Brandi Shapiro doubled up on marlin of 250 and 500 pounds. Lifetime fish and a trip to the spa afterward. They also became the first owners of our new Costa Rica real estate offering – Botánika Osa Peninsula Curio Collectin by Hilton.

Check Out The Video of Randy’s 500lb Pacific Blue Marlin Below

March Highlight Reel –  Watch all the sport fishing highlights from this past March at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

Ocean’s been flat and more sun than you can stand.

Todd Staley
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort
Costa Rica

Book Your Costa Rica Sport Fishing Vacation Today!

Who do you love? Jordan is not shy about her love for this cute little snapper(pargo)

By Todd Staley, Fishing Director – Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica September 2016 – Inshore has been the saving grace lately as the regular menu of roosterfish, snapper, jacks, African pompano, mackerel, and needlefish as long as your leg have been entertaining guests.

There are at least a dozen pair of mama and baby Humpback whales in the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) right now and inshore anglers as well as those headed offshore are pausing from fishing to witness this “Discovery Channel” type event.

New Humpback Whale Video

A Humpback whale and her calf greet Bob George and his wife Debbie for their 31st Wedding Anniversary at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

You might witness nursing babies which is always a maternal wonder that leaves people awestruck. The fun part is to watch breaching school. Mom stays close by while the babies practice jumping. Even the little guys move a lot of water when this happens. When mom decides to do a demo and nearly 60 feet of animal clears the surface –  the whitewater return can be seen for miles.

Bob George VP from world famous Buck Knives is down with his wife Debbie. After catching  13 roosterfish, 3 jacks, an African pompano, and a huge needlefish in one day she decided this was fun enough to go back out and do it again.

Jeff and Jordan Cohen had a great run inshore catching and releasing a variety of inshore fish species including roosterfish, snapper and more.

Offshore, tuna ranging from 20 to 80 pounds have been doing the majority of the string stretching and supplying fresh sushi, sashimi, and tuna steaks. It is really good but this ole redneck has never mastered eating with sticks. Never been graceful. A few sails and a marlin here and there pop up in the spread but for now it is yellowfin tuna.

Guest Testimonial of the Month

Joe, We Had THE BEST TIME OF OUR LIVES!
Glad it was low season. We pretty much had the resort to ourselves…My husband had a good time talking and swapping stories with Todd and Allan. We didn’t want to leave… Todd and Allan made it a point to sit and chat with us every time they saw us. Everyone became our best friend. Now, I want to quit this desk job and move to the Osa. It ruined me. The place was magical. We will be returning again soon.
Thanks so much, Marie

Thank you for the kind words Marie, we hope to see you back at Crocodile Bay Resort soon!

Todd Staley,
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort
Puerto Jiménez
Osa Peninsula – Costa Rica

Book Your Costa Rica Sport Fishing Vacation and Eco Expeditions Today!

Costa Rica fishing report By Todd Staley, Fishing Director, Crocodile Bay Resort – August 9, 2016 – I just got back from Florida where I went to the ICAST tackle manufacturers’ trade show and spent time with my family.

I spent almost all my time with mom who will be 93 in September, but did take time to jerk my long time fishing buddy Steve Brown out of the cardiac ward and go fishing with him and my son Jason with another old buddy Captain Dave Zalewski.

Upon returning to the resort and getting back to work it was refreshing to see many family groups here. The fish Gods were good to them also. Bill Putman’s family got an up close and personal look at a 600 pound marlin who ripped the outrigger off the boat during the hook-up. They also went 5 for 14 on sailfish that day. The rest of their trip they pulled on tuna offshore and a mixed bag of roosters and snapper inshore.

Sawyer and Merrick Ellenberger got off to a rocky start but after getting their sea legs they kept mom and dad busy between fishing on the boat and spending time on the pier. David and Jackson Hendrick came back late because they hooked a tuna estimated at 200lbs near the end of the day which they pulled on for over two hours.

Earl and January Schmus stretched lots of string while here catching some really nice roosters as well as joining in on the tuna party.

Louis-David Sansoucy and his new bride Melanie decided to stay inshore and the roosters gave them a great honeymoon experience.

In a nutshell there is enough going on both inshore and offshore to supply some great dinners as well as big grins.

All the above left me some great photos…..enjoy.

Congratulations to Mac McGlamery who took roosterfish off his bucket list and spent some quality time with his sons Beau and Brandon.

Todd Staley
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort,
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Sport Fishing and Expeditions

Book your world class sport fishing trip today!

Crocodile Bay Resort Fishing Report by Fishing Director Todd Staley – July 2016 – Father’s Day has just past and it has been over two decades since I lost my own, But for repeat guest Rob Sekely the wound was much fresher, losing his father last Christmas. The decision to leave a good sailfish bite offshore was based on a lesson taken from dad. His own words…“I was actually down fishing in memory of my father who I lost this past Christmas. It was very apparent that he was gracing me with his presence and fishing philosophy. Prior to moving to the spot off the famous Matapalo rock, we were very blessed to have raised seven sails and land three. So, it was decided that we should tip our hats to the fish gods and go inshore to see what would transpire.The last fish of the day was a 70lb roosterfish. What a tremendous bucket-list day of fishing!!”

“Life is full of moments – good and bad…and things seem to get balanced out along the way. The philosophy my dad shared on many occasions with us and I shared it with Todd, is that if you want too many, you won’t get any. So,when Anna had mentioned to go inshore after our sailfish success, that philosophy kept ringing louder in my head. Fate is a fickle part of life that can shine on you at any moment.”

Thank you for the powerful words Rob, and sorry for your loss.

Here is Rob’s roosterfish from his previous trip to Crocodile Bay Resort in 2012 – also a monster

Offshore has been a let’s see what’s on the menu for today  kind of fishing. Catches lately included marlin, sails, lots of tuna, and a wahoo here and there. The tuna law moving purse seine boats offshore sponsored by FECOP, the Costa Rica sport fishing lobby down here has paid big dividends all along the coast and lots of double and triple digit fish are being boated.

Inshore the roosterfish and snapper continue to please anglers and the annual run of big roosterfish this time of year has seem to have started as several fish over 50 lbs have been caught this week.

Todd Staley
Fishing Director
Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica

More News and Updates

Did you know our inshore fishery is home to 12 kinds of snapper? Pictured below is Braden Born and his brother with a beautiful Colorado snapper. One of the many species one may encounter on an inshore fishing trip at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

Guest Testimonial of the Week

Here is what Pete had to say about his visit to Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica this past week:

David,
It would be bad manners of the type that disappointed my mother if we did not tell you and all the Crocodile Bay Resort team how much we enjoyed our adventure. It is hard but pleasing work to have that much fun. We will not mention any team member for fear of omission of any one name.

But we will say:
The experience began with your tireless attention to detail, coordination, and follow up and we stumbled along in cobbling a suitable game plan. You attempted to educate and serve while not being disappointed if the student failed to understand.

Our primary purpose was the fishing experience and we were quite pleased.

The boats and fishing staff were world class. Well maintained equipment and highly skilled personnel. All very professional and personable.

The fishing experience was the ‘main course’ of  a grand experience.

All services of the lodge were 5 star. That may sound like hyperbole, But remember this is an isolated spot, which we found quite pleasant. The food was exquisite and service as well as attention to detail surprising to include even artistic carving of a breakfast fruit plate.

There was great effort to pay attention to the  guest wants and needs ‘as to offer’ rather than be ‘asked for’, even the mosquitoes seemed to be trained to not bite the guests.

So many good things do not just happen! Dedication to mission fulfillment shines through.

Some may suggest parts of the resort to be dated, but everything works and all team members work at ensuring guest satisfaction.

Furthermore evidence of commitment as demonstrated in newer construction and surveyor flags is all around. Old or new —everything works and is well maintained.

We left the lodge with long list of new friends composed of both staff and guests.

Hope to have another experience with you during the black marlin season.

Pete

Thanks Pete! Black marlin are historically most plentiful between July and September. We hope to see you back down at Crocodile Bay soon!

We would like to thank Brianna from California for these photos of her recent vacation:

ICAST 2016 – If you are affiliated with the fishing industry and registered for this years’ ICAST, you may visit Crocodile Bay Resort at booth 2863 July 13th through the 15th for your chance to win the Costa Rica fishing trip of a lifetime! We will also be offering fishing trips at special “industry rates”. You will of course also have a chance to see all the coolest new fishing, gear, gadgets and apparel for the upcoming year before the rest of the world. For more information visit the Offical ICAST website.

Book Your Costa Rica Fishing Vacation – Check Availability Below

June 2016 – Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica – by Fishing Director Todd Staley Offshore of late has been a hunting game. Most everyone who has a Pacific sailfish on their bucket list is fulfilling the wish with some patience but they are not popping up like popcorn as they were in March and April. Todd Vannatta who has been coming down for years missed his trip earlier this year because of an accident but finally made it with 15 year old son and future NBA star 15 year old 6 foot 7 inch Gunnar. Gunnar took his first sailfish and they added a 25 lb dorado which they enjoyed several times in the restaurant.

Inshore fishing has been wide open and couples John and Lorraine Sixsmith from England and Robert and Francine Schreiber of Fort Lauderdale came just for that. Roosterfish, African pompano, jacks, trevally, grouper, and tilefish are just a few of the species that stretched their string.

Above Robert Schreiber shows the food chain in action with this beautiful cubera snapper

Schreiber hooked a big cubera snapper estimated at 60 plus pounds but it won the fight as the big ones often do. The plate size Pacific yellowtail snapper they also caught hit the deep fryer and were a delight.

Pictuerd above Francine Schreiber holds up a nice sized Roosterfish before returning it to the Pacific

The Sixsmiths from England spent 14 days with us and caught just about everything. They also had a chance to go  on a variety of our 30 Eco-adventure tours. See photos below:

Robert Sixsmith pictured above with one of many Roosterfish he released. The Sixsmiths caught a variety of inshore species and sailfish on their 14 day visit from England.

Tara Harrell – who many of you may have spoken with prior to booking your trip to Costa Rica- visited last week with her youngest son and had a great time fishing and exploring the rainforest. She released this  roosterfish and caputured a lot of amazing wildlife photos which will soon be featured on crocodilebay.com.

As the month winds down we should see more marlin and tuna moving in. Tuna making short appearances now have been running 20 to 70 lbs. July through September are historically some of the best months to target blue marlin (with blacks and stripes in the mix) You can click here to check availability for July through September.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and we have a great way for you and your family to celebrate this special day. When you book a Costa Rica fishing trip of three days or more,  we’ll give dad a VIP boat upgrade from a Boston Whaler Outrage to a 33′ Strike Yacht (for a full day), so he can fish inshore or offshore like a pro!

Trips must be booked by Father’s Day 2016 and taken before October, 2016 (to receive the special one day upgrade valued at $700). Call 1-855-945-4171 for special offer details and restrictions or fill out the form below to check availability.

Crocodile Bay Resort is an ideal destination for family or group vacations as we offer over 30 eco, adventure, and cultural tours as well as a luxury Spa for non-anglers.

We also offer unlimited complimentary paddle boarding from our private pier and waterfront area. Check availability below.

Crocodile Bay Resort offers the most extensive selection of private, guided ecotours and expeditions designed to introduce you to Costa Rica’s most biologically intense region. With over 30 Costa Rica ecotours and activities, we are the perfect destination to discover the magic of Costa Rica Osa Peninsula. Enjoy kayaking, zip lining, snorkeling, surfing, birding, hiking, biking, waterfall rappelling, and more!

For more information on customizing your Costa Rica eco tour or sport fishing vacation call 1-855-945-4171 or Reserve Online