Crocodile Bay Resort Costa Rica Fishing Report – Mid April 2018 by Fishing Director Allan Smith – Greetings from the tropics, Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the JBL Communications Tournament put on by Brook Lunsford.
By Todd Staley, Fishing Director – They say that El Niño is finally starting to go away and the temperature of Equatorial waters is finally beginning to drop. I don’t think I will recover any of the hair I’ve lost but the fishing just might get a little more predictable. The light seasonal rains have finally started after a long drought and everything that had turned brown miraculously turned back to green in 3 days. Schools of yellowfin tuna have started passing by with the dolphins. The last one was aggravating as the fish didn’t chew that well but we did manage an 80 lb block of steak and sashimi for the guests.
Sails are still around and still having days of double digits but they are also doing their pre-spawn ritual up on the surface. When there is that kind of flirting going on sometime they get finicky about running down a bait offered to them. The dropping water temperature should bring more marlin our way as well.
We have even seen a few dorado which were scarce in the height of the Niño season. Inshore has been decent fishing with good days and slow days but thank you fish gods, mostly good days. Roosterfish have been active and checked off a lot of bucket lists. Snapper are biting and looking good on dinner plates. Deeper, the grouper have been biting with some tilefish.
I am going to put up a couple of photos of some of the stranger fish we have seen this season inshore. Don’t quite know why, but interesting none the less.
Dennis Tilton of Boston Whaler with a Congria. Although not rare it is a strange looking and deliscious fish
A juvenile Mexican Hognose snapper from Matapalo Rock
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This deep-water Stargazer also came from the famous rock at the mouth of the Gulf
Rare Costa Rica barrelfish
This just in – The Kessler group went 24/7 on sailfish yesterday – congrats guys!
One thing I really don’t like is to write a fishing report when the fishing is not good. But I always do and always tell it like it is. I have even had guests tell me they picked Crocodile Bay because after reading reports from other places, mine was the only one that did not always say the fishing was great. El Nino or something had the start of the season get off to a slow start but just like I don’t like to have to report slow fishing, I am superstitious enough to not want to report real good fishing. But what the heck……………FISHING IS GREAT!!!!!!!!
Old friends Mike (pictured lower left) and Ann Pizzi thought their children, Eloise and Finn, ages 6 and 4 were finally big enough for a trip to the resort. Since they have been old enough to talk we have had phone conversations and they have always referred to me as Tio Fish, (Uncle Fish).
We tested them inshore where they reeled in 20 triggerfish and small snapper and the little ones decided they were ready for offshore. With Dad’s help they each wound in a sailfish and then watched Papi Mike take a nice sail on a fly rod. Kids come first, but enough sails were popping up for Ann to get her turn also. The kids even got to see a real life Shamu(Orca) on their way back to the dock. The Brits really tore up the waters lately when Stephen and Julia Ramshaw and Ken and Jan Parkinson told me it was there best trip ever. Ramshaw landed 43 sailfish during his stay and had two fantastic days where he raised 71 sailfish.
An Orca shows up to to greet the Pizzi’s during their phenomenal family vacation at Crocodile Bay Resort.
Here are some shots of Mike Pizzi’s first sailfish on the fly!
Also traveling from London were good friends Pip Earl and Ian McCormack. Earl served the Queen and was one of the guards that all the people try to make change their expression or smile while on duty. He would have been in big trouble back home because nobody could knock the smile off his face after catching his first sail on a fly rod. McCormack on the other hand caught plenty of fish but hearing his story of surviving the sting of 5 box jellyfish was amazing. He was clinically dead for over 20 minutes and came back. A movie called “The Perfect Wave” starring Scott 
Eastwood, tells a Hollywood version of his story, but the book “A Glimpse of Eternity” tells a more detailed story of his visit with death. You can Google Ian.
Inshore, my saving grace for the last couple of months when fishing was wide open has slacked off. The rooster bite has slowed and apparently they have decided the sailfish needed to pick up the slack – because as soon as the sailfish bite picked up, the roosterfish numbers fell off. The snapper bite is still good. Guess you can’t have it all.
Fishing Director Todd Staley (Tio Pez) Gets a nice photo with Eloise and Finn Pizzi after the two youngsters released their first sailfish. This is an experience these kids will never forget – can’t wait to see you guys soon!
Play the broken record, still a hunting game offshore and some very good days inshore. I’ve said the same thing for the last couple reports and expect the same until the dorado move in offshore next month which will change the whole offshore picture for the better. In the mean time, here is what Captain Smity a recent guest had to say about his September fishing experience at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.
“First of all, Crocodile Resort is 1st class all the way. All the travel arrangements, over night hotel in San Jose, pick up at the International airport (SJO), next morning pick up at hotel for hop to the airstrip in Puerto Jimenez. Everything went like clock work. Great job on your part making these arrangements!
Early morning breakfast at Crocodile Bay included a traditional American style, and off to the pier to meet our guide and mate. Great boat and 1st class gear. All Penn reels and rods with live bait we caught each morning.
The 25 foot Boston Whaler with twin Merc 150 Verados took the chop like a champ. We trolled most of the day with the two motors and you could barely hear them. Here’s the best part. Captains Johnnie and Anthony puts us on fish straight away. We got into some huge Jack Crevelle which got our motivation right on track. We didn’t catch that many roosterfish that day, but I did manage a trophy of about 30 lbs. After trolling inside close to surf, it got slow and our Captain suggested deep water for red snapper and cubera which we caught in about 200 feet of water. We caught yellowfin tuna, rainbow runners, mackerel, some fish I have never heard of. We kept the snapper as Todd, the Resort’s fishing director told us to do. Man, talk about good eating. Small red snapper gutted, scaled and deep fried whole. Yes, I said whole. The meat fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. 
Next day just got better. We worked mostly for roosterfish and caught several up to 30 lbs. More Jacks, snapper and one African pompano.
The 3rd day was the gravy day. We targeted roosterfish and caught 14 with me catching 3 over 40lbs one of which was 50lbs. We were getting bites all morning and there were some nice fish that broke off and the hook just pulled out. Just part of fishing, but we should have boated well over 20 rooster fish. Troy and I agreed that it was one of the best fishing trips we had ever been on together. I remain a die hard peacock bass fisherman, but I now have a healthy respect for that roosterfish. I have never had a hold of a more powerful fish in open water. When they take off, all you can do is hold on. They do come up and show themselves and I liked that. When you think you have them whipped and they see the boat, off they go like a streak of greased lightning and again all you can do is hold on. I have never seen a fish that can move that fast in the water. All were safely released to fight again.
We managed to catch one more African pompano on about the last fish. It fought bravely, but when we tried to release it, it could not be revived. Anthony filed it out for us and told us to tell the cook to fix it on the grill. Allan, that undoubtedly was the best fish I ever put into my mouth. I cannot fully explain the flavor and texture of the filet. You would just have to experience for yourself. Thanks buddy for all your help. Troy wants to go back the same time next year and take his youngest son who will be 17 then. Of course, I will gladly tag along. Although the Todd said that December through March were the best months, Sept is off-season and both our Captains agreed that was a good time to come and we were the only boat out and the pressure on the fish was minimal.
That was a trip and I finished my “bucket” list of fish I wanted to catch and experienced a fishing trip beyond my wildest dream. How fortunate I am to have been able to be healthy enough to have fished all over the world as I have.”
– Capt Smity
Lightning strikes twice – The ladies had all the luck on this September day as two of our female anglers released two 70lb roosterfish in the same day!
Below Jeri Heiser the winner of our annual VIP fishing trip strikes gold with this huge roosterfish – Read about Jeri Heiser’s fishing experience here
David Hardin and Mark Kaiser hooked up with several inshore species this week, but this 60lb roosterfish was the icing on the cake!
Pictured above – Ryan Lindsay shows off one of the fattest rock snappers we’ve ever seen
*Thanksgiving Special (Valid for vacations taken Nov. 23 to Nov. 30) Thanksgiving week at Crocodile Bay Resort offers guests an experience not to be missed. We put on a great feast with fun for the whole family. Book any standard fishing package of three days or more and we’ll give you a complimentary Strike tower boat upgrade for one of your three fishing days! We have a 5,000 square foot luxury spa and feature 30 exciting eco tours for the whole family! restrictions apply – limited availability of upgrades. Check Availability
*Christmas Special(Valid for vacations taken Dec. 22 – Dec. 30) Give your family or significant other the Holiday gift of a lifetime with a vacation at one of the worlds foremost sport fishing and adventure destinations. *Book any standard fishing package of three days or more (booked by Oct. 7, 2015) for vacations between December 23rd and December 30th, 2015 and we’ll give you a one day complimentary Tower Strike Yacht upgrade ($700/day value) restrictions apply – limited availability of upgrades. Check Availability *All above specials are valid for new reservations (booked by Oct. 7, 2015) for fishing packages of three or more days. Specials may not be combined with other offers. Boat upgrades are based on availability and supplies are limited. Specials may be changed at any time.
Crocodile Bay Resort has been featured in major Sport Fishing magazines world wide – but this is one of the more interesting covers we’ve seen. From a recent Chinese fishing magazine (Lure Vision).
Costa Rica Fishing Report, May 2015 – May has brought with it some nice weather and as always some interesting surprises. Harry Dunning came down from Las Vegas on a whim and ended up with some catches that would make most of us green with envy. He told me this was the best vacation he’d taken in thirty years…later I found out it was the only vacation he had taken in thirty years – but all kidding aside, he had just about everything go right on this fishing trip.
In his several days with us Harry Dunning released his first 200lb blue marlin offshore and inshore two large roosterfish (35 and 45lbs), with the star of the show being a surprise 35lb Cubera snapper from one of our new fishing kayaks. When a 45lb roosterfish took his live bait, it took him for a ride shooting out of the water several times like a sailfish before circling in and doing a deep dive directly below his kayak. The fish was so strong, that when it dove beneath the kayak it forced Harry into an involuntary Eskimo roll and a new view of the roosterfish action from below the surface. Harry managed to hold on to the rod and we brought an extra boat around to complete the successful catch and release of the fish. (Pictured above left) Although the unplanned Eskimo roll cost him his digital camera footage, the GoPro survived and captured some pretty neat footage of the trip that day. Not to be discouraged by his first encounter with a rooster, Harry got back in the kayak and it wasn’t long before a second roosterfish, this one at 35lbs, took his bait and put up an impressive fight before release. The big surprise at the resort was when he hooked up (also from the kayak) with a 35lb Cubera snapper off a sandy bottom which almost never happens and was purely a gift from the fish gods.
Guide Anthony Santos marveling at Harry’s 35lb Snapper
Congratulations to Harry Dunning on Releasing His First Blue Marlin! (see video of the release below)
Rob McIldowie and Stanley Teschke from Australia (Angling Adventures) and had a good few days inshore catching several African pompano, bluefin trevally, roosterfish, and on their final night they experienced the delight of a traditional Cotsa Rican whole fried snapper at the dinner table. They also managed to catch a yellowfin tuna for some fresh sashimi before they departed. The purpose of their 20+ hour flight from Australia to Costa Rica was to scratch two species off their fish list -tarpon and roosterfish – and after a visit to the Caribbean coast for tarpon, they caught several roosterfish here at Crocodile Bay Resort making the long haul worthwhile. We hope to see you back again, thanks for making the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna
May and June typically see a nice tuna run – which still hasn’t arrived, this is good news if you’re planning to visit soon, they could show up any time.
Summer Family Vacations at Crocodile Bay Resort
If you’re looking for something for your significant other or kids to do while you are out chasing marlin, summer is just about here and we’re offering a complimentary fourth night on fishing vacations of three days or more. For summer family vacations (May – Sept) kids under 11 can stay, eat and fish free with parents down on any fishing package of three days or more. All inclusive packages start at only $1,495pp.
For non-anglers we offer 30 unique eco expeditions and a luxury spa making Crocodile Bay a complete vacation destination. Check out our new videos for a sample of what you can expect during your trip to Crocodile Bay Resort including our new kayak fishing and paddle boarding.
Spouse on the House
Back by popular demand, we’re offering our classic “Spouse on the House” Spa Package this summer season. For every day you fish, your spouse gets a free Spa treatment (up to $125/credit per day in the Spa)! This special is only available for a short time so call and mention “spouse on the house” to take advantage of this great offer.
Crocodile Bay Resort
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
www.crocodilebay.com
Check Availability for Costa Rica a Fishing Vacation at Crocodile Bay Resort Below
Marlin Thunder Offshore and Roosterfish Light it Up Inshore at Crocodile Bay Resort!
Costa Rica Fishing Report, August 2013
By Will Briegel filling in for Todd Staley
from www.crocodilebay.com
Catching at least one blue marlin has been commonplace for those venturing offshore during their three day fishing packages, and if you’re not lucky enough to find that school of bonito that the marlin are chasing – there have been plenty of sailfish hanging around with folks releasing at least one or two each, there were a couple 4/4 -5/4 days which are great for July. Lets hope they stick around in August. Here’s some pics of this month’s marlin and sailfish releases aka”Blue Thunder” with some nice blue marlin being released.
Inshore, the “White Lightning” has been striking in the form of ravaging roosterfish running ramped, with no signs of this year’s Rooster Rally letting up (Click here to sign-up for our Roosterfish Competetion in August). In the past we have had guests come from as far away as New Zealand and Russia just to tangle with these tough scrappers that would probably score a 9 out of 10 if there was an America’s Top Fish modeling reality show. With their sleek striped body and cool 7 point comb, roosters offer inshore anglers the whole package. Roosterfish use their flat body against the current causing them to shoot out of the water with a sliver “flash” and at times dance like a sailfish. They can also stun you with their strength even at smaller sizes (15 to 25 lbs range) Although in the past couple of weeks most anglers have been getting them in the 35 to 50 lb range (see photos..some of these roosters look bigger than the kids catching them!)
Update 7/31/13 – One boat inshore today raised 10 Roosters from 25 -45lbs! Congratulations Ron and Susan! We’ll see you at the SPA 😉
What happens after a 7 Roosterfish Day? Hit the Spa!
I’m convinced the reason visionary and Crocodile Bay founder Robin Williams (not the comedian/actor) created a state-of-the-art luxury spa at the resort was for those anglers who target roosterfish, tuna or marlin. These fishermen/women bring big smiles and tall “Fish Tales” to the bar after the catch, but in the morning it’s all about the lumbar which is screaming for relief from one of our talented spa therapists – and trust me, an hour massage designed specially for anglers will have you rejuvenated and ready to get back out there to do some more battling.
For the significant other in your life, for instance, your wife, our spa offers over 20 amazing treatments with the majority of ingredients extracted from Costa Rica’s largest coastal rainforest, you’re gonna love it.
RETURN OF THE HUMPBACKS!
As predicted months ago by Fishing Director Todd Staley, the humpbacks are in our protected gulf teaching their calves how to hunt dive and communicate – a sort of kindergarten for humpbacks if you will. As we move into August, there were reports of seven; yes (7) pairs of humpbacks in our backyard (yesterday, July 29th) the Golfo Ducle which is defined as a “Tropical Fjord” system as it reaches depths of over 300 meters (900ft )and is surrounded by towering Jurassic Park-like rainforest mountains.
Humpback Photo from the Lemmings:
To see one of these blue and white giants covered in barnacles and breaching with a huge belly flop or side splash is a memory that you will take home and cherish forever (we cannot promise you will experience this, but if it’s going to happen, this is the time of year to witness it). To hear their magnificent songs vibrate through the hull of the boat is beyond words and all I can say is, don’t miss your chance to witness one of Mother Nature’s largest biological ocean vessels in person this August and September at Crocodile Bay Resort (don’t forget your camera…if you have an SLR with a zoom lens, even better!)
Some more Whale and Dolphin Watching at Crocodile Bay:
All the family’s who came down for our Sensational Summer of Tales and Whales got their share of both, and there were a couple of family’s in particular that stand out as really coming up big on the seeing side and the catching side as well. We are still running the Sunsational Summer of Kids Free (Kids Stay, Eat, Fish and **Watch Wales Free in August and September !) Space is Limited! Sign up HERE TODAY if You’re Interested!!
Family Fishing Tales
The Kneucker Family (Collin, Dillon and father Mike) family wanted marlin, but admitted “anything would be fine” as we are in what some refer to Costa Rica’s “non-peak” season, some anglers hold their expectations at bay, especially when it comes to billfish of any kind. Not this year. But they got their Pacific blue marlin (pictured above) as well as several sailfish (below) and rooosterfish.
Kneuker Family Members Collin and Dillon With a Sailfish
Aiden Scroggins wanted a trip to the world famous Crocodile Bay Resort for his birthday to target rossterfish, and he got his wish! He made it down to see us and caught to 40-50lbs roosterfish and a nice sailfish! Way to go, and Happy Birthday from Crocodile Bay Resort!
Aiden Scroggins is right on target with the rooster he wanted. Happy Birthday!
The Flemmings
These guys conquered the schools of Tuna completely and also did well with the sails. Take a look at some of these big tuna and even bigger smiles!
Spouse on the House II – Back by popular demand we are running our Spouse on the House II package all September long! We have added a twist this time with a FREE Whale Watching Tour as well as a Complimentary $1,595 Spa vacation for your wife or significant other when you book a three (3) day or longer fishing package – Click here for details. Single anglers and groups are entitled to 25% off your September Vacation if you book by Labor Day!
Crocodile Bay Videos – Courtesy of the Gunnell Family!
Bringing in a 400 plus lbs Marlin as a family is an amazing experience. We would like to thank the Gunnell family for this great video that highlights the thrill of catching and releasing a Pacific Blue Marlin.
Around the Osa
We’ve heard reports from Capt. Donald McGuinness that a 750lb black marlin was caught near Carate when it took an anglers silky snapper he had on the line as bait! This may be a good sign that the big blacks are moving in. It’s up to nature how long the blues will stay around but a Black and Blue August may be a strong possibility.
Fishing Forecast
The Blues are not showing any sign of letting-up and the sailfish are not as thick as January through May – but are being had on a regular basis. Rooster fishing and fishing for other inshore species is historically very good this time of the year. We’re not sure how long the blue marlin will stick around but it could be worth coming down and taking a shot since the blacks appear to be steadily moving in as well.
Todd Staley Returns from his trip from the States to visit family August 15th with his Crocodile Bay Fishing Report! (and this time we mean it!)
Fishing is just the beginning!
Don’t forget, that amazing Costa Rica fishing is not the only thing on Crocodile Bay’s extensive activity list! We offer over 25 eco, adventure, and cultural private tours with local, bi-lingual Costa Ricans who will personally guide you through the areas they love and have grown up in.
Tight lines and crocodile smiles to everyone. Hope to see you all down soon doing some catching in Costa Rica!
Will Briegel
Filling in for Todd Staley,
Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica
www.crocodilebay.com
