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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!

There is a misconception out there that nobody ever really wins these “Enter to Win” on-line free trip promotions. Rest assured at Crocodile Bay Resort, that is not the case. Jeri Heiser and Paul Hartman from Bismark, North Dakota recently won our 2014-2015 VIP contest and just returned from their fishing and eco vacation at Crocodile Bay Resort which included three full days fishing on a 33′ Strike Yacht an exciting Ecotour in one of the world’s most bioligically diverse regions and deluxe treatment in our  luxury spa.

Here’s what Jeri had to say about the Crocodile Bay Resort experience.

To enter this year’s drawing you may enter here or fill in the entry at the bottom of the page. Good Luck!

Dear Will,

September 30, 2015 – We had a WONDERFUL time….still can’t believe I won the trip!  Paul and I feel it’s been one of the best experiences ever!  We were so impressed with you, David and the whole staff at Crocodile Bay.  Transfers went well, the Double Tree Cariari by Hilton was very inviting and friendly. But I really loved the way the doors were opened for us when we arrived at Crocodile Bay and we were greeted with a big smile from your beautiful bride and the fruit smoothies with an umbrella were a very welcoming touch.

Our bags were delivered to our room, the room was cozy, clean and the special touches of the towels folded on our beds was a sweet personal touch.  A yummy breakfast was served to us and before long we walked the nature trail to the pier to start the Inshore fishing experience.

I believe we had started fishing around 8:30/9:00 am our first day….it was non-stop reeling in fish….we had around 40 bait fish….and by 12:30 the bait fish were all used up….the captain and mate were going to catch more bait fish so we could continue to fish until 3PM but Paul and I looked at each with a big smirk and decide we caught enough fish for today.  At least that’s what our shoulders and arms we’re telling us!

Enter to Win the 2016-2017 Annual Trip Drawing for Your Chance to Win!

ENTER TO WIN! A Dream Fishing Trip for Two at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica – Over $6,500 in Value!
Includes 4 Days at Crocodile Bay Resort – Three Days Fishing and One Eco-Adventure Day

PRIZE DETAILS:

Winner will receive 3 Full Days of World Class Sport Fishing for Two (2) at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica – Inshore or offshore, your choice

-Enjoy a guided tour (for two) of Central America’s largest coastal rainforest – home to over 400 bird species and 200 mammal species (This area has been featured on both National Geographic & Discovery channels).
-Package includes all lodging at Crocodile Bay Resort, meals and soft drinks.
-Winners receive VIP boat upgrades to a 32′ Strike for all three days fishing ($700/day value)
-Includes ground transportation from local airport (Puerto Jimenez) to Crocodile Bay Resort
-Includes fishing licenses, gear, and English speaking crew
-Complimentary Wi-Fi available on site.

Package valued at over $6,500 MSRP – Drawing will be held June 1st 2016!

“The most biologically intense place on Earth”
– National Geographic Magazine

For more information, details and restrictions call 1-855-945-4171

Restrictions
Drawing will be held June 1st 2016. FREE Trip must be taken between June 2nd and September 30th 2016 (certain blackout periods may apply, contact us for details).

Package does not include: Alcoholic beverages at the resort, transfer fees, domestic airline & domestic overweight seat and baggage, international airfare, meals in San Jose, airport departure tax, change fees, gratuities.

Other legal restrictions may apply in your state. Winner must be at least 18 years old and hold a passport issued by their country of residence and valid for at least 6 months following departure from Costa Rica. Package prize details may change at any time.

Crocodile Bay will soon open it’s doors for the 16th season of sport fishing on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. Since we don’t re-open until Saturday, I’ll talk a little bit about what anglers can expect in November. As always the blue marlin move in and dorado (dolphinfish) ranging 20 to 40 lbs will be here in droves. A few sails and yellowfin tuna will be in the mix. Inshore, the roosterfish will be circling the rock and also cruising around the reefs and beaches. Snapper and African pompano will be camped out on the volcanic reefs as usual.

Blue Marlin like the one pictured here are historically good to target in the month of November at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

One of the perks of this job is getting to meet tons of interesting people and sharing fishing stories, both present and past, jokes and other adventures with each other. One that comes to mind is Gene Moe who will be returning to Crocodile Bay again this season. He is lucky to be fishing anywhere. Back in 1999 while skinning a deer in Alaska a large Grizzly decided he would take out Gene and steal a meal. With only a Buck knife in his hand and no time to get to his gun, the bear attacked. After losing large chunks of flesh from his arm and leg Gene managed to get a direct hit in the vertebrate with the knife and put the bear down. Luckily he survived long enough to get medical attention, but is the only person I know of to take down a Grizzly with only a knife.

Face to Face with a Legend
While going through some old photos the other day I came across some photos of my visits to see a legend. I have always been a fan of Hemingway and probably watched the “Old Man and the Sea” a hundred times as a kid. I still watch it now and then. Before coming down to Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica to help start Crocodile Bay Resort with the Williams family, I had a friend here in Costa Rica who kept a boat in Hemingway Marina in Havana. When he asked if I could check on his boat a couple times a month I jumped at the chance.

One of the things I have always done when I travel somewhere is walk up to the oldest people I see on the street and start up a conversation. That is the best way to get a real picture of the place. I soon found everyone was eager to talk about Hemingway, his boat the Pilar, was on display at the Hemingway home and museum. I also found out Hemingway’s captain Gregorio Fuentes was still alive at 100 years old and living in his home in Cojimar and accepted visitors.

As I arrived in Cojimar the first time I was awed by seeing the same castle I had seen in the “Old Man and the Sea” standing proudly on the water’s edge. The locals directed me to the home of Gregorio and my hand trembled as I knocked on the door knowing I was about to be face to face with a legend. As we sat in his living room I saw the years on the ocean in his eyes and spots of skin cancer on this nose.

We sat for several hours and talked fishing, marlin, and of course Hemingway. Locals had told me that Gregorio and Hemingway would argue a lot about fishing technique, where to fish and so forth. As I pressed Gregorio he was a true professional and never admitted whether that was true or not. He did tell me that Hemingway did have a true disgust for sharks, especially when one stole a prized fish.

He told me after his death, Hemingway’s widow gave Gregorio the Pilar. Already in his early sixties and without Hemingway, he lost his desire to fish. Fidel Castro also took the boat from Gregorio to place in a museum. In exchange Castro gave Gregorio the right to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Terrazzo, a restaurant frequented by Gregorio and Hemingway in Cojimar. “I guess I got the better deal,” he laughed. “I have been eating there for 40 years.”

Gregorio demonstrated his sense of humor when I asked him how to live to be 100 years old. I often chuckle as I recall his secret. “Every day before dinner,” he started, “I have just two shots of rum, after dinner a good cigar and every once in a while a young woman.” I laughed and thought to myself, at 100, what’s a young woman, 80?

Over the next years I visited Gregorio many times. Each time I left with a feeling like I actually knew Hemingway. I have not been back to the Island since coming to Jimenez 16 years ago. The legend Captain Gregorio Fuentes passed shortly after in January of 2002 at 104 years old.

I am glad I came across those old photos. It made it all fresh again. I look forward to this coming season to see old friends and meet new ones and of course chewing the fat with them after a days fishing. We’re looking forward to our 16th season at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica and hope we get to see you this next year.

Watch “Crocodile Bay in 60 Seconds” to learn more about sport fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica.

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

Image Source: Crocodilebay.com

When one thinks of Costa Rica two things pop into most minds: surfing and fishing and for both Matapalo is a paradise. With dreamy images of sandy deserted beaches, open waters, sunny days and removed from the hectic life of modern day civilization. It’s remoteness, laid back culture, biodiversity makes it an excellent spot to unwind and rejuvenate. Matapalo is located on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula in the Southern Pacific Ocean. It is a pristine environment that is a hideaway for surfers and anglers. It is difficult to access and the best way to get there is by taking a boat across the peninsula for a day trip. Here you will spot monkeys climbing in jungle trees along the beach and an abundance of other wildlife. It attracts an international crowd of anglers and surfers every year. Continue Reading

These Crocodile Bay guests went offshore fishing for a day and caught a diversity of fish in the Pacific Ocean. The waters of the Osa Peninsula are abundant!

Image Source: Crocodilebay.com

Sport fishermen headed offshore into the open waters for a day of fishing! Continue Reading

Image Source: Blog.natureair.com

It is November and that means that Sailfish are peaking in the Osa Peninsula.  As winter approaches and much of the the east coast of the USA recovers from Hurricane Sandy, and prepares for another hit from a Nor’easter heading their way, many people may be wanting to just escape somewhere warm. It is time to take a vacation, if you can get away.  While the northeast experiences the direct consequences of climate change, it may be time to take a trip to one of the most environmentally responsible countries in the world, Costa Rica.  If you are in need of some cheering up, fun, sun and relaxation to recover from the devastating weather, a vacation to the happiest country in the world may be perfect destination. It is beautiful in the Osa Peninsula this time of year. Continue Reading

These Crocodile Bay guests headed out for a day of offshore fishing in the Osa Peninsula and here is what they caught:

Image Source: Crocodilebay.com

Early morning and Crocodile Day boats are ready to head offshore for fishing.

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Image Source: Reeldanger.com

The beautiful blue waters of the Osa Peninsula are abundant in majestic billfish that dance off the waters and give any sport fishermen a challenge when trying to reel them in. With sunshine and warm days most of the year and a pristine biodiverse environment that is not exploited, there is nothing like heading out in the waters here early in the morning to catch a billfish, especially the legendary marlin.  With expert Captains and boats loaded with the latest technology, Crocodile Bay is known as the anglers dream destination for world-class fishing. According to the Billfish Foundation, Anglers contribute $599 million annually in direct and indirect revenue to the Costa Rican economy, so keeping the fish stock abundant keeps people coming here year after year. Continue Reading

While the big game fish in Costa Rica are all catch and release there are some fish for the taking while offshore fishing in the Southern Pacific Ocean. It’s another sunny day in the Osa Peninsula and these Crocodile Bay guests celebrate their diverse catches for the day.

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In Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and ready to go sport fishing for the day.

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Photos of Crocodile Bay guests fishing for Dorado and other lovely sea creatures such as roosterfish off the beautiful Sweet Gulf. Dorado are booming this month in Costa Rica.

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Another beautiful sunny day on Costa Rica’s Sweet Gulf.

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Image Source: Costa-rica-fishing.com

Great news for sport fishermen: Dorado populations, also known as mahi-mahi in Hawaiian, are booming in Costa Rica.  There is a strong vibrant healthy pool of dorado weighing in at about  25 pounds. Fishing is on the increase on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.  These funny looking fish look like a cuddly monster, or a sea version of a bulldog with their aggressive faces and vibrant green and yellow color. They are fast too, and a real challenge to catch. They look and behave like a sea maverick, making them a lot of fun to hook and reel in. Continue Reading

Image Source: Conservation.org/blog

While last night’s United States Presidential debate ignored climate change, the biggest threat facing the world. World leaders continue to meet in India this week at the COP 11 (Conference of the Parties) hosted by the United Nations Environmental Program to discuss protecting biodiversity from complete collapse.  Sport fishermen, especially anglers, are very aware of the impact overfishing, climate change and ocean pollution are having on fish stocks because they experience the problem first hand. Many are long time conservation advocates whose work has played a critical role in passing important legislation to safeguard our oceans. Continue Reading