Costa Rica is something of a mecca for sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Blessed with an abundance of coastline on the Caribbean and Pacific sides, as well as a large number of freshwater lakes and rivers, whatever your chosen bait, fishing Costa Rica is bound to grab you hook, line and sinker.

However it is the pursuit of the really large game, the world record breaking fish and the tantalizing opportunity that every angler dreams of – the “grand slam” - that really captures the imagination when it comes to a Costa Rica vacation and sport fishing. For the uninitiated amongst us, the Costa Rican “Grand Slam” consists of catching 3 different types of Billfish that are common in these waters. So that can be any three of; Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish or Swordfish, and before you ask, yes, sports fishermen claim this prize all year round in Costa Rica.

It is in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, which are abundant with nutrients, where marine life gets big as well as varied. Along with the three species of Marlin and the swordfish and sailfish, the warm blue waters here also contain Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado (otherwise known as Dolphin fish or MahiMahi), Snapper and Rooster Fish as well as many, many more.

If size is really your interest then it is the female Blue Marlin that will be your quarry of choice. The legendary fish from the Hemingway novel, The Man and The Sea, this fish can reach over 1000lbs in weight and give even the most battle hardened Sports Angler a serious fight.

Costa Rica’s advanced ecological approach to its Marine life has resulted in a largely catch and release policy. We are sure that when you feel the power and see the majesty of the greatest creatures of our oceans, just the experience, a few photos and some incredible stories will be more than enough to take home with you, after all releasing a great animal back into its home can be just as rewarding as bringing it in.
When picking the perfect Costa Rica resort for your Sports Fishing adventure it is important to consider a number of things, quality of fishing charter service, likelihood of a catch and of course how you spend that downtime. After all you are going to need some rest if you plan on taking home the Slam.

Los Suenos resort is situation at the mouth of the Golfo Nicoya which is one of the premium Sports fishing locations in the whole of Costa Rica so a bite is almost guaranteed. With a 250 berth yacht marina and many excellent fishing charters operating from here you can take your pick of service with all bait and tackle included, a captain and mate, this guarantees that you and your buddies can concentrate on the serious business at hand and enjoy a great day out. With the 5 star resort on site you can be assured of a luxurious and well needed rest on your return, where you can have a Jacuzzi, massage or relax in the bar with a tumbler of whiskey and recount your stories of the day.

So what are you waiting for, book your trip, strap yourself into the fighting chair and see if your next cast could be a record breaker!

Are you packed and ready to start your Los Sueños luxury getaway?

The slow pace of Costa Rica is part of the charm and intrigue but getting to this exciting destination in half the time is a huge bonus!

If you are flying in to SJO or just escaping your cubical or office in San Jose when you’re headed west to Los Sueños you’ll be hopping on the new San Jose-Caldera Highway.

The days of those long and winding2 or 2 ½ hours over windy mountain roads are over…. Now it’s just a quick zip over a smooth, straight, well marked highway headed for the sun, sand and the Pacific Ocean and you can jump-start your Los Sueños getaway in about an hour!

Now, you can enjoy more time ON your fabulous, long weekend or that well-deserved, luxury vacation rather than getting to and from your destination.

On Wednesday, January 27th, President Oscar Arias officially declared the opening of the highway in an inaugural ceremony that millions of Costa Ricans and visitors alike had anticipated for so many years. No too long after the project was approved to move forward a surprise came announcing that the road would be open about 4 months ahead of schedule!

Following the inauguration, the President toured the city of Puntarenas on the Gulf of Nicoya  and remarked that he made it there in about 45 minutes and had never arrived there before in less than about 90 minutes.

The first modern highway in the country, keep in mind that the Caldera is a toll road and will initially cost around $2.80 or  1,930 Colones to cross from the Capital to Caldera.

Heading to Los Sueños  Resort and Marina plus all the nearby fun and adventure with easy access from the Central Pacific coast, just got better!

The sooner you arrive at the Central Pacific coast the sooner you can begin your time off and your break from reality.

As the saying goes “build it and they will come.”  Well they have.

You’ll find our little slice of the world more irresistible and closer than ever.

Plan your destination wedding, family vacation and Guys’ or Gals’ Getaway well in advance or just hop in the car and head for the Pacific coast at the spur of the moment.

Settle in to your luxury condominium, dine at sunset and take a romantic moonlight swim.

Paradise awaits so get ready…it all starts in just about an hour! -

Costa Rica is HOT HOT HOT this January for anglers fishing out of the Los Sueños Resort and Marina on the Central Pacific Coast.

Cerveza was the big winner this time around with a total of 33 Sailfish and 1 Marlin with a check for the top prize of $46,500.

Saturday, January 16th wrapped up the 1st leg of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series 2010 and the competition was fierce! So close in fact that with so many teams tied the winners had to be decided by time.
Those with the earliest, official times of release break the ties and determine who came out on top.

This year’s 1st leg winners are relative newcomers to the Los Sueños Marina but definitely no strangers to fishing or to taking top awards!

Owner Tom Russell, a regular guest with CR Luxury Rentals is on a great run in the competition here in Costa Rica. He’s been fishing these waters on the Cerveza since December of 2008.

Cerveza’s Captain, Butch Davis, comes from a fishing family. His father was also a captain and ran fishing charters out of Indian River Delaware. Now with 30 years experience, Butch passed his captain’s license exam at the age of 17…He wasn’t even old enough to be a licensed captain at that time. He told us “they let me take the test thinking I couldn’t pass it . Since I wasn’t old enough to have the license yet I had to wait to receive it and they mailed it to me on my 18th birthday”!

Cerveza owner, Tom Russell says they have fished in many places such as the East Coast of the United States and the Bahamas.  But fishing out of Los Sueños is the best.  The facts show it too.  Russell says the “competition here is great”!

Tom Russell, Captain Butch Davis and their incredible team are on quite a winning role. Just last month, here at Los Suenos, they also took the top honors as World Champions in the WBS, World Billfish Series.

In 2009 alone the Cerveza caught 450 Billfish in only 70 days of fishing.

When asked how they do it, Owner, Tom Russell says “it’s our Secret Weapon, aka “El Capitan” Butch Davis”. Davis humbly says “we fish a lot… to be really good, you have to fish a lot”.  That they do, and they have the trophies to prove it!

Top Angler award was a very tight competition as well…several competitors were tied for fish caught but the tie breaking time proved the winner was none other than Los Suenos visionary and developer, Bill Royster. Mark Jones who placed 4th this time in the Top Angler category took 1st place as Top Angler in the November 2009 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational.

Cerveza owner, Tom Russell says it’s not only the fishing that keeps him here at Los Sueños.

He comes to the resort for the amazing catch and great competition but also brings his family to enjoy the resort and the excitement & adventure of the rainforest while staying in the luxury condominiums here in the gated communities of the resort. He says “Casandra and Roxana of the CR Luxury Diamond Concierge Team are great and always provide everything they need”….he also goes on to say he plays favorites with another CR Luxury team member…”we love Jose Eduardo the best!” The CR Luxury office is conveniently located right in the Marina Village.

When asked “why Costa Rica?” Russell says “I love the fishing, the people and the country. Bill Royster had an amazing vision and this resort is the best I have seen”.

Costa Rica Luxury Rentals congratulates all the participants in the tournament and are here to help with luxury accommodations, tours, airport transportation, tee times or just good advice about almot anything you may want or need while visiting Costa Rica.

We look forward to seeing you back here in February for the 2nd leg of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series.

Welcome to the Costa Rica Luxury Vacations Fishing Report Update.

Every 2 weeks or so, we’ll publish the biggest and best news from one of the world’s top Sport Fishing destinations. The Marina at the Los Sueños Resort is also the home of the Marlin Invitational as well as the 1st and 2nd leg of the World Billfish Tournament every January and February.

We’ll keep you informed about what is coming up, what’s been caught and why you want to be here!

Check back often for new reports…See you in the Marina!

Here are the partial  results for December 09

Dorado 1183

Sailfish 228

Tuna 111

Marlin 32

Rooster Fish 7

Wahoo 2

Catching a sailfish is the dream of many a “land-locked” fisherman – and Costa Rica is the place to do it! Costa Rica has access to both the Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Coast – and both are known as prime waters for catching prize sailfish. Sailfish are particularly abundant off the Costa Rican coast!

Although sailfish run year long, the best time to catch one is May through August. Fishing for sailfish begins to thin around late August through November.

Some call sailfish the “fish that walk on water” as they have been known to run along the surface of the water for as much as 200 ft using only their tail fins for support! Sailfish can swim at speeds of 68 mph, and can be up to 10 feet long with a weight of 200 lbs.

Definitely, a picture of yourself alongside your prize sailfish catch will give your friends reason to stop and stare, as they are magnificent creatures and put up quite a fight when coming in.

The calmer waters near the coast of Quepos are particularly favored by those hoping to catch a sailfish. As Pacific sailfish don’t have the long or deep runs made notorious by Atlantic sailfish, a 12 weight tarpon outfit is perfect in these waters. Reels should be tarpon size or larger as smaller reels will not be able to recover line fast enough when bringing the fish in.

Costa Rica is hot and humid during the day, but cool at night so be sure to dress accordingly, and bring lots of sunscreen.

There are many excellent charter fishing boats available, whose Captains are well-seasoned, with a solid understanding of what it takes to bring one of these elusive trophies in. Your concierge at Costa Rica Luxury Rentals and Tours will guide you to the very best fishing boat, marina, and captain to make sure that you have a fishing trip that memories are made of!

Most full day fishing trips include all your bait and tackle, breakfast and lunch, abundant guidance and advice, and scenery you have only dreamed of before.

Whatever your experience level, Costa Rica Luxury Rentals and Tours will make sure you come home with an experience you will never forget in your lifetime!

Catching a marlin in tropical waters is the dream of many a fisherman – as marlin are known to not only be colorful prize fish, but fighters that provide a true test of “man vs nature” when coming in.  Costa Rican waters are rife with this colorful prize, and many come to Costa Rica every year with the dream of catching a marlin.

Marlin can be either black or blue, and the best times for catching them in Costa Rica are from September through March.  Black marlin are hard to find in other areas, so many fisherman flock to Costa Rica to bag the elusive black marlin.

There are two main strategies when fishing for marlin in these waters.  One is to use the knowledge that they love skipjack tuna, and to fish around structures where they are known to be.  The skipjack feed on fish that the currents bring upwards around structures, so trolling white jigs through the currents usually gives multiple hits. 

The second strategy is to use 10-20 lb tuna for bait while open trolling.  Keep your eyes open for birds feeding – when birds are feeding, there is lots of bait to be had and marlin are usually plentiful.

Marlin can be in the range of 200-500 lbs, and are definitely a change of pace for your average river fisherman! Marlin can also live to be 50 years old.   If you are looking for a great gift to give to the fisherman in your life – a Costa Rican fishing trip would be the adventure of a lifetime. 

Costa Rica Luxury Rentals and Tours can arrange this entire trip for your lucky husband or father – including hooking him up with an experienced captain and top-notch fishing boat for his grand experience.  

Los Sueños Marina is considered one of the world’s premiere marinas for marlin fishing, and luxury accommodations nearby can be booked reasonably through Costa Rica Luxury Rentals and Tours for your lucky fisherman.

Sailfish

Sailfish are probably the most abundant fish in the waters off Costa Rica.  They are generally bluish grey in color and are easily recognized by the large dorsal fin that runs the entire length of its back.  Sailfish grow very fast often up to four or five feet in one year, reaching full growth at around 10 feet.  They are also one of the fastest of ocean fish and can travel up to nearly 70 miles per hour.  They can get to be as large as 200 pounds but are usually somewhat smaller than this.  Their size and speed are what makes them a great sport fishing challenge.  They can be caught year round on the Pacific coast of the country, but peak season is generally May through August.

Marlin

This is probably the sport fish that most are familiar with.  It is prized because it is harder to find and hook than almost any other sport fish.  Their enormous size and fighting abilities are what attracts anglers from all over the world.  The world record for a non commercial catch is something like 1400 pounds.   November to March is the best time to land one of these monsters in Costa Rica.

Roosterfish

Another good fighter among Costa Rica fish is the roosterfish, so named for its rather odd appearance, which is identified by their 7 large spines that sit above the dorsal fin. They are caught mainly from June through October and average about 20 pounds, but 100 pounders over four feet in length have been recorded.  They are a good fighting fish as well.

Dorado

The Dorado is more commonly known as dolphin fish or mahi-mahi. These names have been adopted by most of the fishing industry so as to keep these fish separate from the more commonly recognized dolphin, which is actually a mammal.  Like the sailfish, dorados also have dorsal fins running the length of their backs.  They are smaller than sailfish, seldom getting to more than 25 pounds.   Dorados are easily recognized by their brilliant colors.  They can be green blue and golden on their backs and sides.  One of the most interesting things to watch when you catch one is how it changes colors upon coming out of the water.  They are popular game fish because of their fighting ability, but they are also favoured for eating in many restaurants in the area.

Wahoo

Some folks say the name for this fish comes from fishermen hollering “yahoo” when they land one of these very fast running ocean fish.  They can grow up to 8 feet in length and can weigh up to 180 pounds.  They can swim up to almost 50 miles per hour which puts the sport into sport fishing when you’re after them!  The Wahoo has razor sharp teeth so all fishing is done with steel leaders only.  Wahoo is a good eating fish as well and prized for its white flesh and delicate flavour.

Los Suenos Resort & Marina

Avid fishermen will agree there is no place quite like Costa Rica for sport fishing. Because of the proximity to the sea, there are endless opportunities to catch the big one here! There are the Pacific ports as well as the many rivers and canals along the Atlantic coast. There is also a fair amount of fresh water fishing available in the larger rivers found in the northern areas of the country. What all this means is that whatever type of fishing you’re in the mood for, it can be found in Costa Rica, and because it’s such a compact country, if your visit is long enough you can try it all while you’re there. To get you started, here is a brief rundown of Costa Rica’s main fishing regions.

Northern Pacific

In the northern coastal area Gulf of Papagayo, Flamingo Beach is the hotspot for sport fishing. There is a full service marina here as well as charter boats to other good fishing spots. Here you can sport fish for sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, and roosterfish. These fish can be caught pretty much all year but the best fishing often runs from November to March.

Pacific

The abundance of billfish has made this the most popular area for sport fishing in all of Costa Rica. In addition to the above mentioned fish you can also catch mahi-mahi, and snapper in this area. There are plenty of ports providing access to the sea, and charter boats offer tours of various duration and price points so everyone can find a tour to suit their interest and budget.

Central Pacific

From December to April, billfish are caught in this region in phenomenal numbers. It is almost guaranteed that you won’t leave your Costa Rica vacation without some pretty big fish tales to tell. Inshore fishing and even fishing from the shore in this area will produce a good day’s catch of tuna, roosterfish, wahoo, dorado, small snapper, and snook. You never have to travel very far to make a catch!

Southern Pacific

This area offers the fewest number of charters out to sea and they are somewhat scattered along the shoreline. If you want to fish where things are a little less busy, this might be the spot for you. What is more prevalent in this region is some good light tackle fishing in the many little inlets and caves. Don’t discount this as challenging fishing, however, light tackle fishing here often means you’ll still be pulling in 30 and 40 pound fish.

Whatever your choice of fishing style and wherever you plant yourself for your Costa Rica holiday, there will be no shortage of exciting sport fishing adventure!