Costa Rica Fishing Report With Bill Beards
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.
Photo of the Month – Kris Lindsay with a 70lb Roosterfish
September 2015 in Costa Rica Gulfo Dulce.
Fishing In Costa Rica: A Testimonial by Captain Smity
“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. All arrangements, including air, in-country transportation, accommodations, tours and fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort can be booked by Bill Beard’s office in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
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.”
A great video of sport fishing with Bill Beards: LEARN MORE
Please watch our video all about Costa Rica Fishing, Scuba Diving, Adventure & Vacations: LEARN MORE
Here is a short video clip of the fishing by the resort: LEARN MORE
To see all the other adventure tours that Bill Beard’s operates throughout Costa Rica: CLICK HERE
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Costa Rica Fishing Report With Bill Beards