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Costa Rica |
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| For our 15th wedding anniversary, we decided to head for the tropics for some "fun in the sun," along with some pacific shore fishing. We spent 9 days in Costa Rica. Visiting briefly, Costa Rica's capital San Jose. The balance of our trip was spent in the resort town of Tamarindo, located on the northwest shore. We flew by Sansa Airlines out of San Jose, into Tamarindo, a 50 minute trip in a 12 seat commuter plane. It's not uncommon to have to circle Tamarindo's runway a time or two. The cows have to be escorted off the landing strip. | |||||||||
 February
is notorious for Tamarindo's Wind. Now I know why they call Costa
Rica's Winter season the WINDY season! The strong winds complicated our
fishing plans to some extent. Planned charters were cancelled,
rescheduled and then rescheduled again.
I was quite thankful for those couple of extra pounds from having the kids. There were times on Tamarindo's beach, that I had to do my own version of dropping anchor. With winds so strong, I had to drop right there on the beach and wait for the gusts to diminish. The sand stuck to your face & your body. The beach although beautiful (and very clean) is not what one thinks of here in the States. It's definitely not for sunbathing. During the windy season, you cannot open your eyes or mouth with the whistling winds. Seas were rough and because of this, it was necessary to travel by boat up to the shore of Nosara, an 1 1/2 hour cruise from Tamarindo Bay. The ride home was incredibly rough - only for those who are young and have a strong back. We heard from the locals that fishing Tamarindo in late June is the preferred time, after the rainy season and before the strong winds.
Dorado were plentiful and fun to catch. What a fierce fight! And Jumpers. Slam, bam, whack & wham to get them on the boat. Jumping in protest to their doom of heading to the fish box. But, mmm, mmm good. (25-55 pounds) Catch & Release is encouraged |
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 YELLOW
FIN TUNA: A prize catch, both for fight and dinner. They were, however,
out numbered by the Dorado. Their fight was less exciting, but
still powerful. (30-60 pounds)
Here, I chose to let the Captain of the boat hold my catch, while I observed. After landing a couple of these fish, I began to fit into the rhythm of fishing in Costa Rica. Bare Foot, Imperial Beer & Bloody Fish & Feet. It can't get much better than this... * The sushi chef at Hotel El Jardin Edin was accommodating and made Alex fresh sushi with his Tuna. This privately owned, 18 room hotel, is a must for all couples who want rest, relaxation, great meals & pampering. |
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 While
fishing, we saw hundreds of porpoises. They were all around the
boat. They were so close to us, that when I sat at the bow
of the boat & hung my feet over the side, the porpoises' spray would touch my feet. This was awesome.
When there are large schools of porpoises, then you know that the fish are not far behind. They compete for the same bait. We also landed sailfish, marlin & skipjack tunas. The Rooster fish eluded us. |
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Recommended Tamarindo Hotels
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Outdoor Adventures |
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