Tips for Your First Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Costa Rica offers one of the healthiest fisheries in the world, where twenty-fish days are not uncommon, and fish simply don’t come in small sizes. Los Sueños Marina, which is home to an extensive charter fleet certified by the Costa Rican Ministry of Tourism, reports that dorodo average 40 pounds, and yellowfin tuna often push past the 300-pound mark. Other fish, including wahoo, roosterfish and snapper, as well as sailfish and marlin, also call the coast of Costa Rica home. Maybe the good fishing explains Costa Rica’s ranking as one of the happiest places on earth.

The good fishing might explain Costa Rica’s ranking as one of the happiest places on earth. Vacations and sportfishing at Los Sueños Resortt and Marina can be accommodated by Stay In Costa Rica, a tourism group that has 10 years planning fishing charters with boats ranging from 25 feet to 65 feet.

Never been on a deep sea fishing boat? Stay In Costa Rica (www.stayincostarica.com) offers the following tips for first-timers:

•    Look for an experienced deep sea fishing charter. A qualified deep sea fishing boat will take you to the best fishing spots and provide the correct bait for the fish that you want to catch. Fishing licenses are required and cost $25 per year. All good boats practice catch and release on all bill fish to ensure good fishing to the future generations. There are restaurants that will cook your catch when you bring in Mahi Mahi or Tuna. There are also chefs that will cook your catch at the privacy of your accommodation.


•    Guard against seasickness. Even if you’re fishing in Costa Rica, which is known for its gentle, smooth waters, you might get disorientated on the boat. If you get sick, stay above deck and concentrate on the horizon line. Avoid strong smells, like that of the bait, until the nausea passes. Taking motion sickness medication before you board can help you avoid the issue altogether.

•    Come prepared. Bring sunglasses and a hat or visor. Be sure to drink plenty of water while on the boat. Don’t forget sunscreen; even if you stay in the shade, the glare off the water can give you sunburn. And don’t forget to bring your camera. After all, you’ll want to record your big catch!