Slow Action Calm Before Storm

VERY few fishermen are angling right now out of Quepos, on the central Pacific coast, where light rain was reported morning and afternoon over last weekend and into Monday, with the sun out for a while midday.

J.P. Sportfishing in Quepos had only two boats out last week, reporting 10 dorado, five wahoo and two tuna. Should know more by next week, as J.P. will be fishing both the Sea Lady and Wild Lady every day from Thursday of this week through the end of the month.

I would sure like to hear from more boat operators in the area on a weekly basis. Call me Sundays or Monday mornings at 282-6743.

REPORTS from the northern Pacific coast are equally sparse, with few boats getting out. However, water conditions are continuing to improve and good inshore action has been reported out of the Tamarindo area and farther south out of Carrillo.

All the way south in the Golfito region, Roy’s Zancudo Lodge reports about two sails per boat every day, along with some dorado, tuna to 30 pounds and plenty of roosterfish for those who want to go for them.

Billfish action traditionally explodes in this area and farther north out of Quepos in December and January.

CALBA are in solid on the northern Caribbean coast, according to a report from the Río Colorado Lodge. No mention was made of tarpon, however, so I assume the outrageous bite on the silver rockets reported last week has dropped off, or there just weren’t any fishermen out.

Here again, I would sure like to hear regularly from other lodges at Barra Colorado and Parismina at the telephone number above.

We’ve had no official word, but Río Colorado Lodge operator Dan Wise advises that there will be a new regulation regarding fishing licenses beginning next year.

Wise said he has been advised that the Costa Rican Fisheries Institute (INCOPESCA), which regulates fishing in the country, is now selling a license good for both fresh and ocean waters for $24 per year for nonresidents, and the license is good for one year. If fishing in wildlife refuges, anglers need an additional special permit, which costs $10 for four days or $6 per day.

For more info on fishing or assistance in planning a trip to Costa Rica, contact Jerry at jruhlow@costaricaoutdoors.com or visit www.costaricaoutdoors.com.

Skippers, operators and anglers are invited to contact Jerry with fishing reports by Sunday of each week. Call or fax 282-6743 within Costa Rica or write to the e-mail address above.