No reports this week from anyone on the central or northern Pacific coasts or Barra Colorado on the northern Caribbean, but the bite on the southernmost Pacific coast appears to have shifted into high gear, with Capt. Mark Corn of Southern Costa Rica Sportfishing (www.costaricasportsman.com, 735-5292) reporting from the Golfito region that Dave Lag and two friends from Boston in three days raised 29 sails and released 17, along with two blue marlin estimated at 350 and 200 pounds. They also caught four  dorado to 37 pounds and some small yellowfintuna for sushi on the boat.
LakeArenal guide Ron Saunders reports that fishing on the lake is improving with a drop in water level. Late last week, in one day, he nailed 13 guapote (rainbow bass) and pinto bass, all up to a kilo in weight. He said they had some massive strikes and knockdowns around protruding tree trunks and in the coves.Winds have been mild, days mostly sunny.
I recently responded in this column to a question regarding tarpon fishing on the northern Caribbean coast, commenting that there was a lodge at Manzanillo but didn’t know if it was still in operation.
In response, I received the following information from lodge owner Jim DiBernadinis, who said the lodge operates seasonally, with the best time to fish from March through May and September to October. The lodge specializes in fly-fishing but also gets a lot of spin fishermen. For more information, visit www.tarponville.com.
I also heard from Michael Butler at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, who thanks The Tico Times for recent mention as a location for kayak fishing. He said they have kayaks equipped with rod holders for inshore fishing and pangas with 115-horsepower motors, and can arrange larger boats for fishing outside.
I hear periodically from readers considering going into the fishing business here asking about bringing a boat down. They, or existing operators considering expanding their fleet, or someone looking for a liveaboard, may be interested in checking with Dr. Rogelio Pardo, former Minister of Health.
Dr. Pardo, who is my doctor and good friend, wants to sell his 41-foot Hatteras model 65 with twin 375-horsepower Volvo diesel engines, both overhauled 300 hours ago. The boat is in Costa Rica, licensed and with import taxes paid.With two bedrooms, a standing bathroom and shower, galley with modern fixtures and a large saloon, it can also serve as a live-aboard. The boat is fully equipped with top-quality tackle, Penn International and Shimano reels, outriggers, dinghy with outboard and a nine-kilowatt Northern Lights power plant.
Dr. Pardo’s office is at ClÃnica Americana in San José, and his telephone numbers are 235-2424 (home) or 812-2040 (office). If calling from North America, first dial 011-506.
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