September is the beginning of two of my favorite things…football season and ultra light tackle Dorado fishing.
The last 3 months of our “rainy season” is when you can find large schools of 10-15 pound Dorado just a few miles out. Find the “junk” and you may find the fish, “junk” is anything that has been floating in the ocean long enough to be used as shelter or structure by various fish species. These floating items collect in the current lines and you may find a floating log with a thousand fish underneath.
One September day about 10 miles out we found a discarded fishing net that had been floating in the ocean for several months. This net was maybe 20 foot by 20 foot and it had thousands of fish underneath…all sizes and several species. We caught 40 or 50 Dorado in 3 hours…all about 10-15 pounds. I caught more than a dozen Dorado using a top water popper and 6 pound test line. Dorado love to jump and fishing with light lines allows for some incredible top water action. If you get a chance try some light tackle Dorado fishing. It’s fun, afforfdable and makes for some good eating.
World Record: 88 lbs. Exuma, Bahamas
Fishing Report
The fishing in August was similar to the fishing we had in July. Not many boats going out but the boats that did go out caught fish.
Captain Dana on the “hoo’s your daddy” took a few groups out recently for Inshore Fishing over by Tortuga Island. The bite was steady and included a half dozen Roosterfish over 30 pounds, a handful of 20 pound Jacks, a couple 50 pound Amberjack, a few Mackerel and a Blue Trevale.
The Yellowfin Tuna fishing was still good in August but the bite seemed to be further out. Several boats got into the 30 – 40 pound Tuna. The key was going further out and finding the spinner dolphin.
The Billfish action was normal for August. The boats that went out seemed to average 3 or 4 Sails. There was a couple Marlin caught in August and the Dorado bite seemed slower than normal and was limited to a few small fish.
September Fish Forecast -- September will be a traditional “rainy season” fishing month. A few boats a day will go out fishing and almost everyone will have some luck. The boats that go inshore will get catch Roosters, Jacks, Mackerel and more. The guys that go offshore will catch a few Sails, some Tuna, and a Marlin or two.
Give me a call or send an email with your fish story for the next “Costa Rica Fishing Report”.
DOLPHIN / WHALE WATCHING: Dolphins are usually everywhere plus we do see the occasional whale. HORSEBACK RIDING: Available in most places, who hasn’t wanted to ride a horse on a beach. HOT SPRINGS / SPA: Available only in a few places, the best in romantic and relaxing getaways. KAYAKING: Available in several places, white water or ocean kayaks – cheap water fun. LAKE FISHING: Fish for the Guapote (Central American Bass) at Lake Arenal and Lake Nicaragua, great fighters on light tackle. MOTORCYCLE / QUAD RENTAL: Available in several places, great fun, wear your helmet. NATIONAL PARKS: Available in most areas, great tours, see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
PARAGLIDING: Available in a few places…try it if you get a chance…a few moments of panic followed by the best ride of your life. RIVER FISHING: Fly fish for Trout in the high mountain streams, fish the jungle rivers for giant Tarpon and Snook. SHOPPING: Available everywhere, take home some souvenirs and coffee SURF / BOOGIE BOARD: Available in the most popular towns, what the hell…give it a shot.
TURTLE WATCHING: Available only at certain times and certain places but for some the thrill of a lifetime.
VOLCANO TOUR: Available almost everywhere, good family trip. WHITE WATER RAFTING: Scenic and serene beauty followed by wet and wild adrenalin rush. WINDSURFING: Available at a few places, Lake Arenal is famous for its windsurfing