Marlin Fishing Costa Rica

Fishing In Costa Rica

While the entire coastline of Costa Rica holds billfish, Carrillo is specifically known for its good numbers of marlin. Some of the world’s best light-tackle anglers make Carrillo their base of operations from December through April to take advantage of the large numbers of small blue, striped and black marlin that show up just offshore. A typical day usually means just a 12- to 20-mile trip offshore. Although, if we hear of a hot bite a bit farther out, we will go the extra mile to put you on the fish. Of all our Marlin University sessions, this one offers the best chance for a grand slam, catching three billfish species in a single day.
This is a dead-bait fishery where you will learn to operate a lever-drag reel by pitching baits to fish that come up on teasers. This method really gets the angler involved in the action and is the quickest way to become proficient with a rod and reel.

Trip Information

Playa Carrillo, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is less than a two-hour drive from Liberia and approximately 60 miles north of Los Sueños. Nestled in a cove overlooking a white-sand, coconut-studded beach, the Hotel Guanamar offers a spectacular panoramic view of the most incredible beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

From the hotel terrace, you can hear howler monkeys screeching in the thick rainforest. Charming palm-thatched roofs top the original villas, and the large area of green gardens is home to many exotic birds. The open-air restaurant and bar serve a wide variety of local specialties and freshly prepared seafood that will awaken your appetite. Each morning, we are met on the beach by a dinghy or panga that takes us to our game boats waiting in the mooring. After a full day of billfishing, we settle in for dinner and additional instruction at our nightly seminars. 

Costa Rica Game Boats

'Tijereta' – Capt. Bubba Carter
43' Carolina Custom
captbubbacarter.com

Capt. Bubba Carter, who recently returned to full-time chartering in beautiful Costa Rica. It's the passion within, that has driven Capt. Bubba to devote his entire life to the ocean and the wonderful sport of sportfishing.

Capt. Bubba has fished in many locations around the world such as: The Dominican Republic, Panama, CoCos Island, St. Thomas V.I., Venezuela and Costa Rica. With over 18,000 Billfish released, 18 World Records, Fantasy Slam (5 Billfish species in 1 day...he only caught 5 fish that day!!), Super Grand Slam in both Atlantic and pacific Oceans, 2006 AFTCO Trophy for most tagged and released Billfish in the world, and Billfish Foundation Captain of the Year 2006.

'Bushwacker '– Capt Skeet Warren
42' Bertram
www.bushwackercr.com

After globetrotting and fishing all over the world since 1981, Captain Skeet Warren decided to buy his own boat and settle down in Costa Rica. He considers Costa Rica one of the best places overall to enjoy a great day of bluewater angling, an opinion formed by his solid, worldwide experience and many years of travel.

Skeet has captained many boats in his 23 years, and he's long considered the 42' Bertram one of the best overall for fishing. Its fast, dry ride gets out to the fish faster and more comfortably. With air conditioning to escape the heat, the Bertram's agility and large cockpit accommodate the anglers. Combine this environment with state-of-the-art electronics, full safety equipment, all new Shimano reels with custom rods, and a very experienced crew, we are sure to have a great day on the water.