Greetings!

 

This is Craig Sutton with with the October Report featuring the Year in Review.
 
The 2012 season was a banner year for FishingNosara with record-shattering performances on all three of our boats. 

Our Captains, crew, and clients are proud of their accomplishments and are primed to make the 2013 season even better.

Although October is known around here as the 'rainy season', this year the rain just never arrived.  The little bit of rain we've had hasn't stopped us from fishing.

Since the flagship Wanderer has been on the hill undergoing a total refit and repaint, we called on the unstoppable Explorer for a handful of off-season trips.

Captain David and Carlos answered the call and have scored big time, delivering some incredible Sailfish releases.

The jungle paint job on the Wanderer is finished and the crew is meticulously  reassembling the blue beauty.

Captain Jack and I are heading down this weekend to wrap up the last details on the Wanderer. Be sure to check out the total story on the FishingNosara Blog.

Captain Carlos has the Adventurer looking good and is chomping at the bit to wet a line. With the new addition of guided Lobster trips, Carlos has everything he needs to keep his customers stoked and clamoring for more. These Lobster trips will be extremely popular.

The Discoverer Project continues to unfold in our Florida shop.  Check out the newly-released video episode further down the report and keep up-to-date by checking in with us on the Florida Sportsman forum.

Please enjoy the the 2012 Year in Review and a special sneak peek and the new class of FishingNosara Hall of Famers

November is the start of our new year and it looks to be a barn burner with lots of ace anglers on the schedule already.

Remember that the good boats book fast, so don't delay or you may miss out on this world class fishing.

Feel free to call me anytime.

Tight Lines y Pura Vida!

-Craig Sutton


(904) 591-2161

[email protected]

    



Captain David and Carlos stayed busy this 'off-season' and their performance lends credibility to the theory that the fishing here is incredible 12 months out of the year, just not all of the boats are tough enough to get out and fish.

 The Explorer stayed on land until breaks in the weather allowed for safe fishing then was beach launched and recovered for each trip.

Tim Seyda and his lovely wife Nancy were interested in some billfish hunting and were willing to wait for a break in the weather to try it. These Northeast Florida anglers have never fished saltwater before and were excited to uncover the mysteries of the deep blue sea.  

 

 

On September 15 they got the clear weather they needed and the Explorer went to work. This big Sailfish came calling just after 1pm and Tim recorded his Sailfish release after a solid 20 minute fight.   

 

They also added a tasty Pacific Pompano for their last dinner in Nosara. Definitely a great way to spend their last day before returning to Jacksonville.  

 

"Craig: Fun trip caught one sailfish.... first time been fishing for sail so glad we caught one ..... Thanks again and was fun to meet u guys...." -Tim / Nancy Seyda

Cara Macksoud and her group came to Nosara for some green season relaxation, and fortunately the weather cooperated on October 7 for a little offshore billfish action. They put a nice 5lbs. Red Grouper on ice first thing in the morning, then headed offshore in search of Sailfish.

 

 

This skyrocketing monster hit the baits just after noon and was released after a short 10 minute fight.  

 

 

The Super panga ends the year with a staggering number of trips run (127) and legions of converts to the school of Extreme Panga Fishing.

 

Captain David has the Explorer dialed-in an we expect great things this season. 

 

 


(Click on any month to read the full report)

November 2011


The season got off to a scorching start as Charly and Silvia harvested some beastly Yellowfin Tunas on the Wanderer.

Also, newlyweds Adam and Jessica Mott scored several Sailfish releases including five releases on a five hour trip.

The Explorer welcomed Mate Carlos to the FishingNosara team and his presence immediately propelled the Super Panga to undreamed-of success.

Jacksonville anglers Bill Wildrotter and Chuck Darner stood out from the class with multiple excellent catches of Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna on the Explorer.


The Explorer put other mid-sized boats in the area on notice with an incredible Black Marlin release with Craig on the reel.

Meanwhile the Wanderer welcomed Captain Josh Eldridge from Nantucket for some warm water fishing and his multiple Sailfish releases are truly world-class.

Our new friend Frank Keres released a wonderful Marlin and earned his place in the new class of the Hall of Fame.

Speaking of which, we were honored to host Lifetime Hall of Famer Richmond Phipps and her extended family for a series of trips on the Wanderer. "Ever see a 15 year old kid who's never caught anything trolling with a Sailfish on the line?" wrote Richmond. "It was great!"


The Super Panga delivered Hall of Fame-caliber Marlin releases for two clients in January, while the Wanderer nabbed the biggest Black Marlin of the season to date with client Dave Eisner.

The family fishing frenzy also continued with Richmond's clan scoring more nice catches inshore and the Explorer hosting three generations of Eduardo Berrios' family for some memorable trips.

Also, we received word that local man Martin Ramirez hauled in a 70+ lbs. Snook from the Nosara River Mouth. The current IGFA record for this species is 57lbs. 12 oz. and this monster clearly eclipses that fish.

Unfortunately the IGFA wouldn't accept our record request because the fish was weighed on a grocery store scale and not one of their fancy scales.

Despite their lack of recognition of this incredible achievement, it is our honor to welcome Senior Ramirez to the FishingNosara Hall of Fame.

The action intensified as February brought multiple Marlin releases for Zach Condon's group from New England and Bruce Sabine's posse from Tampa.

Bruce and the boys went one further, adding a Sailfish release to achieve the nearly-impossible Billfish Grand Slam!

Derrill McCreary also released a massive Marlin and he is already planning his return to Nosara in 2013. Look out for this St. Petersburg, FL angler this season!

We had a strong performance turned in by Mark and Melody Mukon who had several Sailfish releases and the biggest Dorado haul of the year. These Connecticut anglers finished their week with a 'His and Hers' double sailfish release.

Also Florida Sportsman magazine calendar model Janae Nuspl fished on the Explorer and several Sailfish fell victim to her spell. Janae has fished most of the major hotspots on the Atlantic coast and her first trip to the Pacific proved fruitful.



The Marlin mayhem continued in March as longtime FishingNosara angler and friend Wayne Estes put himself in the Hall of Fame with an unreal FOUR Striped Marlin releases on a single trip.

Not to be outdone, Mike Burling put on a bill-fishing display that made the papers all the way back in Fernandina Beach, FL.

Gregory Raab kept the Super Panga on pace with a spectacular Marlin release.

Plus, we had an unexpected surprise...the arrival of massive schools of Red Grouper!

For a few magical weeks these normally rare and elusive fish were chewing the bottom out of the boats! Their white meat filets are truly world-class cuisine, and the Explorer kept the fishboxes full of these marvelous morsels in the month of March.



FishingNosara brought home the hardware at the annual Ship of Fools Tournament with the Explorer in the money at 3rd place and Craig bringing home Top Angler.

April was also extremely busy for the FishingNosara build team as Matty and  Captain Jack assembled the Adventurer in our Costa Rica shop.

This new 23-foot panga immediately made and impact on the local marine population and with Captain Carlos at the helm there is no stopping the Adventurer.

We also were stoked to welcome Melita Ganoe and her family for a great week of fishing and kayaking. Her family won the first annual FishingNosara Family Cup at the JaxKayak.com tournament, and the Ganoes had a great time in Nosara.



May was Marlin month as Morgan Trible released two of these monsters on a single trip. The Wanderer also scored released with the Chris Meade group and the legendary Chuck Harris.

Our new friends the VenHousen family come from Wisconsin but by the looks of their scorecard you'd think they'd been blue water fishing forever.

All three generations of VenHousen's released Sailfish and the whole family is now enshrined in our Hall of Fame.

Speaking of family fishing, the Wanderer welcomed Captain Don Dingman and the crew from Hook the Future for a week of fishing and filming. They captured some unbelievable underwater footage for the show including the fearless Captain Don swimming with the beasties!


The Sailfish bite stayed cookin' offshore but in June the real action was within 2 miles of shore.

Client Josh Walker achieved the first billfish release on the pocket-sized Adventurer just outside of Garza Bay.

On the Explorer our new pal Steve Creasey pulled in multiple big Snappers and went offshore on the Wanderer with excellent Sailfish releases reported.

Craig re-established himself at the head of the class for large Cuberra Snapper, while Alex Richter released a 70+lbs. Roosterfish and a badass Black Marlin on the flagship.


Sadly the Marlins were scarce in the month of July, but the Captain's adjusted their tactics and turned in a record month on our other fish of a lifetime: Roosterfish.

Between all of our boats we had 12 Roosterfish released which is amazing.

Wayne Estes had a three-release day while Todd and Sally Lupton set a new record with FOUR releases.

Hall of Famer Dennis Paul earned his third enshrinement to the Hall when he nabbed a Roosterfish that weighs every bit of 70lbs. Great accomplishment by Mr. Paul who has now been enshrined with three different species on three different trips.


In August swarms of Sailfish assaulted our area. Craig Sutton Jr. pulled off a single-handed Double Sailfish release on the Explorer while Greg Saig and Tommy Rady of Salt Life fame also scored releases on the super panga.

The Wanderer set a new record for single-day Sailfish releases spearheaded by Bob Pease and his group's ridiculous THIRTEEN fish day!

They ended up with 29 releases that week and the flagship backed it up with Dan and Darlene Houser's double sailfish release late in the month. These Pacific Sails are all over 100lbs. and they fight like tigers in the water. Great month by the team!



We brought the season to a close with one of the most enthusiastic clients of the year. World-beating angler Ross Boyce came to us from Australia and had a blast on the Explorer with multiple Sailfish.

The Wanderer closed on a high note with a monstrous Marlin release with our old buddy Jeff Grosshandler on the reel.

This Marlin was a perfect end to a record setting season for FishingNosara, and is a sign of more great things to come for our clients in this fast-upcoming season.

It's safe release also signifies fulfillment of our most important goal at FishingNosara:

100% Billfish Survival

All of the credit for this accomplishment goes to Captain William, Captain David, First Mate Alex, and Captain Carlos for their personal dedication to safely de-hooking, reviving and releasing every one of these rare creatures.

We have taken big steps to keep this kind of fishing as low stress as possible for the billfish. We use circle hooks and big reels to keep the fight as short as possible.

It's our mission to see the billfish population thrive through responsible sportfishing methods. In this regard FishingNosara hopes to set an example that others can follow.



The FishingNosara Hall of Fame welcomes a new class of 34 anglers in recognition of outstanding performances posted in the 2012 season. The selection process is very intensive with input coming from the Captains and crew, the US office, and statistical comparison to previous seasons.

This class features a pair of three-time inductees (Dennis Paul and Morgan Trible) and includes two families whose aggregate performance is worthy of enshrinement.

The 2012 Hall of Fame class will be posted to FishingNosara.com this week, but we are sneak previewing the class in this report as a special treat for report subscribers.

Take a look at the cream of this year's crop:


November 19, 2011 - Five Sailfish released by Josh and Jen Eldridge




November 20, 2011 - MASSIVE Yellowfin Tuna by Charly and Sylvia




November 23, 2011 - Black Marlin released by Craig Sutton




December 6, 2011 - World Record Snook by Martin Ramirez at the Nosara River Mouth


 
December 13, 2011 - 275lbs. Black Marlin released by Frank Keres




December 15, 2011 - 250lbs. Black Marlin released by Mark Shaw




December 22, 2011 - 200lbs. Black Marlin released by Dave Eisner




January 3, 2012 - Marlin released by John Fitzgerald on the Explorer




January 17, 2012 - Costa Rica Slam by Bruce Sabine, John Harbord and Jon Ronloff




February 1, 2012 - 300lbs. Blue Marlin released by Kristen Gramazio




February 2, 2012 - Striped Marlin and Sailfish released by Derrill McCrary




February 5, 2012 - Marlin released by John Betz on the Wanderer




February 12, 2012 - Nine Red Groupers by Neil Jerome group




February 14, 2012 - Four Striped Marlin released by Wayne Estes




February 15, 2012 - Marlin released by Josh Luke




February 16, 2012 - 250lbs. Blue Marlin released by Dennis Seltsam




February 21, 2012 - 300lbs. Black Marlin released by Greg Raab



February 25-26, 2012 - Two Black Marlins released by John Michael Burling




February 27, 2012 - Striped Marlin release by John Murdaugh




March 31, 2012 - 300lbs. Blue Marlin released by Captain Jack Weinmann


 
April 10, 2012 - Two Blue Marlin released by Morgan Trible and Kenny Strickler




April 16 - 20, 2012 - Ten Sailfish released by the VenHousen family on the Wanderer




April 23, 2012 - Marlin and five Sailfish released by Chris Meade on the Wanderer




May 6-7, 2012 - Two Marlin released by Chuck Harris on the Wanderer




May 21, 2012 - Cuberra Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, six Sailfish by Steve Creasey




May 25, 2012 - First Billfish released on the Adventurer by Josh Walker




May 25, 2012 - 80lbs. Cuberra Snapper by Craig Sutton




June 1, 2012 - Marlin and two Roosterfish released by Alex Richter




June 22, 2012 - 70lbs. Roosterfish released by Dennis Paul on the Explorer




June 23, 2012 - 60lbs. Cuberra Snapper by John Baumgart on the Explorer




June 26, 2012 - Four Rooster fish released by Todd and Sally Lupton




June 30, 2012 - Double Sailfish release by Dan and Darlene Houser




August 6-8, 2012 - 22 Sailfish released (13 in one day) by Bob Pease



August 24, 2012 - 300lbs. Black Marlin released by Jeff Grosshandler








Horseback Safari Tour  


Hoss Kramer and his family took the exotic journey up the mountain led by Eduardo Hernandez. The Horseback Safari Tour has become one of our most popular offerings due to the warm and welcoming nature of Eduardo and his family.




    

This trip features lunch at his family's authentic Costa Rican farmstead and continues to a secluded waterfall. 

 

 

Snook River Fishing Tour

Lots of great action on the Snook at the River Mouth this month. Check out some of the familiar faces who scored big on snook this month:

 

 

Of course the Fuppernos (Friends of the River) led by Javier Hernandez are always on point keeping the Nosara River clean and free of trash.  

 
Look at the Fuppernos in action:
 



 

 

Turtle Safari Tour

The Turtles took center stage in early October as the Arrividad was in full swing. Take a look at this amazing natural wonder:

 

 

 

 

Snorkel Safari Tour

Kayak Safari Tour

 

 

 
Mate's Package
  • Entry level package for up to 3 anglers.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Tranquilo, Casa Surfeando or Apartemento (sleeps up to 3 persons)
  • Three Half-days (5 hours) of fishing on 27' Explorer. Each trip includes water, fruit, snacks, and tackle. Choice of morning or afternoon start time.
  • $2100 Total
  • $700 per person
Captain's Package
  • Entry level package for 4 anglers.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Bonita, Casa Caribe or Casa Jardin (sleeps up to 6 persons)
  • Three Half-days (5 hours) of fishing on 31' Wanderer. Each trip includes water, fruit, snacks, and tackle. Choice of morning or afternoon start time.
  • $2800 Total
  • $700 per person
Admiral's Package
  • Fully-loaded package for 6 anglers.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Capitan (sleeps up to 9 persons)
  • Three Full days (8 hours) of fishing on 31' Wanderer. Each trip includes water, fruit, snacks, lunch, and tackle.
  • Include Four Passenger Safari Cart for 7 days.
  • $4500 Total
  • $750 per person
Inshore Adventure Package
  • Inshore fishing package for 4 anglers.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Bonita, Casa Caribe or Casa Jardin (sleeps up to 6 persons)
  • Kayak Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Horseback Mountain Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Fishing Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch. Choice of river mouth or beach casting.
  • One Half-day (5 hours) of fishing on 27' Explorer. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, and tackle. Choice of morning or afternoon start time.
  • $1800 Total
  • $450 per person
Fishin' Buddies Package
  • Mixed fishing package for 2 anglers.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Bonita, Casa Caribe or Casa Jardin (sleeps up to 6 persons)
  • Kayak Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Fishing Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch. Choice of river mouth or beach casting.
  • Three Half-days (5 hours) of fishing and/or snorkeling on 23' Adventurer. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, and tackle. Choice of morning or afternoon start time.
  • $1540 Total
  • $770 per person
Honeymoon Package
  • Romantic getaway for couples.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Tranquilo or Casa Surfeando (sleeps 2)
  • Champagne and Chocolate Check-in
  • In-house couples massage for two.
  • In-house Breakfast for 5 days includes assorted local breads, fruit, yogurt, coffee, and juice.
  • Full service cleaning including wash/dry/fold laundry.
  • Private 2 person Horseback Mountain or Kayak Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Sunset fishing trip (2.5 hours) on 31' Wanderer. Trip includes water, fruit, cookies and champagne.
  • $2000 Total
  • $1000 per person
Eco Adventure Package
  • Nature exploration package for 2 persons.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Tranquilo, Casa Surfeando or Apartemento (sleeps up to 3 persons)
  • Kayak Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Horseback Mountain Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, equipment, guide, and lunch.
  • Snorkel Safari Tour. Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Two bicycles for 7 days.
  • In-house couples massage for two.
  • $1400 Total
  • $700 per person
Family Holiday Package
  • Fully-loaded package for families up to 9 people.
  • 1 week (7 nights) in Casa Capitan (sleeps up to 9 persons)
  • In-house Breakfast for 5 days includes assorted local breads, fruit, yogurt, coffee, and juice.
  • Full service cleaning including wash/dry/fold laundry.
  • One Half-day (5 hours) of fishing on 31' Wanderer. Each trip includes water, fruit, snacks, and tackle. Choice of morning or afternoon start time.
  • Safari Tour for up to 8 people (Snorkeling, Kayaking, Horseback, Fishing, Surfing, Eco). Trip includes water, fruit, snacks, guide, equipment, and lunch.
  • Include Six Passenger Safari Cart for 7 days.
  • $5000 Total

Airport Transportation

Nosara Transport features top-of-the-line vehicles that are rigorously inspected to ensure a safe and swift trip. Our friendly drivers provide door-to-door service to the major airports. Avoid the hassles of the Taxi Stand by having your transportation arranged ahead of time.




Transportation one way to/from Liberia Airport: $140 (up to 8 people)
Transportation one way to/from San Jose Airport: $240 (up to 8 people)
Water and Snacks included. Beer and wine available for an additional fee

Lodging at Nosara Paradise Rentals

  

Located next to the nature preserve Nosara Paradise Rentals is an ecologist's dream. From the monkeys sunning above the pool to the Pizotes wandering through the gardens, Nosara Paradise Rentals brings the rainforest to your doorstep.

Our units come complete with all the necessary amenities to fully enjoy your stay: modern kitchen appliances, utensils, microwave, blender, towels, linens, et cetera.

Nosara Paradise Rentals features a complete support staff (gardener, concierge, cleaning and laundry services) to ensure that your stay is as trouble free as possible.

CHECK OUT: Safari Cart Gage section of the FishingNosara Blog.

Click on any image to begin your Virtual Tour!