news

Crocodile Bay Fishing Report for October 2023

Watch our October highlights video below

As many of you know, October is typically the peak of the wet season here in Costa Rica, but this past month we were spoiled with calm seas and just a few showers, with most of them occurring in the afternoons. This gave us the opportunity to comfortably fish both inshore and offshore all month long.

October is also the peak of the dorado (mahi-mahi) season, and as long as I have been fishing in this area, I have never witnessed such an amazing October. We had days when our anglers were able to land between 10 and 25 dorados per day, ranging between 20 and 60 lbs. Yes, that meant anglers enjoyed fresh fish tacos and a variety of other fish dishes that our restaurants delight guests with. But the majority of fish were released.

Last month our anglers were able to target big roosterfish and a few cubera snappers inshore fishing, averaging between 20 and 40 lbs. Our most effective method for inshore fishing is with live bait… but jigging and topwater action have become very popular at the resort. On the Osa Peninsula, it has proven to be highly effective, and the most exciting thing about using artificial lures is that you never know what will be at the end of your line.

I’d like to make a huge announcement that will make our long-time Crocodile Bay guests very happy. Our original Crocodile Bay Bar is officially back open! It’s re-branded as the “Hard Croc Fisherman’s Bar and Restaurant.” This is the moment our past clients have all been waiting for: an angler themed bar and restaurant where we can talk about fishing and share the stories of the day while you have a great drink and some delicious food. The location and atmosphere of the Hard Croc is the same as it was in the past, with the wood finished bar and hundreds of fishing photos hanging on the wall. We can’t wait to see you there!

In October, we hosted the Fourth Annual Botánika Owners Meet and Greet and Fishing Tournament. This year, we divided the Botánika owners into two different groups and had two consecutive tournaments, each lasting for 3 days. Our tournaments have always been a great way for our Botánika owners to get to know each other and share time on a boat. It always creates a strong bond.

The fishing was excellent for both events, with over 290 dorados caught in the first 3 days. It was a close competition, but the first place of the first event was taken by team “Flaming Huevos,” my long-time friends Richy and Elyse Brensinger and Billy and Renee Solomon. These guys mean business when it comes to fishing; they landed over 50 dorados on the first day, taking the lead. Second place was secured by team “Sickafoos,” with Lance Lentz, Gary Groomes, and Diego Oviedo. The third place was earned by team “Boatless,” with Craig Stephens, Kyle Koch, and Peter Kung. These guys had a slow first day but made a strong comeback on the last 2 days, managing to secure 3rd place.

1 2 3 4

For the second event, it was a very close competition, with the first place taken by team “Drunkasauros,” consisting of Michael and Angie McDade and their friends Keith and Renee. They had a slow first day but devised a master plan and came back to take first place. Second place was claimed by team “Salisbury Steaks,” with Lex Salisbury, Elena Sheppard, and Mike and Alice Trabert. Third place went to team Steve Kehoe and a friend Mark Corn. This year’s event was a huge success, and I cannot wait for next year’s fishing tournament.

October ended with great weather, and the fish are still biting, so if you are looking for the experience of a lifetime, let us make everything simple and easy, from the moment you leave your house to the moment you board our boats and go fishing. I can guarantee you will have a great time!

See you in paradise,

Diego Camacho
Fishing Director at Crocodile Bay