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April Spools! Costa Rica Fishing Report – April 1st 2013

This is no April Fools! – Offshore fishing heated up this past week for the Red Bone/Boomer Esiason tournament to “Catch the Cure” to Cystic Fibrosis. “The month of March has brought the best fishing for sailfish I have seen in 7 years.” – Todd Staley.

Costa Rica Fishing Report March 2013 by Todd Staley:

Probably one of the most memorable days in Mitch Krenk’s life was winning a Super Bowl ring with the Chicago Bears in 1985. Another shining moment he probably won’t soon forget is taken the celebrity division in the recent Boomer Esiason – Redbone Tournament fundraiser held here at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Ruca. After a slow start on day one, Krenk’s boat landed 12 sailfish the second day of the 2 day event, and Krenk who had never caught a sailfish before finished with 6 releases.

Chicago Bear Mitch Krenk hams it up with a “mullet” hair piece.

Total points champion for the event which consisted of points for billfish and roosterfish went to Kelly Fiaman who scored with 7 roosterfish. Another NFL great Dave Rimington, fishing with Fiaman, finished with 5 roosters. Teammate Rob Hodel added the clincher and the team took first place in the inshore division with 13 roosterfish.

The tournament which was formally known as the Costa Rica Classic is over a decade old and has raised millions for Cystic Fibrosis and the children afflicted with the disease here in Costa Rica. Former Denver Bronco lineman Mark Cooper and tournament comedian also was on hand to keep everyone’s sides hurting.

The month of March has brought the best fishing for sailfish I have seen in 7 years. Boats have been raising double digits consistently, with days of seeing 15 to 20 sails per boat more common than a rarity. Several boats raised 30 or more sails a day. Every time it slowed for a day and I thought the run was over, the next day the numbers were right back up there again.

Roosterfish have been a different story. We have had to work hard for the prized inshore gamefish and most anglers gave up early and ran offshore for the sure bet on sailfish. Yellowfin tuna also haven’t showed lately but with so many sails making drags sing, no cares.

Dave Rimington who spent his career knocking people on their keesters in the NFL gently handles a baby rooster before letting it go

Inshore champion Kelly Fiaman with one of his many roosters

Closing Awards Ceremony – Dave Rimington Right

Spring Specials at Crocodile Bay Resort!

“Spouse on the House” Fishing Package Get a free $1,595 Spa vacation for your wife FREE when you book any fishing package of three (3) days or more!

Don’t take our word for it – Here is a testimonial from Brian Tooms on his fishing trip with his wife Trish this past week at Crocodile Bay Resort, Costa Rica!

“We honeymooned in Crocodile Bay in 2007 after getting married in Los Vegas on the way down.

This year to celebrate my retirement from 37 years of being a Locomotive engineer with Canadian National Railways my wife said we could go pretty much anywhere in the world for a trip. She knew it would be a fishing trip and she was surprised and pleased that I picked Crocodile Bay.

My wife has a severe water phobia and she has been getting a lot better and this last trip you would never know. That is due in a large part to the professionalism of the guides, captains and mates that helped her and made her feel relaxed and comfortable on the water.

Trish surprised herself by going out in a kayak for the first time and having a fantastic time. The spa is a huge plus and she is always telling her friends about it, and the animal sanctuary where she returned to see her buddies Sweetie and Poppy.

The whole setting, wildlife, friendly staff, the other guests that you meet, all make it a fantastic experience for couples. On the water we saw the whale sharks, hundreds of dolphins surrounding the boat, pilot whales and scores of birds.

The fishing was amazing, some days were slower than others and Trish caught her first sailfish during a doubleheader that was incredible. She is so proud of being able to do it herself she bought a carved sailfish and a picture frame to put on her desk at work.

I am addicted to the take of a billfish on a fly rod, it’s the ultimate dry fly fishing and anything else doesn’t measure up so you have ruined me for any other fishing:)