Zancudo Beach Resort, Zancudo Sport Fishing

On The Fly in Zancudo

Gary and his teenage son Max hopped across the pond, fly rods in hand to have a “go at it”. If you read the last report you too know the bite has been red hot with Dorados 20-30 lbs ten per boat per day, Marlin, Sailfish and Roosters. Including the great fishing by Trey and Bill who during their five days of fantasy fishing caught among many other fish, over 30 Dorado, fought 6 Blue Marlin and landed and released one each.

Well the pond Gary and Max crossed to get to the Lodge was the Big Pond as they made their way from England for a two week stay of nonstop fishing. And although Max’s mom and grandma probably knew they liked fishing, I don’t think either of them had any idea they had that same fever as yours truly and could fish from morning until sundown for two weeks straight and revel in the telling of it from diner time until pillow time. I caught up with Mom and Grandma as they anxiously awaited the boys’ return from their first day of offshore fishing. They too came on this Costa Rican vacation, I thought to just enjoy the beach and pool, but when I saw their eyes wide with anticipation, what at first seemed like patient waiting under the tiki hut at the dock, I realized they too were struck by the father and son fly fishing duo’s excitement. It had probably been the talk of the dinner table back home for many weeks leading up to this great trip.

The boat pulled up to the dock, we tied it tight and Gary tells of his first Sailfish he caught on a fly, something he had only heard about before this day. They had eight Sailfish up, lost three and released one. That was their first day and Gary said he couldn’t believe it and that he wasn’t used to fly fishing like this. I told him he would get used to it and better at. He did, as:

Over the next two weeks Gary and Max fished from boat, beach and dock, catching thirty different species. Max released his first Sail on the fly, caught his first Roosterfish and released a Snook he landed on the fly right off our own dock. They had countless releases on Dorado, a swing and a miss on a Blue Marlin and landed a big Jack Cravelle in the surf on the beach in front of the Lodge’s swimming pool. There is too much to list, but for sure Gary’s wife and mother, Max’s mom and grandma, now know of their men’s love for fishing. Whether they understand it like us diehards do , we’ll never know.

Enjoy the photos

Capt Sloan

The season officially kicked off, or should I say peeled off as reeled screamed with jumping Dorado and deep diving Tunas.

Harry brought his group in from Oregon and Art and his fishing partner Susan(who is also his wife, lucky guy) caught the first Blue Marlin of the season a horse at an estimated 500 lbs (five hundred). Captain Elvis at the wheel. Lynn and his wife Jenne, who always seemed to be smiling, had multiples on Roosterfish. Captain Luis rang the bell two days ago with 21 big Dorado 20-30 lbers and three 40 lb class Yellow Fin Tuna to put on top.

I had the Yo-Zuri tackle team out on my first off shore trip of the new season made up of George and Frank. Just the day before they caught the complete mixed bag of inshore species: Jack Crevalle, Nurse Shark (8’), Horse-eye Jack, Roosterfish, Blue Trevally, Scorpion Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Marquesa Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Pargo (Common Red Snapper), Triggerfish, Houndfish, and Bonito . We were making a full day of lots of 30 lb Dorados (Mahi-Mahi) and a 6 lb Triple Tail when we gave it one more toss of a live bait at the school of boiling Tuna. Sure enough as all the boats passed us on their way to the dock Frank tells George he thinks he is getting a bite on his live Blue Runner. George debates this with him momentarily and then agrees as the 50 SW two-speed gold International starts dumping line at wide open, thumb burning speeds. Frank, the Friendly Goliath Angler at an easy 6’ 3” headed for the chair, it was 2:30 in the afternoon and we just hooked up a very fresh, energetic big Yellow Fin Tuna, it was to make for a late return to the lodge.

The battle was unique as the fish came close to the boat 3 times in the first 20 minutes, unfortunately just out of reach of my sharp gaff. Without sounding (going deep), it lead us East then North while the big school seemed to follow us around. I was tempted to throw a popper into the passing school, but knew we had our hands full as it was. Then the fish went down, straight down peeling off line as it pleased, Frank struggled hard just to hold on. Watching the sun head for the horizon, Frank’s battle reached the first hour mark as darkness was on its way. I thought to take the chance, without much else to do, to push the drag past the strike mark which was risky as the stealthy, thin 80 lb Yo-Zuri Floro leader worried me. Not knowing where the hook set was, left it a mystery as to if the line was being chaffed by the small but very sharp Tuna’s teeth. I took the chance and pushed it forward, the rod bent over harder, bending what seemed to be all the way and the line held tight. As it seemed the fish would never come up Frank just held on like a prize fighter in the 15th round up against the ropes.

Well, all the waiting and battling payed-off as it sometimes does. The fish found its way to the top, came along side the boat and 2 gaffs found its side. In the boat, into the brine fish bag, and then with a slice under the gill and at the tail to bleed it out it headed home with us. Charging home with just the slightest bit of civil twilight to make our way, I radioed on the VHF to Gregg on the Lodge’s home base VHF. With its 100 foot antenna tower he heard me loud and clear. Get the digital scale fired up and keep our dinner warm.

We hit the dock at 7pm, greeted by a large crowd under the lights, weighed our trophy catch at 120.7 lbs, took a few photos and left Paulino to do the filleting. Shirley the chef would turn it into sushi and grilled tuna steaks the following night.

What a great way to start the season.

Enjoy the photos

Capt Sloan