The happy end of
a sailfish stinger. PHOTO: JUNE VEENSTRA
Plug. PHOTO: KENDAL LARSON
Chug. PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
Beauty. PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
The Happy Life
Encanta la Vida COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is one of the greatest places to fish in the world. In this narrow country cradled by the sea, any lodge on either coast could supply the trip of your dreams. But there’s more to happiness than fishing (gasp!). Grab the significant person in your life and head south to Encanta la Vida for eco- adventure. While you are paddling off to the best sail fishery in the world—which with a little luck can happen
directly off shore— your wife can enjoy a spa treatment or a yoga lesson, right on the pristine white sand beach. While you sip tropical drinks and watch monkeys playing in the trees, she can haul on 60-pound roosterfish—whatever floats your boat. After fish filled days, take a break from roping big blue trevally and head out together on a rainforest
adventure. Hike through sparkling streams, climb an ancient tree or rappel down a pristine waterfall. With incredible meals from an in-house gourmet chef, the experience of waking up to the sounds of the jungle, and incredible tropical-flavored kayak fishing, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime whatever the fish report. —Will Richardson
Lake El Salto MEXICO
It’s almost too good to be true. This lake in the foothills an hour or two north of Mazatlan grows largemouth bass like few other places on the planet. El Salto’s gloriously green eating machines are ridiculously plentiful, making 30, 40 or even 50 fish days almost routine. Pinch yourself. Numbers are the sidelight— Mexico’s bass bonanza is chiefly about size. They grow ‘em big here. Six- and seven-pounders are com-
Chart Your Course
ENCANTA LA VIDA RAINFOREST ADVENTURE LODGE $200 a night per couple, meals included;
www.encantalavida.com
BEST MONTHS October to November
FISHING To take the sting out of a shot at sailfish, go with an expert guide service such as
CoataRicaKayakFishing.net.
BEST BAITS Live sardinas or local live moonfish if you can get ‘em.
36 …KAYAK ANGLER SUMMER/FALL 2011
monplace. An average angler can ex- pect to tangle with several a day when not being bothered by cookie-cutter one- and two-pounders. This may be the easiest place to punch that ticket for the 10-pounder club. How about this for nigh unbelievable? Even in the midst of December, it’s possible to throw topwa- ter baits. Just think how it feels when the bass hitting your popper is a five- pounder or better. When the fishing day’s done, cel-
ebrate your success with a cool mar- garita—at Angler’s Inn, they’re ready for your every whim the moment you put down the fishing pole. Nobody roughs it; with gourmet meals, glorious AC (it’s hot here!), spa services on call and daily laun- dry service, you’ll never want to leave. —Paul Lebowitz
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