Puerto Jimenez OSA P ENINS UL A • C OS T A RI CA
LOCATION Central America, Pacific Ocean. 8°33'N 83°19'W
TOUR GUIDE Joe Lynberg, owner and guide, at Osa Peninsula Kayak Fishing.
AERIAL VIEW National Geographic magazine called Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula the most biologically intense place on earth. Howler monkeys swing from the trees, exotic birds swoop through the air and the water is full of roosterfish, tarpon, marlin, grouper and snapper. The isolated peninsula is separated from the mainland by the Gulfo Dulce, a 15-mile wide tropical fjord that is home to some of the best inshore fishing action in the world. The waters around Costa Rica have produced many International Game Fish Association world records.
TARGET SPECIES Costa Rica’s waters host some of the greatest gamefish in the world, but most kayak anglers come for the roosterfish. Salt Water Sportsman magazine called Osa the number one roosterfish destination in the world. The waters of the Golfo Dulce regularly produce trophy roosters over 50 pounds. The best time for big fish is between January and May. Sailfish are available year-round with the biggest numbers between November and May.
TACTICS To target roosterfish, kayak anglers slow troll live bait and keep a spinning rod and plug ready to pitch at cruising fish. The trolling rod is spooled with 50-pound braid tied to a three-foot piece of 40-pound fluorocarbon ending in a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook. Roosterfish are protected in Costa
Rica, so all fish must be released. Circle hooks are mandatory on bait rigs. The spinning rod holds 50-pound braid, a short leader of 40-pound fluoro and a four-inch popper or swimming plug.
TACKLE • Medium-heavy, seven-foot spinning and casting rod with high speed reel
• 30- and 40-pound fluorocarbon • 12 pack of 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks • Pre-tied #15 live bait rings • Four-inch poppers, twitch baits, deep divers in ghost, sardine, mullet patterns
KAYAK Ocean Kayak Trident Angler 13
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Roosterfish are tricky to hook. When the fish hits, be patient and let it eat before engaging the reel and coming tight on the line. When the fish picks up the bait, paddle five more strokes to turn towards the fish, then lay down the paddle, engage the drag, tighten the line and enjoy the ride.
LOCAL
Be sure to wear sun protection, including wide-brim hat, long sleeves and pants, sunglasses and sunscreen. It is best to completely cover the skin with quick- drying clothes. Also, bring a small dry bag and waterproof camera. And make a personal first-aid kit.
GET THERE Fly to Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose (SJO). To reach Osa Peninsula, either rent a car (six hours), take a bus (10 hours) or make a 45-minute flight. Depending on flight times and connections, expect to stay in San Jose on the way in and out of the country.
STAY Stay at Crocodile Bay (
www.crocodilebay. com) for five-star accommodations with easy access to the fishing. Home-stays and hostels also available.
TRAVEL NOTES For information and advisories, U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica should enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at
www.travel.
state.gov.
SIDE TRIPS Take a break from fishing to ride zip-lines,
go snorkeling, horseback riding or surfing. Visit an organic chocolate farm, climb a rainforest tree, rappel down a waterfall or mine for gold.
IDEAL ITINERARY Seven days in-country with four days fishing. Osa Peninsula Charters offers room and board with complimentary bikes and free Wi-Fi. Joe Lynburg is a chef, so good food is guaranteed.
CONTACT Joe Lynberg at Osa Kayak Fishing:
www.costaricakayakfishing.net
www.kayakanglermag.com… 51
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: WILL RICHARDSON
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