Continued from page 1
Costa Rica is "Rich" in stream and lake fish species, such as rainbow and largemouth bass.
Rainbow bass (guapote), mojarra, vieja, machaca, catfish, drum, alligator gar and other light tackle species also abound, while sawfish and freshwater sharks are occasionally caught well up
river, usually fishing at night with natural bait. Guapote are a largemouth bass fishermen;s dream, and are fished exactly as you would for bass at home, readily taking spinner baits, jigs and crank baits.
For dedicated fresh water fisherman, Costa Rica also offers literally hundreds of miles of rivers and some lakes that always provide plenty of sport. Lake Arenal is most popular inland water, located about a four-hour drive from San José. It's loaded with rainbow bass, a member of cichlid family as is peacock bass found in some parts of South America and more recently introduced to Florida waters. The mature male develops a bizarre hump at back of its head that can be as large as softball, displays shadings of rainbow trout and has fishing characteristics of a largemouth bass, but is related to neither. During a 1-1/2 day tournament at Lake Arenal not long ago, winning two-man team weighted in a record 17 fish at 91 lbs, 5oz.
IGFA record for species found only in Costa Rica and parts of Nicaragua, is 11 lb, 8 oz., and was caught in Lago Hule or often called Lago Echandi on some maps, a beautiful postage stamp sized lake near San Miguel, but very difficult to access. Lago Cato, just above Arenal, Caño Negro Lagoon in northern Guanacaste, and Lake Nicaragua, located across border but most easily accessed from Costa Rica are other inland hot spots.
Many rivers also have rainbow bass, along with bobo (a fresh water mullet); mojarra, another colorful cichlid related to guapote that looks like a giant bluegill with teeth; machaca, often called sabalito, or little tarpon, because of its acrobatic jumps that make it a favorite of fly fishermen; drum and others. Caño Negro is an immense inland lake that is home to largest tarpon you're likely to find in country. Largest actually weighted in from there was 205 pounds. It also has snook, drum, guapote and others of those mentioned above.
There is rainbow trout fishing in Costa Rica, but access to most of more productive areas is challenging. Trout eggs from United States were first stocked in many of country's high elevation rivers and streams more than 20 years ago, and rainbows now propagate naturally. Access to trout waters generally is very difficult and requires a guide and a horse, but there are some exceptions, including a section of Savegre River near San Gerardo de Dota. Lake Arenal is open to fishing throughout year, but is a closed season in most inland waters, and a valid Costa Rican fishing license is required for freshwater fishing in country. Seasons may vary, so it is best to check. Most guides and resorts catering to inland fishermen provide license as part of their packages. Because Costa Rica is a small nation geographically, there's hardly anyplace you can't reach within a few hours drive. The fishing areas on both coasts are serviced by regularly scheduled in-country airlines and charter flights.
There is always plenty of action someplace in country, but it varies with migratory patterns, seasons and prevailing wind, weather, currents and other natural conditions at any given time. The best time to come fishing in Costa Rica? Whenever you can get here!
Costa Rica Fishing Regions
Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast region is divided roughly into Northern, Central and Southern Pacific fishing areas, with conditions varying with seasons in each area.
Northern Pacific
Cabo Blanco to Gulf of Papagayo
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/fish/costa/bigfish/costa.html
By Kriss Hammond - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Kriss Hammond Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
