Costa Rican Angler Erika Sandi Makes History at the Offshore World Championship
Costa Rica once again demonstrated why it is considered one of the world’s leading destinations for sustainable sportfishing after Costa Rican angler Erika Sandi earned both the Top Lady Angler and overall Top Angler titles at the 2026 Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica.
Competing against elite international teams from around the globe, Sandi recorded an incredible 28 sailfish releases during the prestigious tournament — an achievement that highlights not only her talent and determination, but also Costa Rica’s growing leadership role in conservation-focused sportfishing. (Tico Times)
Hosted in the world-famous waters off Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, the Offshore World Championship brought together winning teams from qualifying tournaments across multiple countries. Tournament activities and official weigh-ins were centered at Marina Pez Vela, with competitors fishing waters internationally recognized for extraordinary populations of Pacific sailfish, marlin, and other prized pelagic species. (Tico Times)
FECOP and the Women’s Nautical School (Náuticas) were honored to participate in the event and present the Top Lady Angler award to Erika Sandi — a milestone moment not only for Costa Rica, but for women throughout the recreational fishing and marine tourism industries.
The award presentation reflected the growing impact women are having throughout Costa Rica’s blue economy, from competitive angling and conservation leadership to careers as captains, guides, tourism operators, and marine professionals.
Costa Rica has become a global model for sustainable catch-and-release sportfishing, and tournaments like the Offshore World Championship demonstrate how conservation and world-class fishing experiences can successfully work hand in hand. Every released sailfish represents a commitment to protecting marine biodiversity while supporting coastal communities and sustainable tourism development. (Tico Times)
Programs like FECOP’s Women’s Nautical School continue helping create new educational and professional opportunities for women interested in the maritime sector. Today, women represent a growing percentage of visiting sportfishing anglers to Costa Rica — helping reshape an industry traditionally dominated by men while creating more inclusive experiences throughout the tourism sector. (Tico Times)
FECOP congratulates Erika Sandi on her historic achievement and extends appreciation to the Offshore World Championship organizers, participating teams, captains, mates, sponsors, and the entire international sportfishing community that continues supporting responsible fishing practices in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s future as a world leader in sustainable recreational fishing has never looked brighter.
Story inspired by reporting from The Tico Times.
