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Nicoya Fishing Report By Rick Ruhlow • Kingfisher Sportfishing

January proved to be a tough month. The huge amount of dorado that we had last year failed to materialize, and the bill fishing was generally slow. The stars of many trips continued to be the yellowfin tuna, and while not a lot of big ones were caught, there was almost always something for the grill. As of the first week of February (when this column is due) there seems to be a little light at the end of the tunnel. The current has finally switched from a SE trajectory to a more user friendly north current bringing blue water, bait, seasoned debris, and most importantly a surge of billfish, with the best report I’ve heard to this date from the Harvester out of Garza, fishing just three mile off the beach, going 9 for 16 on the sails. These are the numbers we are more accustomed to this time of the year. Additionally, catches of good size mahi are becoming an everyday occurrence.

Supposedly, by the time you read this we should be knee deep in sails, but my predictions have pretty much fallen short, If fishing was an exact science I imagine a lot more would be doing it. Fish are governed by currents, water temperature, bait, tides, wind and other factors. When it all comes together in harmony Costa Rica still has some of the best fishing on the planet, so even if I fall short, I anticipate some good fishing by the time this goes to print.

Originally from California, Rick Ruhlow moved to Costa Rica over 33 years ago. While exploring the country he fished Playa Naranjo (gulf of Nicoya), Quepos, Drakes Bay and Flamingo, before discovering Playa Carrillo almost 28 years ago. He was the Fishing Manager/Captain for the newly re-opened Hotel Guanamar for three years, before venturing off on his own. He has been owner/operator of Kingfisher Sportfishing since 1995.

Contact Rick at info@costaricabillfishing.com or rickruhlow58@gmail.com

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