Author: Captain Willy Atencio

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As I write this article, we are well into the high season, and I am thankful to be on the water every day fishing with lovely people from around the world. In my last article, I described how incredible the Mahi- Mahi or Dorado fishing has been. I am pleased to report that they are still biting, but we have to travel about an hour to find them. It is well worth the trip as the sheer beauty of these fish and their incredible fighting spirit make Mahi Fishing a blast. Of course, a bonus is returning home with a cooler full of fresh Mahi fillets for the grill.

Mixed in with the Mahi offshore have been good sized Sailfish and Marlin. Recently I had one of the best days in my 20+ year career as a Captain. In one day, we caught five Marlin, including a blue, a black, and a striped Marlin, which is somewhat unusual for our local waters. Most importantly, all the Marlin were released to live another day. In addition to the Marlin, our clients caught Yellow-Fin Tuna and Mahi-Mahi that day.

It was a day I will never forget. I stay in constant touch with the other captains in the area, and they say the same thing, 2022 has been a year of the Marlin. We are certainly not complaining, and our clients are happily nursing their sore muscles.

Many of our clients would prefer to stay closer to shore to cast, jig, bottom fish, or use live bait. We are very fortunate here in Drake Bay to have the incredible reef system around Cano Island, just 12 miles from land. While the island is a natural park and a snorkeler and scuba divers paradise, fishing is allowed, but boats must remain 3 miles away from the island. This barrier protects the reef and allows for incredibly healthy and diverse fishing. As we venture closer to home, we have endless opportunities for inshore fishing. We have miles and miles of unspoiled jungle beaches, river mouths, and rocky outcroppings. 

We are very excited to announce that the Reel Escape has been selected to compete in the 2022 Offshore World Championships in Quepos this April. This tournament is considered the Olympics of sport fishing. It will be our sixth year competing in this prestigious event. To ask questions or reserve your fishing adventure, please contact me.