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Almost since the day
it opened, the Costa Rican resort of Los Sueños (The Dreams) has
been a magnet for serious sportfishermen in search of world-class Pacific
blue marlin and sailfish. Being the only real recreational marina between
Mexico and Venezuela, this eight-year-old development provides anglers
ready access to fertile, relatively untapped waters. It’s hardly
surprising, then, that throughout the high season of December to May its
200-slip marina is full (there is actually a waiting list), its more than
20-boat charter fleet is heavily booked, and the stunning view of Herradura
(horseshoe) Bay, on which the resort fronts, frequently includes a number
of megayachts at anchor. The billfishing here is quite simply among the
best in the world.
But Los Sueños
isn’t only about billfish. Whether visitors take rooms at the four-star
Marriott on site or rent one of the luxurious homes within the complex,
they’re in close proximity to a host of other unique entertainment
options (see “More Than Just Fish,”
this story), including the world’s only golf course within a rain
forest, situated right on the property. There are also plenty of nonbillfish
species to tempt the angler, including dorado averaging 40 pounds and
many varieties of tuna and jack. But Los Sueños’ best-kept
sportfishing secret is a species many stateside anglers have never heard
of: roosterfish.
A member of the jack
family, the roosterfish is a Pacific species ranging to more than 100
pounds and inhabiting the coasts of Mexico and Central America. Costa
Rica boasts one of the largest populations, due partly to overfishing
in Mexico and partly to the strict catch-and-release ethic practiced by
Costa Rican crews. These colorful fish are easily identified by their
large, comb-like dorsal fin—hence the name—and prominent side
stripes. Unlike blues and sails, they prefer inshore waters, especially
areas around reefs and rocky outcroppings, providing a pleasant change
of pace for billfish anglers who typically trek 25 miles and more offshore
here to find their quarry.
Next
page > Part
2: Although you can catch roosters here any time, prime season
is May through September, which coincides with the quieter rainy season. > Page 1, 2,
3, 4
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