Marlin fishing billfish Yellow fin marlin fully equipped boats, Costa Rica marlin tuna Yellowfin game fish catch and release billfish fishing.


2009 Costa Rica Big Game Fishing
March/April 2009

7 nights in Costa Rica including air transportation,
lodging & big game fishing.

 Expected trip date is the first week in March.

  • Big game fishing: We will be fishing sail fish, tuna, marlin and wahoo on the 36' topaz pictured above. We also have an option to fish the 30' custom built boat pictured above.
    Expected cost:
    36' topaz - full day - $1,450 + tips.
    (Included in the 2008 West Coast open first place prize)
    30 foot custom - full day - $1,050 + tips.
    Additional big game boats are available.
    .
  • Shore fishing: Cravelle Jack sometimes bust wide open on the south end of Jaco beach right at the Club Del Mar hotel. There are also opportunities to catch snook and rooster fish from the shore.
    .
  • Beach launch boats: There are some local boats available directly off the beach by Los Swenos. 1/2 day starts at $250. Here you can fish for Pargo, Rooster fish and more.

    Lodging:


  • Lodging: We will be staying 7 nights on the beach at the Club Del Mar hotel.
    Or If it is finished in time, we may choose to stay in Aluminator's custom ocean view home.
    Seven nights party of 2 double occupancy: Estimated at $1,308.00 including taxes.
    (Included in the 2008 West Coast Open first place prize)
  • Rooms Include: Air Conditioning. Satellite TV, Radio alarm clock, In-room safe and Balcony or terrace. Condos are available at extra cost. These can save a larger group some money.
  • Restaurants: The restaurant at the hotel serves breakfast & lunch for around $7.00 to $10.00 Dinner from $10.00 to $30 for double lobsters. There are many restaurants in town and local restaurants called Sodas where you can get the local fare including on the street BBQ for a low price. There is a Subway and a KFC but why eat processed food.
    The best restaurant in town serves a great imported steak and also has a Wednesday night all you can eat and drink lobster feed. In 2008 it was $63.00 + tax.
    (We will be including the lobster feed as part of the prize package for the West Coast Open tournament. All other food is your responsibility).
  • Casinos: There are 2 small casinos in the town of Jaco and one at the Marriott in Los Swenos. Odds at the Jazz casino just 4 blocks from the hotel were fairly good. There are two large high rise casinos under construction in Jaco. I doubt they will be done by March, 2009. There is a real nice large casino in San Jose right by the airport hotel. Here comp drinks and food are plentiful. If casinos are your bag and you have a night to rest before flying out, than this is a great stop. The hotel is about $170. Don't worry about wakening up in time because the first jet that takes off will shake your ass right out of bed.
  • Taxes: There are 2 different taxes applied to tourist related items like hotels and restaurants. They can reach as much as 16.39%. There is also a departure tax required at the airport. This year it was $26.00 per person.
    (Exit tax is your responsibility)

 Transportation:

  • Air transportation: So far there are no non stop flights from anywhere in the bay area to Costa Rica. Including one stop, the trip takes 9 hours to get there. Because of customs the return flight is 12 hours.
    In 2008 we managed to buy round trip tickets for $442. Due to rising fuel costs, we expect the 2009 price to be $650. We will of course shop for the best deal possible.
    (Round trip air fare from SFO to SJO-San Jose Costa Rica is included in the prize package for the 2008 West Coast open Tuna tournament. Actual amount paid towards your air fare will be based on the best price we can get from SFO to SJO by an American carrier. Any excess over this amount or over $650 each is your responsibility).
  • Rent A Car: Budget rent a car is right by SJO airport. They are open until the last flight arrives. Cars are reasonable to rent (about $460 a week). You have the option to rent your own car.
    Tunabite will be renting a rental car, suv or van for the week.
    (Riding with us from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport is included in the prize package for the West Coast Open tournament. We will also transport you from the hotel to the boat for the big game fishing trip. If we decide to stay longer than you, we may choose to pay your taxi back to the airport. All other transportation while in Costa Rica is your responsibility. You may however receive additional offers to go to town, a tour or to a fishing spot with us.)
  • Taxi: There are plenty of taxis available. I expect the price will be reasonable as well. We did price a taxi ride from the hotel for the 2 hour 50 mile drive to the airport at $90.00
  • Passports: You cannot get on the plane without a passport. If you don't have a passport and you are planning on leaving the country, now is the time to get one. Do not wait to see if you win the trip. Passports are usually issued in about 90 days. Some are much quicker but many get tied up. Your passport could get stopped just because someone with the same name as yours owes back child support.
  • Refunds: All travel, lodging and boats require advance deposits. These deposits are not refundable. You can purchase travel insurance from American Express. (For the West Coast Open prize, as soon as we pay deposits you are locked in. If you cancel after your deposits are paid, no cash, prize or portion of will be issued. In other words, use it or lose it).


To purchase this trip or for more information
Contact:

Dan Martin
tunabite@sbcglobal.net
831 421 2669