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Costa Rica Flats Fishing

THE CARIBBEAN WATERS OF northeastern Costa Rica contain one of the world's most enjoyable fisheries. At Rio Parismina Lodge, tarpon are the main quarry, the prize that attracts most visitors. To reach the open ocean where these fish are mainly caught, anglers must first make the exhilarating, sometimes hairy ride through the "Boca," where the river mouth meets the sea in a varying tumult of high waves. Fishing is done from safe, 21-foot V-hull boats, using light-tackle spin or baitcasting equipment (14- to 20pound test line and 3/4- to 1-ounce jigs and lures); or, for the most sport and challenge, on flyrods. (A 12-weight rod with fast-sink, shooting-head line and weighted tarpon patterns work best.) The high-jumping fish average 50 to 100 pounds, and landing several per day, per rod, is not uncommon.

The "bonus" fishing in itself could form an entire vacation. Some of the largest snook in the world are caught here, in both the surf and the rivers. A few miles offshore, there is prime light-tackle reef fishing for snapper, tuna, wahoo, and king mackerel.

On days when the Boca is impassible, or simply for variety, there is river angling in the fascinating jungle environs for some hard-fighting freshwater exotics like guapote and muchaca. Spider monkeys swing through the trees, flamingoes line the wetlands, and birds of every color, size, and shape (more than 850 species regionally) move through the foliage like winged flowers.
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The lodge itself is professionally run, beautifully landscaped, and offers every important amenity. The food is gourmet-level, and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. A pool and Jacuzzi aid sybaritic urges. If the weather gods smile, a week at Rio Parismina can seem like a week in paradise.

For more information, contact Costa Rica Sportfishing, P.O. 810-1002, San Jose, Costa Rica; or visit web site: crdirect.com/rioparismina.

-Anthony Acerrano

Copyright Hearst Magazines Mar 2001
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