January 15, 2009

It is difficult for me to post when I am busy, and not much to post when I’m not. That, I think, is why I am so erratic. Some of the stuff we did with Howie and the crew was new to me. People are always wanting to try something new. I was very impressed with the deep sea fishing. Howie had been before, but wanted his daughter, and the other family to experience it.
There is a fleet of boats at Los Suenos Marina, at Playa Herradura, near Jaco. The cost for a boat to take six, was over $1500. A pretty good deal, and a normal price. These boats are docked, and you can board normally. The price includes lunch, beer, and soft drinks, as well as all the equipment and bait, and a guy to work the fishing rods.
Other boats anchor off the beach, and you have to get a panga off the beach to take you out. Jamie introduced me to Captain Cliff. He was worried about Howie and his wheelchair, but we weren’t. He had a very nice boat with twin outboards, coolers, shade, and all the latest rigging for fishing. He also provided lunch, beer, and soft drinks, and his partner Mike was an experienced fisherman. Working the rods, baiting the hooks, setting out lines and decoys, he was a very busy boy. When the sailfish started bothering the bait, he played it perfect, giving it lots of line before setting the hook. Then the fun started. Melissa, Stephanie, and Francoise all got tired out, and Serge finished it off. Forty minutes of high class fighting fish. It was a thrill to watch, and what a beautiful specimen once we had it to the boat. Pictures were taken, Howie filmed most of the fight, and it was released. The fish weighed about 150 pounds. We also caught a small (50lb) tuna. It was a shorter fight, and Serge brought that one in alone. The cost for this great day was only $800. One motor overheated, and we came back slow under power of 1. Cliff offered a $100 discount for this inconvenience, but Howie said it was a great day, paid full price, and tipped both Cliff and Mike.