There’s really never a bad time to fish the seas off Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest coast but avid and ardent fisherman planning a trip to Los Almendros during the May to September period are in for a special treat. That’s the peak season for sailfish in the Pacific “north”.

And absolutely nothing in this world compares with hooking, battling and finally landing a sailfish.

Yes, it is a bone-tiring experience that wearies even the best conditioned, but that shoot (as in camera) and release moment is one never to be forgotten. Soon to be emailed to the hometown newspaper so friends can drool in envy.

The culmination of a thirty –minute (often times much longer) tug-of-war between angler and cunning, dancing quarry. Hope he wears out before I do. Reel and relinquish. To the left then to the right. A coordinated effort between the piscador and the highly experienced boat captain.

“He’s coming around my right side, captain”

A deft turn of the wheel and a slight gunning of the engines put the proper distance between adversaries.

Even the tussle to put him into an onboard posing position takes the coordinated efforts of the fisherman, deck hand and captain, but it’s all worth it.

If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a sail flag raised in your honor today, there’s a good chance that your newspaper picture will feature you and a blue, black or striped marlin.

Los Almendros guests “have people” as the in-house travel/tour agency “Cecropia” can book you and your party with some of the most talented captains in the region. And at reasonable prices.

Obviously, you must book an entire day charter if you want to troll for the big ones. It will take about 90 minutes to put you on PR (personal record) fish.

If seas aren’t so friendly or you have a party to attend, half-day bookings are also available. In either case there is a whole smorgasbord awaiting you offshore. In addition to sails and marlins, you may also land pompano, mackerel, giant grouper, tuna and Dorado. So you will also likely have some fresh, local seafood to put on the grill tonight.

Please don’t argue with the boat boss when he says you should toss that unharmed Rooster Fish back in. To fight another day.

The biggest decision you will now have to make (before booking a fishing vacation out of Los Almendros) is how many fishing friends you want on the vessel with you. A foursome is usually the logical max (and it makes things very reasonably priced) but you must remember your greedy side. That will likely mean you will only get one-forth of the “I’m up” chair time. Tough decision!

By the way, several nearby restaurants will prepare and cook your catch and add some sides for a reasonable per person price.

Go to the www.losalmendrosrentals.com website to fill out your reservation form and fishing request(s) today or call the Los Almendros de Ocotal rental manager at 011-506-670-1744.