Sport Fishing El Gato III 

4.7
(286 reviews)
 Playa flamingo, Playa Flamingo, GU, Costa Rica

Sport Fishing El Gato III 

Playa Flamingo, GU, Costa Rica
26 ft
4
4.7
(286 reviews)

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Sport Fishing El Gato III specializes in private and personalized fishing trips. Operating off the beautiful coast of Playa Flamingo de Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Captain Luis Sandi will do everything possible for you to have a productive and fun fishing trip!

His vessel is a 26' custom-built center console that can accommodate up to 4 guests. The boat had a full makeover in 2019 and features the latest Garmin navigational technology and safety gear (including 6 adult and 2 kid size life jackets). The boat also comes with a reliable Honda engine, a private restroom, a live bait tank, and 2 ice boxes – one for the catch, and one for food and drinks.

Capt. Luis will take you exploring the best nearshore, offshore, and reef spots in pursuit of the biggest A-listers in the area. Depending on the bite, you could be reeling in the likes of Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Snapper, and more!

You'll be provided with top-quality Shimano gear and Ballyhoo lures. The captain's equipment consists of 4 heavy tackle, 3 bottom fishing, and 5 trolling rods. If you'd like to use live bait, you can purchase some for an additional cost at the beginning of your trip.

The charter will also cover soda, water, ice tea, beer, fruit, and snacks, and on full day trips, you'll be provided with sandwiches as well. At the end of the day, the crew will clean your catch so you can take it home to enjoy a delicious meal with the family. Fishing licenses are not required for this area, so just arrive on time ready to fish and the rest will be taken care of.

Please note, kids ages 3 and older are also welcome to join in on the fun. As long as they are accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian, Capt. Luis is more than happy to have them aboard.

Book your next trip with Sport Fishing El Gato III and let them take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

Sport Fishing El Gato III specializes in private and personalized fishing trips. Operating off the beautiful coast of Playa Flamingo de Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Captain Luis Sandi will do everything possible for you to have a productive and fun fishing trip!

His vessel is a 26' custom-built center console that can accommodate up to 4 guests. The boat had a full makeover in 2019 and features the latest Garmin navigational technology and safety gear (including 6 adult and 2 kid size life jackets). The boat also comes with a reliable Honda engine, a private restroom, a live bait tank, and 2 ice boxes – one for the catch, and one for food and drinks.

Capt. Luis will take you exploring the best nearshore, offshore, and reef spots in pursuit of the biggest A-listers in the area. Depending on the bite, you could be reeling in the likes of Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Snapper, and more!

You'll be provided with top-quality Shimano gear and Ballyhoo lures. The captain's equipment consists of 4 heavy tackle, 3 bottom fishing, and 5 trolling rods. If you'd like to use live bait, you can purchase some for an additional cost at the beginning of your trip.

The charter will also cover soda, water, ice tea, beer, fruit, and snacks, and on full day trips, you'll be provided with sandwiches as well. At the end of the day, the crew will clean your catch so you can take it home to enjoy a delicious meal with the family. Fishing licenses are not required for this area, so just arrive on time ready to fish and the rest will be taken care of.

Please note, kids ages 3 and older are also welcome to join in on the fun. As long as they are accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian, Capt. Luis is more than happy to have them aboard.

Book your next trip with Sport Fishing El Gato III and let them take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

Luis Sandi
Captain
Luis Sandi
14 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
First Kid´s Fishing Experience (4h)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Bonito
Snapper (Lane)
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
5 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $565
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $565
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 7 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
286 reviews
4.6
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (542)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
83%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
95%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

Reviews (286)

  • Rolando Reyes
    Rolando Reyes
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Fishing Trip Ever!

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on June 4, 2026 • 2 adults

    Capt. Luis Sandi & mate (his wife) were just great. Very personal, well experienced angler. Capt. Luis communicated really well, his wife met us in the parking lot near a restaurant and took a small boat to the actual fishing boat. We booked a 1/2 trip which was just right caught Groupers & snappers. He provided water, soft drinks, Imperial beers and plenty of fruit. Nice boat would book again next time we return to Flamingo Beach. Capt. Luis recommended a locally family owned restaurant to cook our catch another plus to the fishing charter. Book with Capt. Luis Sandi "El Gato II) tell him Rolando from Tampa Florida sent you. You won't regret the persoal service and the overall experience.

  • Brandon Taber
    Brandon Taber
    Repeat angler
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Successful trip!

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 21, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    I booked a 5 hour trip with Luis. He asked what fish I would like to target. I told him sailfish, mahi, and a few eating fish. the trolling wasn’t to good on the way out so we stopped to catch some eating fish. We caught plenty of snapper, grouper, and tile fish. We trolled back in, while Luis cleaned our catch. while he was cleaning fish, one of the reels started singing! fish on! a nice sail fish came out and showed himself! We got him to the boat for photos! It was quite an experience, for me and my 12 year old son.

  • Chance Fowler
    Chance Fowler
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    60 inch Dorado Mahi

    8 Hour Trip on July 23, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Luis and crew were a great fit for us! He picked us up in front of the resort for a small upcharge. The full day trip was a blast! He took us about 15-20 miles offshore and we caught 3 yellowfin tuna as well as 3 Mahi Mahi. The first Mahi we landed was a 60 inch fish and the biggest he has seen yet! Book with the El Gato III and you won’t miss out on any fun!

  • Tak Chan
    Tak Chan
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2019
    4 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    A fun day on the watervin Costa Rica!

    3/4 Day Trip on June 16, 2026 • 2 adults

    Capt Luis and his wife Shirley were friendly and worked hard to put us on the fish. I Message Capt Luis with questions ahead of time about doing a trip and he always responded promptly with answers. We decided to do a 3/4 day trip and we worked hard for our catches in not the best weather. We trolled, live bait and jigged, and finished the day with a yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi, bonito, couple Roosters and 4 red groupers. Will definitely recommend.

  • Hanna Kanso
    Hanna Kanso
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Such an amazing experience!

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on September 17, 2026 • 2 adults

    We were able to catch sailfish and mahi during our 4 hour trip. The entire experience was so amazing and the captain even cut up our mahi for us to eat. Couldn’t recommend more!

  • Michael Brimer
    Michael Brimer
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing fish in Costa Rica

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on October 5, 2025 • 2 adults

    we had a great time fishing and caught multiple fish that we have not had the chance to catch in the past. They were very accommodating and picked us up at the beach of our hotel. we were with a group that all hired different boats and we caught the most fish especially rooster fish which is what we were most excited to catch. The fish we could keep was cleaned and ready to take to our hotel to be cooked. I woukd absolutely recommend this trip.

  • Jake Baldwin
    Jake Baldwin
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    July 30 Fishing

    3/4 Day Trip on July 30, 2026 • 4 adults

    Great trip! Caught 1 tuna and 1 mahi on a half day. Captain was very nice and had a good setup. The boat is a little tight for 4 people but we made it work. Overall great time!

  • Spencer Lawson
    Spencer Lawson
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing

    3/4 Day Trip on December 27, 2025 • 2 adults

    Captain Sandi and his partner were professionals. They had the boat clean had great communication leading up to the trip and made everything EASY. We caught the fish I wanted to (2 sailfish) and they are extremely experienced. Would recommend

  • Joseph Fletcher
    Joseph Fletcher
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Lots of fun, fish and an overall great time with Luis and Shirley

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on May 22, 2026 • 2 adults

    Super fun, they put us on the fish....

  • Andrew Tolbert
    Andrew Tolbert
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    We got what we came for

    3/4 Day Trip on January 4, 2026 • 3 adults

    About two hours into trolling we hooked into 100+lb sailfish. Luis was great. Would book again.

Rating

4.7
286 reviews
4.6
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (542)

What anglers say

90%
Great experience
83%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
95%
Good boat
93%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

All reviews (286)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 286 reviews
Rolando Reyes
Rolando Reyes
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Best Fishing Trip Ever!
5 Hour Trip (AM) on June 4, 20262 adults

Capt. Luis Sandi & mate (his wife) were just great. Very personal, well experienced angler. Capt. Luis communicated really well, his wife met us in the parking lot near a restaurant and took a small boat to the actual fishing boat. We booked a 1/2 trip which was just right caught Groupers & snappers. He provided water, soft drinks, Imperial beers and plenty of fruit. Nice boat would book again next time we return to Flamingo Beach. Capt. Luis recommended a locally family owned restaurant to cook our catch another plus to the fishing charter. Book with Capt. Luis Sandi 'El Gato II) tell him Rolando from Tampa Florida sent you. You won't regret the persoal service and the overall experience.

Reported catch:
Cubera Snapper
Luis Sandi
Response from Captain

Thank you Don Rolando and Tony for coming to Costa Rica and fishing with us. It will be a pleasure to have you on board again. See you soon, friends, and thanks again.

Brandon Taber
Brandon Taber
Repeat angler
us
Arizona, US
Member since 2023
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Successful trip!
5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 21, 20261 adult1 child

I booked a 5 hour trip with Luis. He asked what fish I would like to target. I told him sailfish, mahi, and a few eating fish. the trolling wasn’t to good on the way out so we stopped to catch some eating fish. We caught plenty of snapper, grouper, and tile fish. We trolled back in, while Luis cleaned our catch. while he was cleaning fish, one of the reels started singing! fish on! a nice sail fish came out and showed himself! We got him to the boat for photos! It was quite an experience, for me and my 12 year old son.

Reported catch:
Sailfish
Luis Sandi
Response from Captain

Thank you friends for coming to Costa Rica and fishing with us. We hope to see you soon!

Craig Deaver
Craig Deaver
us
California, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Dont hesitate - book a trip & have fun. Great Experience!
5 Hour Trip (AM) on June 17, 20262 adults2 children

Captain was very responsive to our inquiries before our trip (what to bring, where to meet, etc). Captain and crew were ready to go even when we arrived early. They were both very kind and helpful throughout the trip. We were a family of 4 (2x kids ags 9 and 7) and both Captain Luis and his 1st mate (his wife) were super patient and helpful with both. We'd definitely go back. Beautiful landscape, great fishing experience. Pura Vida!

Luis Sandi
Response from Captain

Hello family, thank you for coming to Costa Rica and fishing with us. We hope to see you again soon!

Chance Fowler
Chance Fowler
us
Colorado, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
60 inch Dorado Mahi
8 Hour Trip on July 23, 20262 adults

Captain Luis and crew were a great fit for us! He picked us up in front of the resort for a small upcharge. The full day trip was a blast! He took us about 15-20 miles offshore and we caught 3 yellowfin tuna as well as 3 Mahi Mahi. The first Mahi we landed was a 60 inch fish and the biggest he has seen yet! Book with the El Gato III and you won’t miss out on any fun!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Yellowfin Tuna
Luis Sandi
Response from Captain

Thank you friends for coming to Costa Rica and fishing with us. We hope to see you again soon, friends.

Tak Chan
Tak Chan
Repeat angler
us
New York, US
Member since 2019
4 trips
4.7
Verified
A fun day on the watervin Costa Rica!
3/4 Day Trip on June 16, 20262 adults

Capt Luis and his wife Shirley were friendly and worked hard to put us on the fish. I Message Capt Luis with questions ahead of time about doing a trip and he always responded promptly with answers. We decided to do a 3/4 day trip and we worked hard for our catches in not the best weather. We trolled, live bait and jigged, and finished the day with a yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi, bonito, couple Roosters and 4 red groupers. Will definitely recommend.

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Roosterfish
Yellowfin Tuna
Luis Sandi
Response from Captain

Hello friends, thank you for coming to Costa Rica and fishing with us, and we hope to see you again soon!

FAQs about Sport Fishing El Gato III

Sport Fishing El Gato III offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $80 per person after 3 guests - First Kid´s Fishing Experience (4h) (4 hours)
  • US $565 per group - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $565 per group - 5 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Sport Fishing El Gato III, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Clean and private for ladies
  • GPS Garmin
  • Fishfinder Garmin Sonar
  • Snorkeling equipment Request it if you wish to have it onboard
  • Live bait well Live bait only for rooster fish.
  • Ice box 1 for the catch and another for food & drinks
Trips booked with Sport Fishing El Gato III include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano)
  • Live bait (Live bait when available )
  • Lures (Including Ballyhoo lures)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Done on the boat )
  • Snacks (Local fruit )
  • Drinks (Soda, water, ice tea, & beer )
  • First mate (Tip is recommended)
  • Lunch (Sandwiches on full day trips only )
Sport Fishing El Gato III offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (If weather allows)
  • Reef fishing
Sport Fishing El Gato III offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Heavy tackle (4 rods )
  • Bottom fishing (3 rods )
  • Trolling (5 rods )
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
Top targeted fish species with Sport Fishing El Gato III include:
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Roosterfish
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Cubera)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Luis Sandi
Luis Sandi

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

ID & license verified
286 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since March 2019

Captain Luis Sandi is a local to the Herradura waters and has been a licensed captain since 2004. He targets Roosterfish, Yellowtail Amberjack, Sailfish, Tuna, Cubera Snapper, and many other local species. He's an expert in deep sea trolling and bottom fishing and provides state-of-the-art tackle, drinks, and fresh local fruit on all of his trips. Capt. Luis started his charter service back in 2012 with the main goal of making people happy and creating lasting memories for his customers. Other than fishing and putting in work on his boat, he specializes in creating an entertaining and fun atmosphere for everyone. He loves meeting people from all over the world and sharing his culture and hometown with other like-minded anglers. Capt. Luis invites you to join him on his center console and get ready for an unforgettable adventure off the beautiful coast of playa flamingo guanacaste Costa Rica!

Luis Sandi
Luis Sandi
Fully verified
286
reviews
2019
member since
~1h
response
Captain Luis Sandi is a local to the Herradura waters and has been a licensed captain since 2004. He targets Roosterfish, Yellowtail Amberjack, Sailfish, Tuna, Cubera Snapper, and many other local species. He's an expert in deep sea trolling and bottom fishing and provides state-of-the-art tackle, drinks, and fresh local fruit on all of his trips. Capt. Luis started his charter service back in 2012 with the main goal of making people happy and creating lasting memories for his customers. Other than fishing and putting in work on his boat, he specializes in creating an entertaining and fun atmosphere for everyone. He loves meeting people from all over the world and sharing his culture and hometown with other like-minded anglers. Capt. Luis invites you to join him on his center console and get ready for an unforgettable adventure off the beautiful coast of playa flamingo guanacaste Costa Rica!

The fish you can target

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Roosterfish
Roosterfish
Sailfish
Sailfish
Cubera Snapper
Cubera Snapper
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Roosterfish
Roosterfish
Sailfish
Sailfish
Cubera Snapper
Cubera Snapper

Real catches by this captain

  • Such an amazing experience!
    Hanna K.
    Hanna K.
  • Amazing trip!
    Jeff B.
    Jeff B.
  • 60 inch Dorado Mahi
    Chance F.
    Chance F.
  • Successful trip!
    Brandon T.
    Brandon T.
  • Great afternoon fishing trip!
    Louis M.
    Louis M.
  • Lots of fun, fish and an overall great time with Luis and Shirley
    Joseph F.
    Joseph F.
  • Fishing with Luis
    Christi S.
    Christi S.
  • Slow fishing but good Vibes
    Matthew J.
    Matthew J.
  • Good times
    Charles D.
    Charles D.
  • We got what we came for
    Andrew T.
    Andrew T.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2012
Restored in
2019
Boat manufacturer
Custom-built
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Honda
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Clean and private for ladies
GPS
Garmin
Fishfinder
Garmin Sonar
Snorkeling equipment
Request it if you wish to have it onboard
Live bait well
Live bait only for rooster fish.
Ice box
1 for the catch and another for food & drinks
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano
Live bait
Live bait when available
Lures
Including Ballyhoo lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Done on the boat
Snacks
Local fruit
Drinks
Soda, water, ice tea, & beer
First mate
Tip is recommended
Lunch
Sandwiches on full day trips only

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Ages 3 & up
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

What’s biting in Playa Flamingo right now

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
RoosterfishRoosterfish
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Cubera)Snapper (Cubera)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

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