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Nelson Mendez
Captain

Nelson Mendez

Coco, Costa Rica
10+ reviews
Captain Nelson Mendez will be your guide for the fishing trip on the Tuna Fish. He has fished around all Central and North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica looking for big game sportfish including Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Roosterfish, and Mahi Mahi. His ample experience in both inshore and offshore fishing makes him a well-rounded angler able and ready to target any pelagic species in the Gulf of Papagayo. Nelson is in love with every form of fishing — be it sportfishing, inshore or offshore, he truly commits to doing it all. He is simple, responsible, kind, and persistent, all the qualities that make an amazing captain. Nelson started fishing when he was 13 years old, and at the age of 18, he started working as the first mate and hasn't looked back since. Nelson also participated in 3 international fly fishing tournaments, where he made amazing results and won the third place once, and a second place twice.
Adelso M.
Adelso M.
Captain

Charter

Rating

4.8
19 reviews
4.7
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

All reviews (19)

Showing 1 – 5 of 19 reviews
  • Richard Doremus
    Richard Doremus
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    6 hour inshore trip

    Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore • 2 adults

    I can’t say enough about these guys! Sea was extremely rough and winds were whipping! But these guys did everything they possibly could to catch fish! Captain Al, definitely has some skills handled the Boat like a professional. We never felt unsafe. Warren is a awesome mate! always checking to see if we needed anything , had sandwiches , drinks, and even made us little pineapple boats which were delicious !!! fishing wasn’t that great not due to the crew, but due to the conditions out on that water. we have another trip with them in two days. Hopefully we’ll have better luck.

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
  • Richard Doremus
    Richard Doremus
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Second trip out eight hours offshore

    3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs • 2 adults

    Day 2 with these guys and I gotta say these guys didn’t disappoint! Weather was completely different then day one on our inshore trip . Today we were aiming for MARLIN! And Captain Al made it happen! Hooked into a black marlin approximately 400+ pounds, unfortunately, after about an hour of fighting, it shook the hook :( .. but was definitely an experience! Then continued on and caught a bunch of Grouper and a rarely seen Congrio ( if I spelled it correctly lol) . Had a great day alot of fun and would definitely recommend these guys!!!!

    Reported catch:
    Goliath Grouper
  • Scott Stanfield
    Scott Stanfield
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Greatest Fishing day ever

    Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore • 3 adults

    Greatest fishing day ever. it was rainy and rough. the crew was gteat. caught 2 sailfish. That was our goal for our Costa Rica trip

  • Melenie Zatorsky
    Melenie Zatorsky
    ca
    Ontario, Canada
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    slow day on the ocean but caughts a sail

    Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore • 3 adults

    Capt and Crew were friendly and kind. We went out twice, fishing was slow… caught a Sail each day we went. Husband caught a small Mahi. raised a few more sails. over all was a great experience, if i could change my fishing experience for April I would if only booked half days vs full days as we only caught fish in the mornings when the waters were more calm. But over all our trips were good and fishing is fishing 😊

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Sailfish
    Red Snapper
  • Scott Stanfield
    Scott Stanfield
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great trip

    Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore • 3 adults

    The trip was great. The crew made the experience very special. Going on another trip in 2 days.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Angler landing a large fish alongside a small boat in rough offshore waters.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Scott S.
    Scott S.
    Greatest fishing day ever. it was rainy and rough. the crew was gteat. caught 2 sailfish. That was our goal for our Costa Rica trip
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Three anglers display a large group of reef fish, including grouper and snapper, aboard an offshore fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowedge Grouper
    Scott S.
    Scott S.
    The trip was great. The crew made the experience very special. Going on another trip in 2 days.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Two adult anglers pose beside a large billfish, likely a sailfish or marlin, alongside a deep-sea fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Sailfish
    Melenie Z.
    Melenie Z.
    Capt and Crew were friendly and kind. We went out twice, fishing was slow… caught a Sail each day we went. Husband caught a small Mahi. raised a few more sails. over all was a great experience, if i could change my fishing experience for April I would if only booked half days vs full days as we only caught fish in the mornings when the waters were more calm. But over all our trips were good and fishing is fishing 😊
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Lingcod while fishing on a sunny day at sea.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Common Ling
    Richard D.
    Richard D.
    Day 2 with these guys and I gotta say these guys didn’t disappoint! Weather was completely different then day one on our inshore trip . Today we were aiming for MARLIN! And Captain Al made it happen! Hooked into a black marlin approximately 400+ pounds, unfortunately, after about an hour of fighting, it shook the hook :( .. but was definitely an experience! Then continued on and caught a bunch of Grouper and a rarely seen Congrio ( if I spelled it correctly lol) . Had a great day alot of fun and would definitely recommend these guys!!!!
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Common Ling
    We departed from Riu Guanacaste on a full day inshore fishing trip. We did bottom fishing and caught some grouper, red snapper and bonitos.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    A thrilling moment captured while fishing offshore, showcasing a shark swimming near the boat, with fishing rods ready for action.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Mark C.
    Mark C.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Two anglers proudly displaying their catches of Bonito while fishing on a sportfishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Scott M.
    Scott M.
    Fishing wasn't very good but not their fault. They went above and beyond to try to hook us up. Pun intended.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of large Amberjack while fishing offshore, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    David B.
    David B.
    We had a good time on the Tuna Fish. Captain Nelson and Adelso are good hosts. We were picked up from the beach from Secrets Papagayo right on time as predetermined. Communication via Fishing Booker was easy and clear. There was an iced cooler with plenty of beverages with a wide range of choices. Snacks and fresh fruit hit the spot and were included with our 6 hour trip. We caught what was biting at the time. No complaints. Communication on the boat is good. I would book with this group again.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish while out on the open sea, showcasing a sunny day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Grouper
    Today was Mr Jeff 's first full day of two. We leaved from Playa Hermosa. Fishing was slow offshore, we caught some grouper inshore to bring Home.
  • Tuna Fish Sportfishing
    Tuna Fish SportfishingCoco, GU
    Group of adult anglers relaxing aboard a fishing boat underway, with a fighting chair, rods, and open ocean visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sailfish
    Mike G.
    Mike G.
    I had previous experience with this boat and arranged to go with them again this year due to the service we received. The captain and deckhand were friendly and professional. They worked hard to ensure everyone caught a bill fish, which we did. It was a very enjoyable outing. I will look them up again on my next trip to Costa Rica.

What's biting with Tuna Fish Sportfishing in Coco

Cubera Snapper and Yellowfin Tuna are still easy to catch and don't forget the main star of the show – Roosterfish. Wherever you head, there's some exciting fishing to be had with some extra special rewards!

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Two anglers proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a boat in open waters.

Inshore Fishing in Papagayo Costa Rica

Feb 24, 2026 • Coco
We departed from Riu Guanacaste on a full day inshore fishing trip. We did bottom fishing and caught some grouper, red snapper and bonitos.
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An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish while out on the open sea, showcasing a sunny day of fishing.

Full day trip - Inshore fishing

Mar 31, 2024 • Coco
Today was Mr Jeff 's first full day of two. We leaved from Playa Hermosa. Fishing was slow offshore, we caught some grouper inshore to bring Home.
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Two adult anglers display a large sailfish with its distinctive dorsal sail aboard a sportfishing boat on open blue water.

Sailfish fishing in Papagayo Costa Rica

Jan 28, 2016 • Coco
Full fishing charter from RIU Guanacaste on board the Tuna Fish boat, we caught and released 2 sailfish and some bonitos. Get on board today with us!!
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Two anglers handle a large billfish alongside a sportfishing boat during an active offshore fishing encounter.

Papagayo marlin fishing in a full day!

Feb 22, 2015 • Coco
We went out from Occidental Grand Papagayo resort located in Playa Panamá, Costa Rica. This resort is one of the top fishing resorts in the Gulf of Papagayo, where you can book a fishing charter like today! Captain Nelson Mendez took them into the gulf of Papagayo looking for billfish, after several hours trolling with a 30lbs rod, ballyhoo bait and lures, we caught and release a blue marlin around 280 lbs and fighting for 1 hour.
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Three adult anglers proudly display a large mahi-mahi aboard a sport-fishing boat in open ocean waters.

4 Sailfish in a Full day of fishing

Dec 2, 2014 • Coco
Our friends from Flamingo beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, booked the Tuna Fish vessel for a full day charter looking for billfish and some dorado. Weather conditions were amazing, blue and clear waters, sunny, and moderate winds. Captain Nelson took them into the southern Gulf of Papagayo to put some billfish on board. After some hours our lucky guys fought with 4 sailfish for several minutes using a 30 pound reel. We also caught one dorado, perfect for dinner. Captain Nelson is the best skipper in the Gulf of Papagayo he will do all he can to put some fish on your hands!
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Three adult anglers proudly display a large mahi-mahi on the deck of a sportfishing boat, with open ocean wake in the background.

Deep Fishing from Hyatt Andaz Papagayo

Nov 27, 2014 • Coco
Our full fishing departure from Andaz Hyatt Papagayo with 2 lucky clients to the Gulf of Papagayo. Our fishing day started at 7:30 a.m, we pick up our clients from the beach of the Andaz Papagayo Resort. Clients were happy to be fishing in Costa Rica, our Captain Nelson Méndez and two mates working hard to worth every penny for them. We hook up 5 dorado or mahi mahi as some people call it. There are several species of tropical fish that you could catch and bring back for your dinner. The Gulf of Papagayo is perfect for in shore and offshore fishing practice, is you stay around you need to book a charter and enjoy Papagayo Fishing. If you have lucky you will see dolphins, whales and turtles!
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