Jackpot Sport Fishing
Charter operator

Jackpot Sport Fishing

Quepos, Costa Rica
50+ reviews
Captain Manuel Gabuardi has been fishing the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica for 34 years and has been the captain of the GOOD DAY for 21 years. Capt. Manuel knows the Quepos waters immensely, and is so passionate about fishing and loves nothing more than taking our guests from all over the world to experience the best fishing that Costa Rica has to offer. Owner & mate of GOOD DAY Benn Gilmour is from the UK & has been fishing around the world all of his life. Benn loves Offshore fishing for Marlin, Sailfish & Big Tuna. Inshore his favorite species are Roosterfish, Snook & Cubera Snappers.

Charters

Rating

4.9
85 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (85)

Showing 1 – 5 of 85 reviews
  • Braeden D
    Braeden D
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever!

    Full Day Trip – Offshore • 3 adults

    What an incredible day on the water. This trip exceeded all of my expectations and I got everything I could have asked for out of it. My goal coming into the trip was to catch a tuna on the fly and hopefully get a shot at a sailfish, and we were able to make both happen. Catching a tuna on the fly and raising multiple sailfish made for a truly unforgettable experience. The captain and crew worked hard all day and did an outstanding job putting us on fish. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. You could tell they were just as excited about our success as we were. From start to finish, everything was top-notch. If I ever make it back to Quepos, this will be my first call for another day on the water.

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Sailfish
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you so much for the great review Breaden and we arw so pleased that you had a great day and got that Tuna on the Fly you were looking for!! Thanks again for fishing with us! Benn

  • Corrina Sutton
    Corrina Sutton
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Epic fishing trip!

    Half Day Trip – Offshore • 2 adults

    What an amazing day with Jackpot Sport Fishing! Captain Manuel and his mate, Pepe, were fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and had us catching fish within minutes of getting our lines in the water. We caught tons of fish, enjoyed great music, and had an absolute blast the entire trip. A huge bonus was being able to take mahi to a marina restaurant they recommended and have it prepared fresh. Owner Benn was also great—very personable, communicative, and easy to work with. Overall, one of the best fishing trips we've ever been on. Highly recommend Jackpot Sport Fishing!

    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you so much for fishing with us Corrina and for the wonderful review. We are so pleased that you both enjoyed and hope to see you again soon! All the Best, Benn

  • Finley Duncan
    Finley Duncan
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Amazing Charter

    Half Day Trip – Offshore • 2 adults

    Everything was well organized, the boat was great, and we couldn’t have asked for a better captain. He exceeded all of our expectations, and I would 100% recommend him to anyone looking for an unforgettable charter experience. We will definitely be booking with him again!

    Reported catch:
    Sailfish
    Snowy Grouper
  • Jeffrey Siedlik
    Jeffrey Siedlik
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain found us Two Trophy Fish and Two Hundred Pounds of Tuna

    Full Day Trip – Offshore • 4 adults • 2 children

    We went out looking for Sailfish, but things started out going pretty slow. Our captain made some adjustments and located a school of tuna so we wouldn't go home empty-handed.... we caught nine! .... but our day wasn't done! In the afternoon they were able to find us not one but TWO nine-foot Sailfish.

  • Mickey White
    Mickey White
    Repeat angler
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Experience!

    Half Day Trip – Offshore • 2 adults

    We booked a 1/2 day offshore as the weather was not looking great. Met the Captain at the Marina and we were off exactly on time. The first mate, Jackson was very helpful with my 10yoa son . We danced around storms all day but were still able to catch several Mahi and Tuna. Great Experience!!

    Response from Charter operator

    Great to have you both aboard Mickey! Thank you for fishing with us & for the great review!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Angler displaying a large swordfish beside a sportfishing boat in open ocean waters, with fellow crew members visible on deck.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sailfish
    Jeffrey S.
    Jeffrey S.
    We went out looking for Sailfish, but things started out going pretty slow. Our captain made some adjustments and located a school of tuna so we wouldn't go home empty-handed.... we caught nine! .... but our day wasn't done! In the afternoon they were able to find us not one but TWO nine-foot Sailfish.
  • Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a beautiful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Corrina S.
    Corrina S.
    What an amazing day with Jackpot Sport Fishing! Captain Manuel and his mate, Pepe, were fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and had us catching fish within minutes of getting our lines in the water. We caught tons of fish, enjoyed great music, and had an absolute blast the entire trip. A huge bonus was being able to take mahi to a marina restaurant they recommended and have it prepared fresh. Owner Benn was also great—very personable, communicative, and easy to work with. Overall, one of the best fishing trips we've ever been on. Highly recommend Jackpot Sport Fishing!
  • Angler reeling in a large fish while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
    Fish 1
    Striped Marlin
    Matthew P.
    Matthew P.
    The crew worked there tales off and we caught fish all day!! Unbelievable experience and a great time had by all! Pepe and Manual are top notch! Even had a great lunch and everything was exactly as described! would recommend to anyone!
  • Angler handling a large sailfish alongside the boat in open ocean water during a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sailfish
    Braeden D.
    Braeden D.
    What an incredible day on the water. This trip exceeded all of my expectations and I got everything I could have asked for out of it. My goal coming into the trip was to catch a tuna on the fly and hopefully get a shot at a sailfish, and we were able to make both happen. Catching a tuna on the fly and raising multiple sailfish made for a truly unforgettable experience. The captain and crew worked hard all day and did an outstanding job putting us on fish. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. You could tell they were just as excited about our success as we were. From start to finish, everything was top-notch. If I ever make it back to Quepos, this will be my first call for another day on the water.
  • Angler holding a large sailfish alongside a charter boat offshore, with the fish's distinctive dorsal sail fully visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sailfish
    John P.
    John P.
    My wife and I were on the Good Day with Manuel and Pepe! We wanted sailfish and they provided, caught 9 big sails and then got on the mahi mahi! Even caught one on the fly, unbelievable trip! Highly recommend for anyone!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large fish while aboard a fishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Skipjack Tuna
    Amber E.
    Amber E.
    My family spent a half day deep sea fishing with Jackpot and had an amazing time. Ben was super knowledgeable about the marine life and explained every detail of what we were doing. This was our first time fishing for such large fish, so we had lots of questions and he answers each one with details. Ben engaged my teenaged sons and encouraged dialogue. Also saw dolphin and whales! Great day and would definitely recommend.
  • A young angler and an adult proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a memorable moment on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Chris C.
    Chris C.
    This was our third trip on the Good Day. This was however, my first trip with my son, who is 9. He had never caught a fish before so there was a lot riding on this trip. I asked Ben what he thought and he planned our day out for us for maximum opportunities to catch fish. His knowledge paid off. My son caught a 30inch Mahi Mahi (the fish that he really wanted to catch) and not too long after that he caught a 40lb tuna. It was the most amazing day for him (and me) and he has talked about it everyday since. Ben is an amazing person and his captain has 35 years of experience in the area. Ben and his captain made my son's dream come true and I am forever thankful. If you are fishing out of Quepos, fish on the Good Day. You won't be disappointed.
  • A majestic Marlin leaps out of the water during a deep-sea fishing expedition, showcasing the thrill of sport fishing.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Chris C.
    Chris C.
    A amazing trip! Hooked a massive Blue Marlin and a really solid tuna. Benn is incredibly hospitable and personable. He truly wants to give you the best experience possible. Great fishing, great food, and an incredibly knowledgeable captain. I would choose Jackpot for any trip I book out of Quepos. Thanks a million, Benn!!
  • An angler actively reeling in a fish from a sport fishing boat, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing in clear blue waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Teddy L.
    Teddy L.
    If you don’t fish with captain Ben, you’re an idiot
  • Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while aboard a fishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Peggy O.
    Peggy O.
    We did two trips with Jackpot Sport Fishing. On both days we caught sailfish (released) as well as other fish (Mahi Mahi, Bonitos). Capt. Manuel and his son Yoxan did a great job and made these trips unforgettable experiences. Definitely can recommend this boat!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Jackpot Sport Fishing – 31’ Good Day in Quepos

The rain finally drops off in November, making heading offshore more feasible. As always, you'll be met by a great mixed group of pelagic species, including Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Marlin.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Three anglers actively reeling in a large Marlin while fishing offshore, showcasing teamwork and excitement on the water.

NOVEMBER FISHING ABOARD GOOD DAY COSTA R

Nov 6, 2024 • Quepos
Just finished day 2 today with Frank, Taylor & Grant from Virginia. Taylor was delighted to catch his dream Blue Marlin, a stunning fish of around 150lb which he caught on 30lb tackle on the PENN Fishing Fathom II’s. Grant caught his first ever Sailfish which we tagged for the Gray FishTag Research program & we added 5 nice Tuna to the haul capping off a great day on the water. 3rd & final day is tomorrow, wish us luck! ??
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A young angler actively reeling in a fish while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.

WICKED TUNA

May 30, 2024 • Quepos
WICKED TUNA aboard GOOD DAY today, huge congrats to 15 year old Caden ???
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Angler proudly displaying a large Mahi Mahi while aboard a fishing boat in open waters.

Bull Dorado aboard GOOD DAY Costa Rica

May 7, 2024 • Quepos
2 Sailfish & 2 Huge Bull Dorado for David & Kim this past weekend aboard GOOD DAY here at Marina Pez Vela Costa Rica. All fish caught on 60lb Fish Seaguar Inshore Flurocarbon & tagged for Gray FishTag Research ???
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Anglers actively reeling in a large fish while enjoying a deep-sea fishing adventure on a charter boat.

BILLFISHING IN QUEPOS COSTA RICA

May 5, 2024 • Quepos
3 Sailfish during today’s Offshore trip aboard GOOD DAY with Bill, Melissa & Kelly from Florida joining us. There were 3 Black Marlin hooked yesterday afternoon & this morning plus a couple of blues, we’ll be out there searching for them most of this week ???
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Adult and young angler proudly holding a large wahoo aboard an offshore fishing boat.

FAMILY FISHING ABOARD GOOD DAY COSTA RIC

May 4, 2024 • Quepos
3 Sailfish & 1 Wahoo for the Harvat family aboard GOOD DAY here at Marina Pez Vela ???
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Group of four anglers posing on the deck of the 'Good Day' boat at Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica, ready for a fishing adventure.

MAHI MAHI & ROOSTERFISHING COSTA RICA

May 2, 2024 • Quepos
2 stunning Bull Dorado (55” & 57”) & 3 Roosterfish during yesterdays trip aboard GOOD DAY here at Marina Pez Vela Costa Rica. Great to have Frank, David, Joel & Lauren from Florida aboard. After catching the Dorado we persevered for a Marlin Offshore despite slow fishing but it wasn’t to be. So we made the call to push into the rocks to finish up the day & ended on a high with 3 Roosterfish for Joel, Lauren & a 41” stunner for David to scratch off their bucketlists ???
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