I cannot praise Ben and his team highly enough. From the very outset, firstly exploring the potential of a visit to Costa Rica, then booking and arranging an itinerary Ben could not have been more helpful, all communications were answered immediately and a schedule arranged before hand. In effect Ben made the whole experience incredibly easy and hassle free, not only was he concerned about making our fishing experience something to remember, but also happily arranged all our wildlife watching tours and transport on non-fishing days.
The accommodation he arranged was excellent, it way exceeded our expectations. It was located in semi-rain forest and the Garden attracted as many, if not more, birds and wild-life than we actually saw on guided tours, including daily visits by troops of White Faced Capuchins and Squirrel Monkeys, an array of exotic birds including Toucans, Macaws, Parrots and Humming Birds, plus a variety of beautiful Butterflies.
The Fishing can only be described as excellent – our initial & principle target species was Rooster Fish, we all caught one after a couple of hours fishing on the first day (including a 50lb monster). If we had wanted to fish for Roosters all week I am sure we could have caught dozens of them. We had excellent sport with Jacks, Rainbow Runners, Snappers, Tuna and numerous other hard fighting Tropical Species. Although we had not planned to try for Bill Fish and (they were out of season) whilst off-shore fishing one day we slow trolled a couple of small live Bonito’s and had a Sailfish strike within half an hour.
The kit Ben provides is excellent and fit for purpose. I’ve Game Fished all over the world and usually find Rods and Reels provided on Charter boats are invariably way too heavy for the size of fish likely to be encountered. Ben has got it dead right, decent lighter tackle for the Roosters and Jacks and 30 – 50lb class gear for Sailfish etc, not broom handles and monster Penn winches that totally negate the sport and enjoyment of the fight.
The Crew – Manuel & Jackson (Yoxson), Father & Son are native Costa Ricans. They were both very helpful and cheerful. I always think it a good sign when after being on the boat an hour or two you realise the crew are keen fishermen themselves and show signs of excitement when a larger or rarer fish is brought to the boat. This was certainly the case with Ben and Jackson who were both keen to enter into and contribute to our Species hunting competition.
To summarise I would not hesitate to thoroughly recommend Ben and his crew – look no further than Jackpot Charters if it is Costa Rica you want to fish, (and experience) – the service offered and provided was way beyond expectations, and Ben really does go the “extra mile” to ensure it is an experience of a lifetime !
Jon M (Somerset, UK)

What a day! We enjoyed so many parts of the day, I can’t say enough about the level of professionalism of Benn and his team ensuring we had the experience of a lifetime. Benn was excellent at explaining the process, helping us by identifying various aquatic species and taking amazing photos and videos of our catches and helping by snagging our catches with Jackson.

We succeeded in landing all the fish we had set out for. Captain Manuel’s years of experience and knowledge of the waters directed us to the perfect locations and his skill at the helm make bringing the fish in as easy as possible.

Jackson was so attentive to our needs as well watching that everyone remained in good form. He was seeing the fish hit before we had any idea they were there.

I being limited in mobility and physical strength and endurance was made feel like an able bodied member of the team and when I had any difficulty there was someone available to help me out at all times. I would like to thank all involved for this amazing experience.

Kim

My wife and I came to Quepos for a week and were fortunate enough to find Jackpot Sportfishing and booked a full day offshore trip.  Benn, Jackson and Manuel spare no expense at putting you in the possible position to land big game fish.  I can’t say enough about their passion and professionalism.  I can say that everything you want, hope for, or expect from a full day charter is provided and then some!  Food(great lunch!) and drinks(beer, water, soda) are provided plus Benn has a GoPro stick and can record all the action, so we didn’t have to worry about getting that frame worthy shot and we just enjoyed being in the moment. We raised 6 sailfish and landed 3.  I reeled in 2 and my wife got the other.  First sail for both of us. Jackson also snagged a dorado and Benn had a yellowfin tuna that hit a popper he was retrieving from the bow and it broke the hook! These guys are legit and I highly recommend booking the full day charter if you can get on their calendar.  Once in a lifetime experience that you won’t regret! Thanks again Jackpot!

We had a stellar experience with Benn, Manuel, and Jackson. They were attentive and made sure we always had what we needed and fed us snacks and the most delicious pineapple any of us has ever had. We caught one blue Marlin, which was on my dad’s bucket list. You can’t predict luck fishing, but with Jackpot, you know you’ll be getting great service, fun people, and a good time. I’d go out with them again in a second.

Benn and his crew aboard the Good Day are second to none. These guys honestly provided a trip I will never forget. Not only did they put me on my first Black Marlin, but we could have loaded the boat with big Dorado. Aside from the fishing, the entire crew keeps you engaged and you leave at the end of the day feeling you have joined a fraternity. They are true Stewarts of the sea and make it as much a learning experience on top of excellent fishing. I have fished my entire life and understand why it takes to put things togeather and these guys do it as professionals.