Captain
Stan Cook

Member since December 2024 Quepos, Costa Rica
Background
Stan is a retired US Army Special Forces veteran who started saltwater fishing as a child. Growing up, he spent most of his time outdoors hunting and fishing. By his teens, he was hooked and fished his way up and down the North Carolina coast. As a teenager, he always said he was going to buy a boat and catch the big ones. He quickly learned that boats and his fishing obsession were expensive, sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. While still on Active Duty, he started a small, part-time business with the goal of making enough money to buy his first offshore boat. That part-time business grew under his leadership and allowed him to expand his fishing obsession. After his first offshore boat, he bought a second one and opened his first charter business in Carolina Beach, NC. Stan is now on his fourth boat and has been fishing in Costa Rica for close to a decade. He is married to Michele, who is just as passionate about fishing and encourages females to become part of the offshore fishing world.
Techniques
Stan has caught thousands of fish all over the world and loved every minute of his adventures. As he aged his passion turned to putting anglers of all ages on their bucket list billfish or tuna and growing the sport for generations to come. Stan's wife, Michele is just as passionate about fishing and is and advocate for women's offshore fishing.

Hey, I'm Captain Stan Cook

Quepos, Costa Rica
Background
Stan is a retired US Army Special Forces veteran who started saltwater fishing as a child. Growing up, he spent most of his time outdoors hunting and fishing. By his teens, he was hooked and fished his way up and down the North Carolina coast. As a teenager, he always said he was going to buy a boat and catch the big ones. He quickly learned that boats and his fishing obsession were expensive, sparking his entrepreneurial spirit. While still on Active Duty, he started a small, part-time business with the goal of making enough money to buy his first offshore boat. That part-time business grew under his leadership and allowed him to expand his fishing obsession. After his first offshore boat, he bought a second one and opened his first charter business in Carolina Beach, NC. Stan is now on his fourth boat and has been fishing in Costa Rica for close to a decade. He is married to Michele, who is just as passionate about fishing and encourages females to become part of the offshore fishing world.
Techniques
Stan has caught thousands of fish all over the world and loved every minute of his adventures. As he aged his passion turned to putting anglers of all ages on their bucket list billfish or tuna and growing the sport for generations to come. Stan's wife, Michele is just as passionate about fishing and is and advocate for women's offshore fishing.
Our Team
Garden S.
First mate
Michele C.
Business associate
Bill C.
Captain
Stan C.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $1,999

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 15 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (35)
Full Day on Reel Freedom with Stan Cook
Full Day on Reel Freedom with Stan Cook
Full Day on Reel Freedom with Stan Cook
+32
Angler rating
15
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 15 reviews
Andrew H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Simply the Best Fishing Charter Experience

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Offshore on April 12, 2025
Stan and his crew were friendly, welcoming and hospitable from the second we arrived at the marina. We caught a total of 12...
Andrew H. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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Andrew H. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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Jodie S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bucket List Success - AMAZING!

VERIFIED   NEW  Full Day Offshore Fishing on May 9, 2025
Stan and his crew are 1st class! These guys know what they are doing. So impressive! They served healthy fresh fruit, amazing...
Jodie S. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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Jodie S. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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FishingBooker Member
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Two separate trips

NEW  Full Day Offshore Fishing on May 5, 2025
Both trips were excellent. Captain Stan knew what we were looking for and got us to the places where we needed to be. Excellent...
FishingBooker Member recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
FishingBooker Member recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

FishingBooker Member
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sunday March 9th

Full Day Offshore Fishing on March 9, 2025
What an amazing day we went 3/4 on blue marlin and 6/10 on sails, man can this team locate and catch fish. Boat is very fast,...
FishingBooker Member recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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  Stan Cook Captain replied

David B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Southern Escape with Captain Stan

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Offshore on December 31, 2024
Our family of five enjoyed this tour.ย  On vacation from Georgia.ย  ย  First time deep sea fishing experience.ย  We got a...
David B. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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David B. recommends Southern Escapes Sport Fishing
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