Charter Operator
Fishing Lake Arenal

Member since January 2019 La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Background
I have lived in Costa Rica since 1981, and since I was 6 years old, I have always loved fishing. Although I studied to become a bookkeeper, I knew an office was not my style and wanted to make my hobby into my job. I started fishing Lake Arenal about 30 years ago, and since I like the surroundings, I made it my base to make some money. I am pretty successful in what I do and am pretty well-known in the area by my nickname ,EL BELGA." I am joined by my co-captain and first mate Erwin, who has been fishing with me about five years and knows everything he needs to know about fishing this lake. Since I am getting older and have several health issues, it's time to slow down a little, so right now, I am semi retired. But don't worry, in all the years Ervin has been fishing with me, he learned all the techniques to put you on the fish.
Techniques
I offer spinning and baitcasting Rods and like casting in the early morning and late afternoon and trolling and jigging when it gets to warm and fish go to deeper waters. I also fish with life bait when water color requires it.

Hey, we're Fishing Lake Arenal

La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Background
I have lived in Costa Rica since 1981, and since I was 6 years old, I have always loved fishing. Although I studied to become a bookkeeper, I knew an office was not my style and wanted to make my hobby into my job. I started fishing Lake Arenal about 30 years ago, and since I like the surroundings, I made it my base to make some money. I am pretty successful in what I do and am pretty well-known in the area by my nickname ,EL BELGA." I am joined by my co-captain and first mate Erwin, who has been fishing with me about five years and knows everything he needs to know about fishing this lake. Since I am getting older and have several health issues, it's time to slow down a little, so right now, I am semi retired. But don't worry, in all the years Ervin has been fishing with me, he learned all the techniques to put you on the fish.
Techniques
I offer spinning and baitcasting Rods and like casting in the early morning and late afternoon and trolling and jigging when it gets to warm and fish go to deeper waters. I also fish with life bait when water color requires it.
Our Team
Ervin P.
First mate

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.6 / 5
(202 reviews)
La Fortuna
 Last booking: 6 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $175

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.6 / 5
out of 5 stars from 202 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (254)
Great Time
Fun trip right under the volcano!
Fun trip right under the volcano!
+251
Angler rating
147
38
11
5
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
91%
Friendly captain
96%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
83%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 202 reviews
Megan P.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Good trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on July 13, 2025
It was our first time in Costa Rica and decided we wanted to do both fresh and salt water fishing. First stop was Lake Arenal,...
Megan P. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Fishing Lake Arenal Charter Operator replied

Ryan S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great guide

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on April 16, 2025
Marc and his crew were great.ย  They worked hard and were knowledgeable.ย  I arrived a little early so we started a little...
Ryan S. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Fishing Lake Arenal Charter Operator replied

Jody H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Not many fish but nice views/boat ride

VERIFIED   Volcano/Sunset Tour on December 26, 2024
We learned when we got on the boat that itโ€™s pretty hard to catch fish this time of year.ย  We went out 3 hours and did...
Jody H. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Fishing Lake Arenal Charter Operator replied

LJ C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Time

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on July 28, 2025
Although we didnโ€™t catch much, my wife and I had a blast. Fishing can be like the lottery, itโ€™s never guaranteed youโ€™ll...
LJ C. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Fishing Lake Arenal Charter Operator replied

Evan S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Had a fun day!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on March 26, 2025
fishing was solid in the morning, slow in the afternoon at no fault of the captain and crew. they made sure it was a good and...
Evan S. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Fishing Lake Arenal Charter Operator replied