Captain
Jose Hidalgo

Member since January 2023 Quepos, Costa Rica
Background
I started with one boat and grew through great reviews, returning clients, and years of putting people on fish. With over a decade of experience in Quepos, I run professional trips tailored to all levels.
Techniques
My favorite types of fishing are with live bait, although on many occasions we use different methods and different techniques for the different species we have in our waters. We fish for mahi mahi by trolling, with lurs and baliju, which is a bait that is very popular with sailfish and mahi mahi. Normally, when we are fishing off shore we are attentive to the communication radius and the other fishing companions. In the area this gives us a better result to find good spots, for example, yellowfin tuna always live at 20 miles which is a good distance to catch different large species. If we fish in-shore we use the live bait and casting technique, we often use rapalas and enjoy trolling on the islands and near the national park. If we fish in the mouths of the rivers or near the rocks we can find roosterfish, red snapper, snook, among others. The important thing for us is that our clients have the best bites.

Hey, I'm Captain Jose Hidalgo

Quepos, Costa Rica
Background
I started with one boat and grew through great reviews, returning clients, and years of putting people on fish. With over a decade of experience in Quepos, I run professional trips tailored to all levels.
Techniques
My favorite types of fishing are with live bait, although on many occasions we use different methods and different techniques for the different species we have in our waters. We fish for mahi mahi by trolling, with lurs and baliju, which is a bait that is very popular with sailfish and mahi mahi. Normally, when we are fishing off shore we are attentive to the communication radius and the other fishing companions. In the area this gives us a better result to find good spots, for example, yellowfin tuna always live at 20 miles which is a good distance to catch different large species. If we fish in-shore we use the live bait and casting technique, we often use rapalas and enjoy trolling on the islands and near the national park. If we fish in the mouths of the rivers or near the rocks we can find roosterfish, red snapper, snook, among others. The important thing for us is that our clients have the best bites.
Our Team
Josรฉ H.
Captain
Tony S.
First mate

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(278 reviews)
Quepos
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $600
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(4 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $650

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 282 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (480)
Day at Sea
Day at Sea
Day at Sea
+477
Angler rating
245
25
8
2
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
89%
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Showing:
5 of 282 reviews
Jeff B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

The Perfect Final Chapter to any Costa Rica Adventure

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour โ€” Inshore on July 14, 2026
Hidalgo Fishing delivered exactly the experience I was hoping forโ€”and then some. From the very beginning, communication was...
Jeff B. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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Leonard R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Don't hesitate to book with them

VERIFIED   5 Hour โ€” Offshore on June 17, 2026
This is my 7th fishing trip with my family.ย  The first 6 were done in the US both inshore and offshore.ย  I have to say this...
Leonard R. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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Sean M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sashimi on the boat!

VERIFIED   6 Hour โ€” Offshore on June 10, 2026
Captain Jose and First Mate Esteban absolutely made our trip phenomenal - theyโ€™re a top notch fishing team and even better...
Sean M. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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Jef K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

10 STARS!

VERIFIED   5 Hour โ€” Offshore on April 12, 2026
โญโญโญโญโญ Captain Jose and mate Greiban are the real deal. My wife and I booked Hidalgo Sportfishing specifically...
Jef K. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Jef K. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Adam W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Epic trip - please read

VERIFIED   6 Hour โ€” Inshore on April 3, 2026
captain and first mate were top notch. Ive taken guided trips in Florida, Texas, Alaska, California, and Boston โ€” and i put...
Adam W. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing I
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Jose Hidalgo Captain replied