Captain
Jose Hidalgo

Member since January 2023 Quepos, Costa Rica
Background
Hidalgo Sportfishing began with a simple goal: to share our passion for fishing and create unforgettable experiences on the water. Thanks to the support of our amazing clients and dedication to improving every trip, that dream has become a reality. We started with our first boat and built a strong reputation—backed by great reviews, happy memories, and countless photos of successful catches. Today, we’re proud to offer an upgraded and fully customized boat designed for your comfort and enjoyment. (Our profile photo shows the newly modified vessel.) With over 10 years of experience fishing these rich tropical waters. Whether it’s live bait fishing, trolling, or bottom fishing, we excel on curating trips for anglers of all levels of experience. We also offer recreational trips, snorkeling, and even spearfishing adventures—so there’s something for everyone.
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
Hidalgo Sportfishing began with a simple goal: to share our passion for fishing and create unforgettable experiences on the water. Thanks to the support of our amazing clients and dedication to improving every trip, that dream has become a reality. We started with our first boat and built a strong reputation—backed by great reviews, happy memories, and countless photos of successful catches. Today, we’re proud to offer an upgraded and fully customized boat designed for your comfort and enjoyment. (Our profile photo shows the newly modified vessel.) With over 10 years of experience fishing these rich tropical waters. Whether it’s live bait fishing, trolling, or bottom fishing, we excel on curating trips for anglers of all levels of experience. We also offer recreational trips, snorkeling, and even spearfishing adventures—so there’s something for everyone.
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.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(245 reviews)
Angler's choice
Quepos
 Last booking: 7 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $600

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 245 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (413)
epic trip - please read
epic trip - please read
epic trip - please read
+410
Angler rating
212
23
7
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
89%
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Showing:
5 of 245 reviews
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   NEW  3/4 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
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Steven B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bucket List Achievement

VERIFIED   NEW  Full-Day Offshore Fishing (8hr) on March 27, 2026
This was easily one of the best fishing experiences Iโ€™ve ever had. The two-man crew was outstanding โ€” knowledgeable,...
Steven B. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing
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Ian W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Kids first fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Inshore/ Snorkel combo on March 16, 2026
Took my kids (14,8) on their first fishing 1/2 day inshore trip (with some snorkelling).ย  Josรฉ was awesome, patient and helpful...
Ian W. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing
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Christopher M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing trip!!!

VERIFIED   NEW  Full Day Offshore on March 22, 2026
From start to finish, Jose and his crew were amazing! They are very hospitable, kind, and caring. The trip was a special request...
Christopher M. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing
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Juliette M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic days fishing!

VERIFIED   Full Day Offshore on February 17, 2026
We had an amazing days fishing with Jose and the captains mate. Nothing was too much trouble.ย  Great food and drink on the...
Juliette M. recommends Hidalgo Sportfishing
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