Storm Chasing and Big Wins

The day began under a dark, threatening sky, with heavy storm clouds hinting that nature might cut our journey short. But as the morning progressed, the weather eased up, clearing the path for an unforgettable full-day offshore charter. Our mission for the day was clear: target elite billfish (sailfish) and give our guest and his wife the trip of a lifetime as they celebrated her upcoming retirement. The morning action started strong along the offshore current lines, where we hooked into a series of energetic Mahi-Mahi (Dorados) that put on a great show. We raised a magnificent Sailfish short behind the teasers and had an intense strike, but after a quick battle, he managed to throw the hook—the classic adrenaline of billfishing! Noticing our guests wanted to secure fresh dinner, Captain Jorge “Pollo” executed a tactical pivot to inshore bottom fishing. The move was an absolute success: we brought up a variety of delicious table fish, including one Hojaran (Amber Jack), Three red snapper, two rabbits fish and a incidental Shark (safely handled and released/processed according to regulations). From worrying about storms to landing dinner and sharing a joyous milestone at sea, it was the ultimate way to step into retirement! Daily Log: Service: Full-Day Offshore/Inshore Combo Charter Target Species: Billfish (Sailfish), Mahi-Mahi, and Bottom Fish Total Catch: two Mahi-Mahi, one hojaran, three red snappers, two rabbits fish, 1 Shark, and 1 Sailfish raised/released-at-strike. Key Highlight: Transitioning smoothly from offshore billfish trolling to productive bottom fishing upon client request, creating a memorable retirement celebration for a couple despite initial storm threats. #MathisOceanAdventures #OffshoreCostaRica #Sailfish #MahiMahi #RetirementTrip #HerraduraBeach #LoyalClients #PuraVida

Early Bite, Fresh Sashimi, and Paradise Island Why choose between a world-class fishing charter and a tropical island getaway when you can have both? We cleared the marina early at 6:30 AM to maximize every minute of the day. Just 7 miles out, we began tracking a beautiful blue-water color change, leading us to one of our favorite secret spots about 10 miles out. The ocean welcomed us with three clean Black Tunas—which our crew immediately transformed into a spectacular, ultra-fresh sashimi right on the deck! By 8:20 AM, the action heated up as we ran into a productive current line and hooked into a thrilling double-hookup of Mahi-Mahi (Dorados). One put up a spectacular fight and managed a lucky escape right by the gunwale, but we cleanly boated the second one, securing another premium catch. With our fishing fix satisfied, we set coordinates for the enchanting Tortuga Island. The weather was absolutely perfect—warm sunshine and calm, gentle breezes. Our guests spent an unforgettable afternoon enjoying the beach, riding the high-energy banana boat, and sharing a delicious lunch on the white sands. We made a quick trolling pass on the way back to port, but the ocean decided to let us just relax and enjoy the sunset navigation. A flawless day from start to finish! Daily Log: Service: Fishing & Tortuga Island Combo Charter Departure Time: 06:30 AM Total Catch: 3 Black Tunas (served as fresh onboard sashimi), 2 Mahi-Mahi (from an exciting double-hookup) Island Activities: Beach relaxation, local lunch, and high-energy Banana Boat rides. Key Highlight: Combining tactical offshore fishing with premium hospitality (onboard sashimi preparation) and a flawless family beach day under perfect weather conditions. #IslaTortuga #MahiMah #SashimiOnBoard #CostaRicaComboTour #HerraduraBeach #PuraVida

Grit, Miles, and the Hardest Earned Catch When the weather forecasts turn into severe reality, the ocean tests every ounce of a crew's resolve. Right from the morning launch, we were hit with heavy rain and relentless winds that locked in for the entire day. But aboard the Mathis, we don't sit idle waiting for conditions to clear. We put our heads down and hunted, covering a massive 78 nautical milesin total, searching through stunning, near-transparent deep blue waters for an active bite. The offshore schools were incredibly sluggish, with the closest fast-moving tuna marks holding a staggering 12 miles past our final scouting position. We pushed through the heavy chop to reach them, running a slow and grueling tracking game. Just as we closed the distance, a small Spanish Mackerel finally hit the line. Was the ultimate objective of putting fish on the deck accomplished? Yes. Was it the epic blue-water blitz we always strive to deliver for our guests? Far from it. It was a brutal, exhausting day that demanded everything from the boat and the crew—but even when the ocean says "no," the Mathis never stops driving forward. Daily Log: Duration: Full-Day Heavy Weather Endurance Charter Total Distance Covered: Approx. 78 Nautical Miles (Offshore Scouting) Weather & Sea Conditions: Heavy continuous rain, stiff head-winds, and rough chop; clean, transparent deep-blue water but low fish activity. Total Catch: 1 Spanish Mackerel (Tuna schools detected 12 miles out but inactive). Key Highlight: A testament to the captain's elite work ethic and vessel resilience, running 78 miles under relentless storm conditions to locate fish and ensure safe operation despite a tough, slow bite. #StormFishing #GritAndDetermination #OffshoreCostaRica #StormNavigation #SpanishMackerel #RealFishing #CostaRicaSportfishing #NeverGiveUp #PuraVida