COSTA RICA TARPON FISHING
The Caribbean Sea around Costa Rica has ample opportunities for spectacular tarpon fishing. Every year hundreds of tourists flock to Costa Rica to get a taste of the popular Costa Rica tarpon fishing event. The water of the Rio Frio and the San Juan rivers also play host numerous tarpon and is very angler’s delight. Peak season starts from May and continues till September and October. While the sea has a large number of tarpon, even the river mouths contribute much to Costa Rica tarpon fishing.Among different game fish, the tarpon is much preferred by anglers because of the spectacular fight it puts up against its pursuer. It is matter of pride to catch a tarpon after a well fought out bating and luring routine. Costa Rica tarpon fishing is famous for the amazing tarpon fights.
When does the fish bite?
The tarpon bite is difficult to recognize especially for beginners. The common mistake is pulling the line quickly even before the fish has firmly been hooked to it. The upper lip of a tarpon is aid to resemble the top side of a tunnel. As a result if you pull the line while the fish is pointed towards you, there is a good chance that the bait will come off its mouth. Most fish bites are sudden and mysterious. The tarpon bites with a good frequency and when it does it is fast as lightning. You need to very alert to recognize that bite. Experienced anglers and guides with the Costa Rica tarpon fishing event will advise you to look out for the flash of the fish’s body or a sudden tarpon boil.
The tarpon mouth if not properly hooked is slack offering very little resistance. This can be a real dampener to your anticipated tarpon fight. Before riding out to war, ensure that you feel a moderate weight which implies that the fish has been baited successfully.
The mighty fight:
Tarpon are among the hardest fighters which never give up easily. Costa Rica tarpon fishing has seen tarpon fights continue for over two hours. Fishing in open waters involves a lot of stalking and luring, for the tarpon to be caught. In the open ocean or sea, a tarpon, once it is hooks will take you for a ride, rest assured. Be prepared for a series of shallow and in-the-air jumps. At this stage it is suggested that you apply only a light pressure to make the fish feel pursues. Gradually as the initial run slackens, the pressure should be increased. Costa Rica tarpon fishing pros will tell you to use your rod to pull the fish towards you by alternate pumping up but keeping the reel down.
Invariably the tarpon will jump and it is wise to decrease pressure a little i.e.’ bow to his majesty’. More than bowing down it done to ensure that the line is not cut by the fish’s gills and fins due to sudden movements or jumps. A very important point one should keep in mind is that a tarpon should not be tackled with your rod over your head or high in the air. There is a high possibility that it might land on your boat or on the shore. Tarpon care two pence for where they are going to jump.
Spotting the tarpon:
Experienced anglers practicing Costa Rica tarpon fishing say that tarpon will surface at regular intervals for a gulp of fresh air. When the tarpon breaks the surface they can be spotted easily. Sometimes whole schools of tarpon do this-a process called rolling. Costa Rica tarpon fishing is remarkably fascinating to watch. For the hunter it is 100% excitement and adrenaline rush.
Stalking the tarpon:
Tarpon fishing demands a silent hunting approach. It is best to take a good tarpon guide to accompany you on the boat. They are the people who can pinpoint exactly where the tarpon are. However only knowing the location is not adequate. The tarpon flees if it detects human presence. Hence one has to be really silent and resourceful. Stalking tarpon require skill and experience. You might get only a single shot at the fish. So use it judiciously!
Light tackle:
A tarpon will give up eventually if broken with skill. The moment you loosen your hold, the fish resumes its frantic run and jump. One has to be on the lookout for the fish slowing down and weakening and pounce on the moment. Any signs of the tarpon giving up and you grab it immediately. Costa Rica tarpon fishing is very rewarding in terms of tackle. As the tarpon slows down increase the pressure and pull it closer into control.
However putting too much pressure will affect negatively and the tarpon will resume the fight. Only a slight pressure puts it in your control. Costa Rica tarpon fishing anglers employ the spinning tackle extensively. The spinning tackle requires great skill and a very good control over pressure applied.
Sustainable tarpon fishing:
Many experienced long-time anglers would agree to the fact that the tarpon fight is a good sport as long as you release it back in the waters. Tarpon are caught more for the fun of it than for consumption. It is important to preserve the tarpon reserves for the next generations. Anglers are encouraged to remove the hook from a tarpon and release it back to the waters where it belongs. Adventure sports and sustainable development is an appreciable venture.
Fresh water tarpon fishing is also very popular. Though it is devoid of sea faring thrills, fishing is no means less exciting as the freshwater tarpon is a famed fighter as well.
Costa Rica tarpon fishing is a major tourist attraction. The sun kissed shores and an abundance of tarpon in Costa Rica draws a large number of tourists ever year. Seasonal anglers also crowd the place in search of large catch and amazing fights. The tarpon fight is a visual treat due to the spectacular jumps and leaps that follow after they are hooked. As mush the cause of frustration for anglers, the tarpon is also the most prized catch to go after.