Costa Rica Advice

[Padaxes]

Hi all.

I posted in a thread in the Central America section but its been pretty quiet for 4 weeks or more so I`m not convinced there's going to be much feedback so I thought I`d post in here as I know how helpful you guys are already ... plus most of my questions are beginner questions anyway...

Any input on any of these matters would be greatly appreciated

Im going to be on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica , down south near the Cahuita National Park, and I`m really excited about getting some spearing on the go out there.

q1: I'm guessing there's no spearing in the national park, but do you need a licence to spear fish in Costa ?

q2: Im planning on shore diving , open water seems a bit out of my league even though its sposed to be amazing out there, does anyone have any info about shore diving this part of the coast? Is the vis good ? What sort of fish, shark risk etc ?


q3: I have a 75cm gun atm will that suffice for shore diving, I feel like a longer gun would be better?

q4: Ive never used a gun with a reel but all the vids i can find of costa rica, even the shore diving ones the guys using reels. Should I invest in one ?

Any advice appreciated as I'm pretty new to this game anyway and have never speared outside of Cornwall.

 

[blaiz]

I posted some questions about mexico previously and didnt get much help here either (first time ive been disappointed with the DB) but any way I did some research on Spearboard Spearfishing Community - Powered by vBulletin and found a bunch of guys with a lot of South America experience. You might try there. Good Luck!

 

[Padaxes]

Ah thanks alot I`ll try there. But I`d still be interested in any advice on making the transition from cold British waters to more tropical climes!

 

[garymills1990]

hiya mate.i cant answer the Qs abaout the u.s.a.but i have a reel on my gun and its ace defently worth getting one and see how you get on with it.you could always take it off if you dont like it.good luck in the states.

 

[blaiz]

Ah thanks alot I`ll try there. But I`d still be interested in any advice on making the transition from cold British waters to more tropical climes!

I can give you advice for what I know about Mexico, which isnt a whole lot but it may help.

If Costa Rica is anything like mex, which i have been told it is, do your self a favor and go prepared. You may think that you dont want to get into any bluewater diving but sometimes thats the best and easiest kind. Bring a gun that would be suitable for open reef and maybe a little blue water action too.

Im pretty sure they have a lot of the same game as Mexico does i.e. Pargo, snook, grouper, parrot fish, and then the usual pelagic suspects. These reef fish, especially pargo and grouper are notorious for wrecking gear so go with extra shafts, shooting line and so forth.

I landed my first pargo with a hawaiian break away set up. I was told that if you give them the opportunity to take your gear to deeper holes they will so its important to put the pressure on them early. This is easier said than done as they are a very powerful fish, but definitely important.

Find a pangarero (skiff captain) with some experience taking out spearos and take full advantage of local knowledge. Do some research on your area and even take a look at google maps to get an idea of the terrain you will be diving. When you get fish its important to handle them correctly. Make sure the panga has plenty of ice and to properly brine your fish. When fish is cleaned dont try to sell it, take fish for your self and give fish to the villagers. This shows that your not there to disrespect their country and ads for a little good public relations.

Find out what the water temp will be and make sure you bring a suit that you will be comfortable in.
I only brought a 2mill open cell suit and was overheating in the 81 degree water.

Well Ive never been to Costa Rica but I hope this helps a little.

 

[blaiz]

q3: I have a 75cm gun atm will that suffice for shore diving, I feel like a longer gun would be better?

q4: Ive never used a gun with a reel but all the vids i can find of costa rica, even the shore diving ones the guys using reels. Should I invest in one ?

Any advice appreciated as I'm pretty new to this game anyway and have never speared outside of Cornwall.

i think your going to be kicking your self if you only bring a 75cm gun. Granted you will probably be able to shoot some fish but your going to be very limited.

I would recomend at least a 110 as it will be great for shore dives, open reef, and give you a chance if you get the opportunity to do some blue water.

I use reels on all of my guns and for smaller reef species they are great. be sure to get high vis line like the yellow riffe line. THis is important when the fish takes a long run and wraps you up around the reef, which will happen. Plus it allows you to dive with out a tag line so you can anchor your float and search an area without worrying about the tag line tangling.

Also gives you a buffer if you do get a shot on a bigger pelagic fish. If you plan on doing blue water at all bring a set up for a hawaiian break away as well. I used it for the first time in mexico and dont think I would have landed my pargo with out it.

Just a little something to get you excited, 40lb pargos or dogtooth snapper

 

[Padaxes]

blaiz thanks alot for the pointers, much appreciated. Mahalo!

Looks like I`ll be getting a bigger gun with a real and doing some research on hawaiian breakaway rigging.

That Pargos is damn nice