River Game Fishing & Caribbean Sea Angling Vacation

Trip Summary

Trip Introduction

About the size of West Virginia, USA and located in Central America between Panama and Nicaragua, Costa Rica has one of the oldest democracies in the Western Hemisphere and has a ‘Pro-American’ government.

The water in capital San Jose is safe to drink and the Rio Parismina Lodge tests its water regularly. Days are typically hot with temperature over 70F at night and 80-90F during the day.

Costa Rica is an amazingly rich country in terms of its flora and fauna, and 20 per cent of it has been set aside for 29 National Parks. The country hosts 12,000 varieties of plants including an incredible assortment of orchids; 237 species of mammals; 850 species of birds and is second only to Africa for the greatest number of butterfly species in the world. And of course, the fishing is sensational.

The Reventazón River or Rio Reventazón, also called the Rio Parismina, is 145 km long and flows into the Caribbean Sea. It flows through the village of Parismina from which it gets its alternative name and forms the southern boundary of the Tortuguero National Park.

The Fishing

Sportsmen are always searching for new fishing adventures and Rio Parismina Lodge offers anglers an opportunity to fulfil their dreams at a price that is affordable.

It is here on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica that enormous schools of huge marauding Tarpon are found, searching to satisfy their endless appetite. Casting a plug or fly into a school of feeding Tarpon is just the start of one of the greatest experiences an angler can ever have. There is no other fish that can take a lure so softly and then explode into wild, acrobatic leaps to try to throw it.

The Parismina River is the site of four world record Snook. Casting into the surf at the mouth of the Parismina River, you might spot Tarpon rolling or catch glimpses of giant Snook as they frantically chase after baitfish.

Not only will you find a shot at world class Tarpon and Snook action, but you will also have the option of fishing a few miles offshore. Here you may catch Snapper, Sailfish, Wahoo, Jack Crevalle, King Mackerel and Tuna amongst many other species on offer.

The seemingly endless network of rivers, streams and lagoons also offers the angler a wondrous and exciting challenge. These jungle backwaters are filled with exotic river fish waiting to ambush your offering. Fish with names like Machaca, Mojarra, Guapote (the well-renowned Cichlid Rainbow Bass, a close relative of the Peacock Bass) as well as Mangrove Snappers, four different species of Snook, and Tarpon call this rainforest their home.

For fishing for Tarpon on the fly we recommend that you consider 12 or heavier reels with matched weight 9ft or 10ft rods with fighting butt extensions. Your reel should be loaded with at least 200 yards of 30 lb backing. You will need various sinking tip lines to get your fly down into the feeding zone. The shock leader should be 80- 100lb monofilament and your flies should be 3/0 to 6/0 hook size.

If you are fishing for Tarpon with lures and plugs, we recommended reels like the Abu-Garcia Ambassadeur 7000C or similar, loaded with at least 200 yards of 20lb mono or 30-50 lb braid. Leaders should be minimum 80-100lb mono. A 7ft casting rod with a long handle works well. The rod should be able to cast 2 oz lures or a little heavier, stiff enough in the backbone to set the hook hard or walk the fish around the boat but have a soft enough tip to finesse a wild fish for an extended time.

If you are fishing for Snook, the gear required for is a little lighter than for tarpon. A shock leader of 40- 60lb is a good choice. Use reels with good drag systems filled with 100 to 150 yards of 12-17lb line fitted to 6.5ft or 7ft rods. For lures, consider 1/2 to 3/4oz Rapalas, 3/4 to 1 oz bucktail jigs, Mirrolures and top water lures. The lodge has a well-equipped and stocked tackle shop.

Much of the freshwater fishing is done within the boundary of the Tortuguero National Park, affording you the opportunity to enjoy the untouched rainforest. The most important person in determining your fishing success is your guide. All of the guides speak English and you should establish a good relationship with your guide if possible. Listen to his suggestions (what lures to use, where to fish, what speed of retrieve, etc.). We are confident that after your trip to Rio Parismina Lodge, you will have made a new friend and your guide will feel the same.

Normally you fish until 11am or 11:30am when your guide will bring you back to the lodge. Many guests like to take a dip in the pool or Jacuzzi after a morning of fishing. A wonderful hot lunch is served at noon followed by one of the greatest ideas ever conceived, a siesta!

At 2pm you head back to the docks where your guide once again will be ready and waiting and you will fish until just before dark. The lodge tries to pack as much quality fishing time into the day as possible. If you would like to surf fish before breakfast or after dinner, it can be arranged for your guide to escort you.

The Accommodation

Our fishing destination, Rio Parismina, is a resort lodge located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, built within 50 acres of lush jungle on the banks of the famous Parismina River. Luxury accommodation is on offer, along with superb food and a wealth of amenities, in one of the World’s finest Tarpon and Snook sport fishing areas.

At Rio Parismina the kitchen staff are very accomplished and a wide variety of gourmet and native dishes are offered. Even the most diet-conscious guests have ordered seconds of the famous desserts! Before dinner, “Bocas” or appetizers are served on the veranda or by the open bar, followed by a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Seafood and meats are served with local fares, exotic fresh fruits, pastas and heavenly desserts. After dinner, guests enjoy recounting the day’s adventures or visiting the nearby National Park to observe giant nesting sea turtles. Most guests turn in early so they will be ready for another day of incredible action at Rio Parismina Lodge.

A typical day at Rio Parismina Lodge paradise begins with the voices of the birds, howler monkeys and a chorus sounding the approach of dawn. A light knock on your door at 5am will let you know it’s time to rise and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is welcome. This close to the equator, fishing early before the sun reaches full intensity, is the practice. The early morning hours are refreshingly cool and provide good fishing.

Breakfast is served at 5:30am and your guide will be prepared and waiting for your arrival at the dock. Chances are he already knows where the fishing action will be and you could have your first tarpon ‘jumped’ by 6am.

Travel Plan