Costa Rica Fishing Captains
A great fishing boat matters, but the captain behind the wheel can make an even bigger difference. Meet experienced captains fishing Jaco, Herradura, Los Sueños, Flamingo, Guanacaste, Golfito and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and discover the boats, local knowledge and fishing styles associated with each crew.
Why the Captain Matters
Two boats can leave the same marina on the same morning and have very different fishing days. Experienced captains constantly watch current, water conditions, bait movement, birds, floating structure, radio reports and recent fishing activity. They know when to stay with a plan and when conditions suggest changing techniques or moving to a different area.
Captain Bobby McGuinness
Captain Bobby McGuinness is one of Costa Rica’s most recognized sportfishing captains and has spent more than four decades fishing the Southern Pacific waters around Golfito, Golfo Dulce and Costa Rica’s offshore marlin grounds. His experience ranges from traditional offshore and inshore fishing to specialized long-range blue-marlin and FAD expeditions.Fish With Bobby
Day trips can be arranged aboard the 37ft Cazador, while specialized long-range and multi-day trips can involve the 60ft Thumper.Experienced Costa Rica Sportfishing Captains
Different captains bring different experience, fishing styles and regional knowledge. These are some of the captains associated with boats we work with throughout Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Golfito / Puerto Jiménez Captain Donald McGuinness
Captain Donald McGuinness fishes Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific aboard Dos Más. From the Golfito and Puerto Jiménez area, he can work offshore blue water or the productive inshore fishery around Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula.
Herradura Bay / Jaco Captain Juan Félix Castroverde Villagra
Captain Juan Félix Castroverde Villagra grew up fishing Costa Rica’s Central Pacific and brings more than 15 years of professional experience. From Herradura Bay, he uses the versatile 32ft Mako for offshore or inshore trips based on conditions and the group’s fishing goals.
Los Sueños Captain Johnny Cerpas
Captain Johnny Cerpas runs the 38ft Macushla from Los Sueños and has developed a strong reputation in Costa Rica’s competitive offshore billfish fishery. Johnny and Macushla earned top-boat and top-captain honors at the 2017 Offshore World Championship.
Los Sueños Captain Ezequiel Amaya
Captain Ezequiel Amaya runs Dream Maker, a 36ft Cabo sportfisher operating from Los Sueños Marina. The boat and crew are well suited to private offshore trips targeting Costa Rica’s principal pelagic species, including marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.
Herradura / Jaco Captain Nelson Fernández
Captain Nelson Fernández fishes aboard Tío James from the Herradura area. His background includes Golfo Dulce, Panama, Quepos and Herradura, giving him experience across several distinct Pacific fisheries and both offshore and inshore fishing situations.
Los Sueños Captain Geoffrey Campbell
Captain Geoffrey Campbell runs Circle Hook, a 37ft sportfisher based at Los Sueños Marina. This capable platform is primarily suited to offshore blue-water fishing for marlin, sailfish and tuna, with selected inshore trips available when appropriate.
Herradura / Jaco Captain Danny Moraga
Captain Danny Moraga runs Dream Raiser, a Cabo Express departing from Herradura Bay. The boat provides access to offshore blue water as well as productive Central Pacific inshore structure for private fishing groups.
Los Sueños Captain Stevan Morcos
Captain Stevan Morcos runs Good Day Too, a 36ft sportfishing boat based at Los Sueños Marina. The boat offers access to offshore billfish and pelagic fishing while retaining flexibility for selected Central Pacific inshore trips.
Flamingo / Guanacaste Captain Luis Sandi
Captain Luis Sandi fishes Costa Rica’s North Pacific from Playa Flamingo aboard El Gato III. His experience covers offshore, inshore and reef fishing, creating a versatile option for Guanacaste visitors targeting billfish, tuna, roosterfish, snapper or amberjack.
Los Sueños Captain Greg Giampapa
Captain Greg Giampapa has more than 20 years of experience fishing Costa Rica’s Pacific waters. He runs the American-owned Tres Amigos from Los Sueños Marina, specializing in sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi trips for private groups and tournament anglers.
Los Sueños Captain José Chavarría
Captain José Chavarría brings more than 30 years of sportfishing experience from Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and the eastern United States. From Los Sueños, he leads Suéltalo II on professional offshore trips for sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.
Herradura Bay / Jaco Captain Henry Reyes
Captain Henry Reyes has fished Costa Rica’s Central Pacific throughout his life and has more than 10 years of professional charter experience. Previously captain of All In, Henry now runs Fish Whistle from Herradura Bay for private offshore and inshore fishing trips.
Choose a Captain Who Knows the Water You’re Fishing
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is not one single fishery. Different regions have different structure, currents, bait movements, seasonal patterns and fishing styles. Jaco & Herradura
A mix of bay-based boats and marina access for both offshore and inshore Central Pacific fishing. Explore Jaco Fishing → Los Sueños
One of Costa Rica’s best-known sportfishing marinas, with a large fleet focused heavily on offshore billfish and pelagic fishing. Explore Los Sueños → Flamingo & Guanacaste
Costa Rica’s North Pacific offers offshore fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi together with productive inshore fishing for roosterfish and snapper. Explore Flamingo Fishing → Golfito & South Pacific
A more remote fishery offering Golfo Dulce inshore fishing, traditional offshore trips and specialized long-range marlin expeditions. Explore Golfito →What Do You Want Your Captain to Help You Catch?
Tell us your priority species and we’ll help narrow the region, boat and captain options.We Don’t Recommend the Same Captain for Every Group
The best fit depends on what kind of fishing experience you’re actually looking for.Fishing First
Some anglers are traveling specifically to target a bucket-list species and care more about fishing performance than luxury amenities.- Specific target species
- Multiple fishing days
- FAD or seamount trips
- Tournament-style offshore fishing
- Maximum time on productive water
Fishing + Overall Experience
Other groups want good fishing but also prioritize shade, seating, restrooms, air conditioning or a crew that works particularly well with first-time anglers.- Children or first-time anglers
- Mixed fishing experience
- Comfort is important
- Shorter trip options
- Flexible offshore/inshore plans
Useful Costa Rica Fishing Guides
Costa Rica Fishing Calendar
Start with your travel dates and see which major species are commonly targeted during that part of the year. View Fishing Calendar →Offshore vs Inshore Fishing
Not sure which trip style fits your group? Compare species, travel time and fishing experience. Compare Fishing Styles →Costa Rica FAD Fishing
Learn how specialized long-range trips target blue marlin around offshore FADs and seamount areas. Explore FAD Fishing →Fishing Boats & Charter Fleet
Compare boats by marina, size, capacity and amenities after you’ve narrowed down your fishing area. Compare Fishing Boats →Tell Us How You Want to Fish
Instead of choosing a captain from a name alone, tell us about your trip. We’ll help narrow down the captain, boat and fishing location that fit your group.Find the Right Captain
Include your dates, group size, hotel location and target species if known."*" indicates required fields