Los Suenos Honeymoon Report- Fandango and Predator

[frankypettolina]

Just got home from my honeymoon trip to Costa Rica. Had an awesome time once we finally got there. Trip started off incredibly rocky due to US Airs inability to properly run an airline. Trust me, I will not fly with them again unless they are the only carrier going to my destination. My wife and I (along with thousands of others) were lied to and treated poorly for 15 hours in Philadelphia on what was supposed to be the start of our trip. After losing our luggage and cancelling our first flight (after driving around the tarmac for 4 hours), we finally managed to get to CR 2 days later. MANY THANKS TO COSTA RICA DREAMS AND PREDATOR DAVE FOR BEING UNDERSTANDING AND ALLOWING ME TO JUGGLE OUR DATES AROUND!!!

We stayed at the Hotel Club Del MAr at the south end of Jaco. Wonderful place. The only thing I can say negative is that it is almost too quiet. If you are looking for hot nightlife, there are probably better choices. But if you want a quiet hotel with a great restaurant, beautiful ocean front setting, clean rooms and an awesome pool, well worth it.

Now for the fishing report. Day 1 was a little slow. BUT my wife, the BOG MONSTER, captured her first Pacific Sail and Striped marlin aboard the Fandango of the CR Dream Fleet. We raised a few other sails, but did not get them. The Fandango was a nice boat, and the crew worked hard.

Day 2 we fished aboard the Predator with Capt. Dave and RJ. I cannot say enough good things about these guys. Had an incredible day. Caught 7 out of 14 or so sails, and a 40ish pound dorado. Raised a blue that did not eat.

Day 3 almost identical stats other than we raised 2 marlins that were not hungry, and Capt. Dave had to take the day off for some sort of half assed excuse about his wife having a baby CONGRATS on the new bambino Capt Dave!!! RJ ran the boat and Felix was the fill in mate. Again 7 out of 14 or so.

The BOG MONSTER Was the chief angler a majority of the time, and I could not be more proud of the effort my wife put forth.

I will leave the picture posting up to the BOG, but again, let me say that Dave and RJ are truly top notch. They know their stuff, fish hard, and are great guys to boot. Anyone looking to head down to CR, look Dave up. His boat may be one of the smaller ones in the fleet, but their effort is at the top end, believe me.

BTW, Dave and RJ are both looking to come up and fish the tournaments this summer. Somebody better snatch them up, they will be an asset to any team.

[outriggerboatie]

Just sitting here chewing on the spaghetti and reading your post and what a good read.

Can I ask what the cost was, approximate, or what cost to expect, when chartering a boat around the 30 foot mark? Since I am in Australia USD are cool

Cheers

[Seaker]

What a great end to a tough start..congrats to the accomplishments.

[frankypettolina]

Predator: 26ft Shamrock $775 USD per full Day (fishing licenses and lunch and drinks included, tip not included- 20% recommended)

Fandango: 30ft Palm Beach Express $900 USD (same as above)

The "feel" of the 2 boats was virtually the same. Not a real difference between the 2 size wise- the bathroom on the Fandango was probably a bit bigger.

[Spencer]

While you have been away I have been a pictue posting fool so now its your turn. Glad to hear your back.

[stockweiser]

Frankie,
Congrats on a fine trip. We just got back Feb 26 and had a blast. I will second all said about Capt. Dave & RJ. They work extremely hard to find the fish and don't mind staying longer than the fleet.

[BlueHurricane]

Awesome report Franky. My wife are deciding between Costa Rica, Puerta Vallerta, or going back to Cabo as I type.

By the way, the 28 Henriques you surveyed for me is kickin ass.

Bob Schinder
28 Henriques
Scapegoat

[Sterling]

Great report, thanks for the post. We're headed down in a few weeks and hopefully US Air can pull their act together and get us there. Looking forward to the pics.

BlueHurricane, if you decide on Costa Rica, some friends of ours have a couple of places in Los Suenos and a good connection on a nice Viking Convertible there. Here's their info if you're interested.
http://marlinandtuna.com/LosSuenos.html

[frankypettolina]

Bob,

glad to hear the henriques is working out. That was a very nice boat.

If you decide on CR check out the Predator (costaricasportfishing on this site). I would not hesitate to go with them again.

[Capt Josh]

Glad to hear things worked out great...what a bummer with the airline eh? could have ruined the vacation...way to keep your chin up and congrats on some dern fine fishing on yer honeymoon? she's sure a keeper....chicks like that certainly do NOT grow on trees...good luck et al...